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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Fun English-speaking guide
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Capuchin Crypts guided tour
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Catacombs of St. Callixtus guided tour
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Appian Way
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Aurelian Walls
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Santa Maria in Cosmedin (self-guided)
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Hadrian's Crypt & Mouth of Truth (self-guided)
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Private transfer between sites
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Max 23 people
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Hotel pick up/drop-off
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Personal expenses
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Gratuities
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Wheelchair accessible
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide at Piazza Barberini
After finding your guide and small group of fellow travelers in Rome’s city center, hop into your private vehicle for the day! -
2
Capuchin Crypt
Visit five chapels below the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione Cappuccini, all containing the skeletal remains of 3,700 Capuchin friars -
3
Bone Chapels
Wander through dimly lit chapels, each eerily adorned by an intricately placed array of skulls and skeletal body parts -
4
Catacombs of St. Callixtus or Catacombs of St. Sebastian
According to the daily itinerary, you will explore either the St. Callixtus or St. Sebastian's Catacombs. You will hear tales and stories of the 16 popes that are buried in these sites. -
5
Aurelian Wall
Along Appian Way, cruise by an ancient defensive wall, originally built during the third century to protect Rome against barbarians -
6
Circus Maximus
Quickly pass by the Circus Maximus and marvel at the Arch of Janus. -
7
Santa Maria in Cosmedin
Here starts the self-guided portion of this tour. Santa Maria in Cosmedin is a stunning medieval basilica known for its ancient Roman origins and the famous Bocca della Verità at its entrance. If you're taking the 2.50 PM tour you will only be able to marvel at the exterior of this church. -
8
Hadrian's Crypt
The Adriano Crypt at Santa Maria in Cosmedin is believed to have been a burial site connected to Emperor Hadrian -
9
Mouth of Truth
The Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità) is an ancient marble mask famous for the legend that it bites the hand of anyone who tells a lie. If you're taking the 2.50 PM tour you will only be able to admire the Mouth of Truth from the outside. This is where your tour ends and you will autonomously reach your accommodation or continue your walk around the city.
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
Customer Reviews
We really enjoyed our tour of the Capuchin crypts and roman catacombs. Our guide Monika was wonderful. She is funny and very knowledgeable. We went as a family and I was a bit concerned how my 12 hr old daughter would do in the crypts but actually she really enjoyed it. She was not scared and ultimately this was her favorite tour. I would highly recommend!
What a sight! The tour was informational and amazing at the same time. Quite a historical site to see. Great time with our guide!
Monica was a fantastic guide
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.





