Rome Catacombs Tour with Transfer
Get skip-the-line underground tomb access then see Santa Maria in Cosmedin and the Mouth of Truth
Descend into the cool, dark corridors of the ancient catacombs to uncover the secrets of Rome’s early Christians. You will explore narrow burial chambers and see historic frescoes before being transferred to the legendary Mouth of Truth. Your expert guide shares the fascinating history of Santa Maria in Cosmedin as you learn about the city's layered past. With skip-the-line tickets and included transfer, ditch wasted time, and join us for the best guided tour of the eerie Roman catacombs.
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Guided tour of Rome’s catacombs
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Skip-the-line access to Catacombs of St. Callixtus or the Catacombs of St. Sebastian
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Transport between central Rome, catacombs, and Santa Maria in Cosmedin
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Visit to the Mouth of Truth area
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Explore quiet corners in Rome’s eerie underground
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Guide tips
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your expert guide at Piazza Barberini
You meet your guide in central Rome, near the Fontana del Tritone. Your guide gives a brief introduction to the underground sites you are about to explore together before you begin the transfer. -
2
Travel by minivan toward the catacombs
Settle into a comfortable vehicle and leave the city center behind. On the way, your guide points out stretches of the Appian Way and the Aurelian Walls, sketching how these ancient routes and defenses once shaped Rome’s edge. -
3
Skip the line into Rome’s catacombs
At the Catacombs of St. Callixtus or the Catacombs of St. Sebastian, you use skip-the-line access to head underground without the wait. You follow narrow corridors lined with early Christian tombs while your guide explains how these cemeteries protected both faith and community. -
4
Explore burial chambers and frescoed corridors
Deeper inside, you see small chapels, carved niches, and faded frescoes that hint at the hopes of the people buried here. You learn how symbols like fish and anchors helped early Christians mark their faith in a dangerous era. -
5
Arrive at Santa Maria in Cosmedin
Back above ground, the vehicle brings you to Santa Maria in Cosmedin, a medieval basilica built over ancient Roman remains. Your guide shares how this layered site ties together pagan Rome, early Christianity, and the city’s later neighborhoods. -
6
Your tour finishes by the Mouth of Truth
Outside the basilica, you reach the Mouth of Truth, the stone face tied to one of Rome’s best-known legends. Your guided portion ends here, and you can stay to explore the church area, take photos, or stroll back toward the historic center at your own pace.
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, uneven ground, and narrow underground passages.
Tour Changes: The Catacombs of St. Callixtus are typically closed on Wednesdays; on these days, you visit the Catacombs of St. Sebastian instead.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your 2.5-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Guided tour of Rome’s catacombs
Skip-the-line access to Catacombs of St. Callixtus or the Catacombs of St. Sebastian
Transport between central Rome, the catacombs area, and Santa Maria in Cosmedin
Visit to the Mouth of Truth area
Maximum group size of 23
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Light jacket in cooler months
Shawl, scarf, or sweater to cover shoulders
Camera or phone for photos
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour family friendly?
The tour is suitable for all ages, but please keep in mind that it includes slightly eerie stories, underground tombs, stairs, and darker spaces, so it may not be ideal for very young children.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
This experience includes stairs, uneven ground, and narrow underground corridors. It is unfortunately not wheelchair or stroller accessible. It is also not suitable for those with limited mobility.
How does the transfer work?
After meeting in Piazza Barberini, you travel by comfortable minivan from central Rome out toward the catacombs area. Once your underground visit is finished, the same vehicle brings you to Santa Maria in Cosmedin near the Mouth of Truth, where the tour ends so you can keep exploring on your own.
Are shoulders and knees really required to be covered?
Yes. Religious sites in Rome expect modest dress, including covered shoulders and knees for all visitors. Those not following the dress code may be refused entry.
