Exclusive After-Hours: Crypts, Catacombs & Bone Chapel Tour
Description
Uncover the hidden, shadowy side of Rome on this unforgettable night-time tour through its most mysterious and macabre landmarks. Over 2.5 hours, immerse yourself in the hauntingly beautiful Capuchin Crypts and the ancient Priscilla Catacombs, where history and eerie ambiance blend under the cover of darkness. Begin your journey at the Capuchin Crypts beneath Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, a site adorned with intricate mosaics crafted from the bones of over 4,000 monks—a chilling yet reflective meditation on mortality. Then, delve into the labyrinthine Priscilla Catacombs, often called the “Queen of the Catacombs,” where ancient tombs, stunning frescoes, and the earliest depiction of the Virgin Mary transport you to the secret world of Rome’s early Christians. Guided by expert narration and lantern light, this tour reveals a thought-provoking and atmospheric glimpse into the city’s hidden depths, leaving you with a new appreciation for its darker history.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Capuchin Crypt sets the tone for the tour. Capuchin monks used the bones of nearly 4,000 of their brothers to decorate this somber space in intricate floor-to-ceiling designs, earning it the macabre nickname of ‘the Bone Chapel’. Fewer visitors brave the Bone Chapel after dark, so you’ll have space to examine every detail of this strange place of worship, from an actual skull-and-crossbones to chandeliers made of human vertebrae. Your guide will tell you the theories, but it’s up to you to draw your own conclusions about the meaning of the crypt’s skeletal furnishings.
An air-conditioned coach will take you from here to your second site, the Catacombs of Priscilla. No other tour is permitted to enter these hallowed tunnels after-hours. Almost 2,000 years ago, early Christians took shelter here to bury their dead and practice their forbidden faith. With no other visitors around, and with your expert, English-speaking guide to relay the history of the tombs and tunnels, you can truly experience the atmosphere of this sacred spot. Follow the setting sun down into Rome’s mysterious underworld – and you’ll never see the city the same way again.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(43)
Fantastic and interesting stops. The tour guide was very opinionated and we didn't appreciate that. It was slightly offensive. The catacombs was guided by a nun who was wonderful. Make sure to dress modestly (no shoulders or knees). That wasn't mentioned in the booking and we ended up having to buy disposable wraps/coats.
Our tour guide was Alberto, and he was great. We had a fantastic, interesting tour of both the crypts and the catacombs. My granddaughter especially loved it. This was something that was on her MUST DO while visiting Rome.
Really unique tour of the underground in Rome. The capuchin crypts are, to be honest, pretty creepy, however the attached museum and our guide really explained the reasoning and made the bone displays much more meaningful than if we had gone alone. The catacombs also were much better experienced with a guide. My 13 year old really thought it was amazing
We did the Tuscany, Monte Tour! Sara Maria was very knowledgeable and her English was exceptionally well spoken! She made the tour very clear and easy! Thank you
Alain was very engaging and informative. Time well spent on our first evening in Rome. Very interesting part of history.
This tour was well-organized and went smoothly. I thought Alain did a great job of explaining the sites we visited.
Maryam was amazing. The crypts at the museum were cool but getting to go underground to the catacombs was definitely an experience that is off the beaten path!
The tour guide was amazing and helped us find our way after the tour. She was awesome. I loved the tour and it was an amazing experience to have.
Absolutely brilliant and informative tour. The guide was amazing and the nuns who keep it were very kind.
Yes it was great and knowledgeable. Thanks Veronica
