The Best Tours in Rome that Visit Underground Areas

Step beneath the surface of Rome and explore hidden tunnels, ancient crypts, and forgotten ruins on these one-of-a-kind underground tours

Rome isn’t just a city of grand basilicas and ancient ruins—it’s a labyrinth of underground history waiting to be explored. Beneath the bustling streets lie eerie catacombs, forgotten temples, and restricted-access chambers once used by emperors and gladiators. For those looking to dive deeper into Rome’s past, these underground tours provide a rare glimpse into the city’s hidden layers.

From the bone-adorned crypts of Capuchin monks to the subterranean tunnels of the Colosseum, these tours take you beyond the standard tourist experience. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, you’ll uncover secrets that even many Romans don’t know. Semi-Private Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill grants access to the restricted underground chambers of the Colosseum, where gladiators prepared for battle. Then, explore the political heart of ancient Rome at the Forum and Palatine Hill. “Cristina lead us through a very educational and emotional tour that really made us feel like we were experiencing life 2000 years ago. Highly recommend!! Underground tour is definitely worth it!” Rome Catacombs Tour and Capuchin Crypts with Transportation descends into the city’s eerie underground tombs, where early Christians hid and worshiped in secret. The Capuchin Crypts, decorated with human bones, add a macabre yet fascinating touch. “We enjoyed this tour through the Capuchin Crypts and the Catacombs. It was very interesting to hear about the history. We also enjoyed the bus ride on the Appian Way and it was nice to see other parts of Rome along the way. Our tour guide was very good. Highly recommend this tour.” After Hours Rome Catacombs Tour with Capuchin Crypts offers an exclusive nighttime visit to these haunting underground burial sites. With fewer crowds, the dimly lit tunnels become even more atmospheric. “Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. The catacombs were incredible the guide there was exceptional. She was extremely knowledgeable and thank god it is underground. It was very refreshing considering it was 36degrees outside. Well worth it in the summer during the day!!!” Piazza Navona Underground Ruins Tour with Palazzo Altemps takes you beneath one of Rome’s most famous squares to explore the ruins of Domitian’s Stadium. This hidden gem reveals the layers of history buried under the modern city. “Our tour with Pia was terrific. She provided information in a very easy to understand manner and when she expressed her opinion she identified it as opinion as opposed to fact.”