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2 hour 30 min
Daily Tour
25 people
English, Spanish
We promise that this visit of the Catacombs of San Calistus will be an unforgettable spiritual experience.
Travel along the footsteps of Saint Peter and Paul to the Catacombs, passing by the famous church of “Quo vadis?” on Appian way.
So let’s peek together at the inside of this uniting treasure of Christian archaeological heritage.
Finally we will enter to the catacombs with specialized guide. The first thing we’re going to encounter is a staircase, it can be up to 12 meters underground, and at the bottom of it are corridors that are forged in numerous directions. They are most commonly 3-4km long, and only so wide that two undertakers carrying coffins carrying the deceased could miss each other.
The graves of martyrs, as well as “arkolia”, were also depicted by the technique of the fresco. In the beginning, were simple compositions that later became cycles with scenes from the Old Testament and New Testament which look in front of our eyes like a miniature Gospel, and to this day they are very alive and impressive.
I’d like to give special attention to the third-century fresco on the wall of The Scriptures of St. Cecilia in the catacombs of San Calisto, where it was shown for the first time “ Christ the Pantocrator”
It is important to note that both pagan traditions and superstitions have found their place in early Christians, so items such as toys, coins, objects from the ivory, bells, silver and gold foils, and lamps, as well as dishes for food and drink. The deceased was buried necked after a ritual bath wrapped in a white canvas.
It will be unique oportunuty to learn about habits and traditions of the first christians. This tour will offer You a perspective of the Christian Rome that you won’t experience in the city center.
Pickup
- Vatican City has a strict dress code. Entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is permitted only to appropriately dressed visitors, knees and shoulders need to be covered.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller not accessible
- Not suitable for pets.
- Since June 2024 it is mandatory for all bookings to contain truthful information about the identity of each customer, as on ID document. Accordiing to the article art 76 DPR445/2000, in case it is determined that the identity or any other information does not match the ID document, we are obliged to raport (under penalty) false representation to the police and the acess into the Vatican State will not be allowed.
- Due to Jubilee Year 2025, on occasion the connecting doors between Sistine Chapel and St Peters Basilica are closed, so the passage will be unabled to Basilica. No refunds will be issued in this case.
- Due to the long security lines the meeting time can be anticipated/posticipated to insure Your fastest entry to the Vatican state but security lines are obligatory and cannot be avoided as Vatican is a separate state and Rome Tour is not responsible for the managing of the entry.
- Vatican Museums have a strict entrance time, no late entries are allowed. Please make sure that you arrive on time! No refunds will be authorized.
- Due to the long security lines the meeting time can be anticipated/posticipated to ensure Your fastest entry to the Vatican state but security lines are obligatory and cannot be avoided as Vatican is a separate state and Rome Tour is not responsible for the managing of the entry.
A Rome Catacombs Tour takes visitors beneath the city to explore ancient underground burial chambers used by early Christians and, in some cases, Jewish communities. The tour offers a fascinating insight into the origins of Christianity and the history of Ancient Rome.
The most popular catacombs include the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, Catacombs of St. Sebastian, Catacombs of Domitilla, and the Catacombs of Priscilla. The sites included depend on the tour you book.
Most tours include admission to one or more catacombs, a licensed guide, and detailed commentary about early Christian history, burial traditions, religious symbols, and the development of Christianity in Rome.
Most tours last between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the itinerary and whether transportation or additional attractions are included.
The catacombs are famous for their extensive underground tunnels, ancient burial chambers, early Christian frescoes, inscriptions, and their role in preserving the history of Christianity during the Roman Empire.
No. While most famous catacombs in Rome are Christian, the city also has ancient Jewish catacombs that provide valuable insight into Rome's diverse religious history.
No. The catacombs are protected archaeological and religious heritage sites. Today they are preserved for historical, cultural, and educational purposes.
Yes. Many families enjoy visiting the catacombs, although very young children may find the underground passages dark or confined. Older children often find the experience both educational and memorable.
Accessibility is limited. Many catacombs include narrow tunnels, steep staircases, uneven floors, and low ceilings, making them difficult to access for wheelchair users.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket, as the underground temperature remains cool throughout the year. Since many catacombs are sacred sites, modest clothing is recommended.
Photography is generally not permitted inside most Roman catacombs in order to protect the ancient frescoes and preserve the site's sacred atmosphere.
Yes. The underground temperature usually remains around 15–16°C (59–61°F) year-round, making the catacombs pleasantly cool even during Rome's hottest months.
Yes. Guided tours are commonly available in English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, and other languages depending on the site and operator.
Yes. Advance booking is recommended because guided visits operate on fixed schedules and visitor numbers may be limited.
You'll discover how early Christians buried their dead, the symbolism found in ancient frescoes and inscriptions, the history of Christian persecution, and the development of Rome's underground cemeteries.
Yes. Many visitors combine the catacombs with the Appian Way, Basilica of San Clemente, Baths of Caracalla, or other Underground Rome experiences for a deeper exploration of the city's hidden history.
Absolutely. The catacombs are among Rome's most unique historical sites, offering an unforgettable journey into the city's underground world and the origins of early Christianity.
A Rome Catacombs Tour provides exclusive access to one of the world's most important underground archaeological and religious sites. With expert guides, remarkable history, and well-preserved ancient burial chambers, it offers a unique perspective on Rome beyond its famous monuments above ground.
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