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.
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Entry to Capuchin Crypts
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Guided tour of Catacombs of St. Callixtus
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Private round-trip transport between sites
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Drive along the Appian Way
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Self-guided entry to Santa Maria in Cosmedin
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Self-guided visit to the Mouth of Truth
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Guide tips
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide at Piazza Barberini
Meet your guide in central Rome, right in front of the impressive Fontana del Tritone. You’ll join your small group and prepare for a fascinating journey into Rome’s hidden and haunting history. -
2
Capuchin Crypts and bone chapels
A short walk brings you to the Capuchin Crypts beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione. You’ll explore the eerie chapels lined with the bones of 3,700 friars, learning how these intricate displays reflect centuries of monastic tradition. -
3
Private van transport along the Appian Way
Next, settle into a comfortable van for a ride toward the catacombs. Along the way, you’ll glimpse ancient sites like the Appian Way, the Aurelian Walls, and even the Circus Maximus, all while hearing stories of Spartacus and Rome’s great defenses. -
4
Catacombs of St. Callixtus or Catacombs of St. Sebastian
Then, head underground into one of Rome’s most iconic catacombs. You’ll explore narrow corridors, frescoed chambers, and burial spaces once reserved for martyrs and popes, uncovering the city’s early Christian history with your guide’s insights. -
5
Your tour ends at Santa Maria in Cosmedin
After arriving at this medieval basilica, your guided portion concludes. You’ll step inside on your own to admire its ancient interiors, Roman-era foundations, and atmospheric side chapels—an ideal place to wander at your own pace. -
6
Hadrian’s Crypt
Continue your self-guided visit beneath the church to Hadrian’s Crypt, a lesser-known subterranean chamber linked to Pope Hadrian. You’ll explore the hushed space and trace how Rome’s sacred sites evolved over centuries. -
7
Mouth of Truth
Finally, head outside to the legendary Bocca della Verità. Snap a photo or test the myth yourself as you visit this famous marble mask. Your tour finishes at the Mouth of Truth, leaving you free to continue exploring Rome or make your way back to your accommodation.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Dress Code: Both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders for entry to religious sites. Guests who do not meet the dress code may be refused entry and miss out on a portion of the tour. No hats please.
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible due to stairs and tight spaces.
Tour Changes: The Catacombs of St. Callixtus are typically closed on Wednesdays; another catacombs site will be visited if your tour lands on one of these days. The 2:50 PM tour will only be able to view the exterior of Santa Maria in Cosmedin and the Mouth of Truth.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your 3.5-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Guided tour of the Capuchin Crypts
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)
Maximum group size of 23
What to bring:
Comfortable shoes
Light jacket (in spring and autumn)
Shawl, scarf, or sweater for shoulder covering
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Customer Reviews
This one was a favorite! can't stop thinking about all the bones and all the catecombs. DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!!!!
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.
When can I see Bocca della Verità and Santa Maria in Cosmedin?
These sites will close at 5.50 PM and 6 PM respectively.
