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

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· 3.50h · Rome, Italy

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.

Rome Catacombs Tour and Capuchin Crypts with Transportation

A group of tourists inside the catacombs in Rome with a guide from The Tour Guy.

An image of the bone chapels inside the Capuchin Crypts in Rome.

A pair of tourists outisde the Capuchin Crypts in Rome with a guide from The Tour Guy.

A tourist looking at a crypt with his guide from The Tour Guy.

A pair of tourists inside the Priscilla Catacombs in Rome.

A group of tourists going down the stairs of a catacombs in Rome with their guide from The Tour Guy.

An image of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus in Rome.

An image of ancient pottery inside the catacombs in Rome.

An image of a van in front of ancient ruins in Rome.

Meet your guide at Piazza Barberini
Capuchin Crypt
Bone Chapels
Catacombs of St. Callixtus or Catacombs of St. Sebastian
Aurelian Wall

Circus Maximus
Santa Maria in Cosmedin
Hadrian's Crypt
Mouth of Truth

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 23 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 fun, English-speaking guide
A guided tour of the Capuchin Crypts
A guided tour of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus
Pass by the ancient Appian Way
Aurelian Walls
Self-guided visit to Santa Maria in Cosmedin
Self-guided visit to Hadrian's Crypt and Mouth of Truth
Private, climate-controlled transportation between sites (no pick up and drop off)

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

As you ride comfortably in your climate-controlled vehicle, you’ll pass along sections of the legendary Appian Way—one of Rome’s oldest and most important roads, stretching all the way to Southern Italy. You will see the road up close and hear unforgettable stories from your guide, including the dramatic revolt of Spartacus and the chilling fate of his army.

You’ll also pass beneath the towering Aurelian Walls, built by Emperor Aurelian in the 3rd century to defend Rome from invaders—another powerful reminder of the city’s resilience through the ages.

Santa Maria in Cosmedin Church

Say farewell to your guide, and finish your tour with a self-guided 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.

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What you get with this tour

Fun English-speaking guide
Capuchin Crypts guided tour
Catacombs of St. Callixtus guided tour
Appian Way
Aurelian Walls
Santa Maria in Cosmedin (self-guided)
Hadrian's Crypt & Mouth of Truth (self-guided)
Private transfer between sites
Max 23 people
Hotel pick up/drop-off
Personal expenses
Gratuities
Wheelchair accessible

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4.9/5 (based on 674 reviews)

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Aida is the best

28 September 2025

Reviewed by
Unverified Review

Aida is the best I would highly recommend this tour especially if you’re lucky enough to have her as a tour guide. She knows how to take good care of her guests and has a vast amount of knowledge.

25 September 2025

Reviewed by
Ursula Hegarty

Wonderful Tour

24 September 2025

Reviewed by
Mitchell King

This was an excellent tour full of so much learning. Davide was a phenomenal guide who was so full of knowledge and love for his city. 10/10 would recommend

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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.

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!

Will Bocca della Verità and Santa Maria in Cosmedin be included in the guided portion of the tour?

While your guide will lead you through the Capuchin Crypts and Catacombs of St. Callixtus, your time at Santa Maria in Cosmedin and Bocca della Verità will be self-guided.