Rome Catacombs Tour and Capuchin Crypts with Transportation
Skip the line to explore the creepy underground world of Roman tombs then visit the Mouth of Truth
If you’ve ever tried to navigate Rome’s underground wonders, you know it can feel like piecing together a puzzle, with scattered sites and limited access. With us, skip the line to these historic tombs and step into the Capuchin Crypts adorned with the bones of 3,700 friars. Visit Santa Maria in Cosmedin and Pope Hadrian’s Crypt, uncovering the stories of popes and martyrs buried below. With transportation included, this tour connects you to Rome’s most haunting and fascinating sites with ease.
- Meet your guide at Piazza Barberini
- Capuchin Crypt
- Bone Chapels
- Catacombs of St. Callixtus
- Grave of St. Cecilia
- Appian Way
- Aurelian Wall
- Santa Maria in Cosmedin
- Mouth of Truth
- Hadrian's Crypt
- End your tour at Bocca della Verità
Make your way to Piazza Barberini in central Rome, where you’ll meet your guide holding a sign in front of the fountain (Fontana del Tritone). Along with a small group of up to 24 people and your engaging guide, you’ll walk a couple of minutes to the Capuchin Crypts to view the hauntingly beautiful Bone Chapels. Afterward, board your air-conditioned vehicle to the entrance of the catacombs, about 20 minutes away. Along the way, you’ll pass the historic Appian Way as your guide shares stories of the slave crucifixions during the revolt of Spartacus. At the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, you’ll skip the line and dive straight into exploring the eerie underground tombs, ancient artwork, and more. Conclude your tour at Bocca della Verità (the Mouth of Truth), a legendary Roman landmark steeped in myth and history.
Rome Catacombs Tour Description
This 3.5-hour tour includes:
A guided tour of the Capuchin Crypts
A guided tour of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus
Pass by the ancient Appian Way
Aurelian Walls
Visit Santa Maria in Cosmedin
Hadrian's Crypt and Mouth of Truth
A fun, English-speaking guide
Private, climate-controlled transportation between sites
We ask both men and women to cover knees and shoulders, otherwise the catacomb management might refuse entry to religious sites and you’ll miss out on a portion of your tour. We understand the summers in Rome can be hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.
Capuchin Crypts and Bones
This crypt contains the skeletal remains of some 3,700 human bodies, believed to be Capuchin friars buried by their order. They were buried between the years 1500 and 1870, during which time the Roman Catholic Church permitted burial in and under churches.
The underground crypt is divided into six chapels: Crypt of the Resurrection, Crypt of the Skulls, Crypt of the Pelvises, Crypt of the Leg Bones and Thigh Bones, and Crypt of the Three Skeletons. Lit only by dim natural light seeping in through cracks and small fluorescent lamps, the crypt walls are elaborately decorated with skeletal remains.
The Catacombs of St. Callixtus
Along the Appian Way is where the first cemeteries of Rome were built. It’s here that you’ll stop to see the above-ground cemeteries of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus. Then it’s time to head underground to see extensive network of burial sites at one of the most popular catacombs in Rome.
Over time, these catacombs became the coveted burial place as prominent martyrs and pontiffs were laid to rest here. Your guide will lead you to the crypts filled with popes from the third century as well as an area with impeccably preserved paintings.
The Catacombs of St. Callixtus are typically closed on Wednesdays and sometimes close on other days too. Not to worry though, your guide will take you to another incredible catacombs site if your tour lands on one of these days.
The Appian Way and Aurelian Walls
Emperor Aurelian built a defensive wall around Rome during the third century to defend the city against invading barbarians. You’ll pass the Aurelian Walls in your climate-controlled vehicle and see them up close. Leading all the way to Puglia in Southern Italy, the Appian Way is one of the most important ancient Roman roads.
This road was also the location of the crucifixion of 10,000 slaves during the revolt of Spartacus. Thankfully, you won't see any crucifixions today, but your guide will retell the story for you and make it come alive.
Santa Maria in Cosmedin Church
Finish your tour with a visit to Santa Maria in Cosmedin, a charming medieval basilica steeped in history. Step into Hadrian's Crypt, a lesser-known gem that is believed to have been a burial site connected to Pope Hadrian at some point in history. Nestled beneath the church, this crypt offers a fascinating glimpse into Rome’s layered past, blending ancient imperial connections with the sacred heritage of the medieval basilica. Finally, test your bravery at the famous Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth), a legendary stone mask said to bite the hand of anyone who tells a lie.
See what people are saying
454 total reviews
Leave a reviewKerrie James
The crypts were fantastic and above expectations. Transport was excellent. Unfortunately other non english speaking people joined the catacomb tour and disrupted our listening with the need for constant translations. There were German tours available I had noticed so this was both annoying and disappointing. I had thought this was a tour for the group who had booked the crypt part as well. You need to think about age restrictions as the crypt is not really suitable for screaming children!!!!
See a different side of Rome
Sarah van Zyl
Fiona was energetic and great. She organised everything well and was a fount of iteresting information. I found the Capuccian Crypts very interesting and would have liked time to listen to the whole audio guide, I felt a bit rushed there. But appreciated that Fiona told us which highlights not to miss. I REALLY enjoyed seeing the Appian way - the most ancient part. And learn that it was mentioned in the bible (Acts 28) The catacoubms were a bit of a disappointment. My teens didn't understand what they were walking trough. The local guide here (not Fiona) was monotone and soft spoken. He was hard for me to understand and I was concentrating! My teens just zoned out. I was sorry about this because when I went to the catacoumbs 13 years ago, it was one of my highlights and I thought my teens would love it.
Martyn Charles Barrett Strickland
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Wear comfortable shoes for this walking tour. In spring and autumn, we recommend bringing a light jacket.
Is there a dress code to enter the religious sites on this tour?
We ask both men and women to cover knees and shoulders, otherwise you may be refused entry to religious sites and miss out on a portion of your tour. We understand the summers in Rome can be hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way, you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.
What to bring?
Wear comfortable shoes for this walking tour. In spring and autumn, we recommend bringing a light jacket.
Why do I have to pay for my child who's under 6 years old?
Since this trip includes transportation, all passengers on the tour must be seated for safety and legal reasons. That means a young child takes up the same space as a youth or adult. For peace of mind, we can bring a car seat for children who need one, so please let us know in the comment box on the order confirmation page.
What catacomb does this tour visit?
This tour visits the most popular catacombs at St. Callixtus where most of the early popes were buried over the centuries. On most Wednesdays and some other days, these catacombs may be closed and your tour will visit another incredible catacombs site instead.
Can I visit the catacombs at night?
Absolutely! Check out our VIP Rome Catacombs Night Tour with Capuchin Crypts.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
If you have any doubts about your mobility, we suggest taking a Catacombs Private Tour so your needs can be better accommodated.
Will I see bones?
Yes! This tour visits the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione which houses a 17th-century ossuary underneath. There you will see the bones of around 3,700 Capuchin friars!
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No hotel pickup is included on this tour. You’ll meet your guide at the designated meeting point.
Where does this tour end?
After visiting the catacombs and crypts, your driver will return you to central Rome at Piazza Barberini where your tour started.
Can I take photos inside the Catacombs?
No. It is not permitted to take photos either in the Catacombs or in the Cappuchin Crypts.
Will I be able to walk on the Appian Way?
No, you'll only pass by the Via Appia, but you'll still learn about its significance from your expert tour leader!
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