CATACOMBS OF ROME
Discover underground Rome
Discover the hidden side of Rome with an adventure in its underground passages and catacombs! While the Eternal City is known for its monuments on the surface, a whole world of history, mystery and fascination lies beneath its feet. Rome's underground passages offer a unique glimpse into the life of centuries past, with secret tunnels, ancient crypts, and catacombs telling stories of faith, refuge, and secret rituals.
Visit the famous catacombs of St. Callistus, St. Sebastian or Priscilla, where early Christians found a safe place for worship and burial, far from persecution. Admire ancient funerary art, mosaics and wall paintings dating back more than 1,500 years and immerse yourself in the traditions and spirituality of ancient times.
The catacombs and underground passages of Rome are not just burial places, but true historical testimonies that reveal the secrets of a hidden civilisation. Discover secret passages, prayer rooms and the remains of early Christian communities on an exciting guided tour, where every nook and cranny tells a different story.
Join a guided tour to safely explore these incredible archaeological sites, away from the crowds, and discover an unexpected and fascinating side of the Eternal City. With expert guides, you will learn surprising details and historical facts that make Rome a truly unique place.
Discover all the Catacombs of Rome
Catacombs of San Callisto
Le Catacombs of San Callisto in Rome are among the largest and most important of the ancient Christian catacombs. They were used as burial places for Christians from the 2nd to the 4th century AD, with over 50 popes buried here.
The name 'San Callisto' refers to Pope Calixtus I, who was buried here in 222 AD. The catacombs cover an area of about 15 hectares and contain thousands of underground tombs, where mainly martyrs, priests and Christian laymen were buried.
Inside the Catacombs of St. Callistus, there are several galleries and chapels, filled with ancient art and frescoes, including biblical scenes, images of Christian saints and martyrs, and graffiti. In some chapels, the remains of ancient liturgical celebrations have been found, including early Christian masses.
The Catacombs of St Callistus have a network of tunnels more than 20 kilometres long. They were the burial place of 16 pontiffs and dozens of Christian martyrs.
Opening Hours:
Thursday to Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Catacombs of St Sebastian
Le Catacombs of St Sebastian are among the oldest and most important Christian catacombs in Rome. They owe their name to St Sebastian, who is said to have been a Roman soldier and Christian martyr.
The catacombs extend over an area of approximately 12 square kilometres under the Via Appia Anticain the south-east of Rome. Their origin dates back to 2nd century A.D.when the ancient Romans began to bury their dead outside the city walls. Later, Christians began to use the same areas for the burial of their martyrs and faithful.
The frescoes in the Catacombs of St. Sebastian depict scenes from the New and Old Testament, including images from the life of Christ, early Christian martyrs and saints from the first centuries. The catacomb contains several chapels, burial chambers, galleries and passageways, which were used in the past for liturgical celebrations.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Catacombs of Domitilla
Le Catacombs of Domitilla are among the largest and oldest Christian catacombs in Rome. They are named after the Domitilla family, who owned property in the area where the catacombs are located.
The catacombs comprise some 17 kilometres of underground tunnels and 150,000 gravescovering an area of about 15 hectares. They were used for the burial of Christian believers from the 2nd to the 5th century AD.
The frescoes in the Catacombs of Domitilla depict scenes from the life of Christ, the Old and New Testaments, images of Christian martyrs and saints, and depictions of some ancient Christian ceremonies.
In addition, the Catacombs of Domitilla contain a series of chapels, including the Chapel of the Four Evangelists, the Chapel of Saints Martial and Peter and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Seven Lamps.
Opening Hours:
Wednesday to Monday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Catacombs of Priscilla
They are named after Priscillaa Roman noblewoman who gave her land for the construction of a Christian church and who could be buried here.
The catacombs extend for about 13 kilometres on several levels and were used for the burial of Christians from the 2nd to the 5th century AD. In addition, the catacombs of Priscilla contain numerous tombs of early Christian martyrs and popes.
The frescoes in the Catacombs of Priscilla depict scenes from the life of Christ, the Old and New Testaments, images of Christian martyrs and saints, and depictions of some ancient Christian ceremonies. One of the most famous chapels in the Catacombs of Priscilla is the 'Dolphin Chapel', so called because of the two dolphins painted on the ceiling.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Catacombs of St Agnes
Le Catacombs of St Agnes are located on the Via Nomentana, north-east of Rome. They are named after the Christian saint Agnes, who is said to have been buried here after her martyrdom in the 3rd century AD.
The catacombs consist of a series of underground tunnels and burial chambers dating back to the Roman period, and were used to bury Christians and martyrs from the 3rd to the 5th century AD.
The Catacombs of St. Agnes contain several chapels, including the Chapel of St. Emerenziana and the Chapel of the Venerable Charles. The Chapel of the Venerable Charles was built in the 9th century AD and contains the oldest frescoes in the catacombs.
Opening Hours:
9 a.m. to 12 noon and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Sunday mornings and Monday afternoons.
Why visit the Catacombs of Rome?
Le catacombs of Rome represent one of the most fascinating and mysterious places in the Eternal City. They were used for the burial of Christians and pagans during the Roman period and some of them contain works of art and frescoes dating back to earlier times. At first glance, these underground tunnels may appear to be simple dark corridors, but just enter to discover one of the hidden treasures of ancient Rome. The catacombs are a symbol of faith and historywhere life and death merge into one.
Exploring these places, visitors can immerse themselves in an ancient and unknown world, observing the artwork decorating the walls and discovering the ancient traditions and beliefs of our predecessors.
Moreover, Rome's catacombs are a unique opportunity to escape from the modern world and travel back in time to the heart of underground Rome. Thus, a journey through the incredible labyrinth of Roman catacombs is a unique experience that cannot be missed on the itinerary of any tourist interested in the history and culture of this fascinating city.
The catacombs are only open for guided tours, it is not possible to visit them independently.
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