Rome Catacombs & Capuchin Crypts Group Tour with Transfers
Description
If you're seeking an encounter with Rome's intriguing past, this guided tour of the Catacombs of Rome is just what you need. Delve beneath the bustling streets of the city to discover the chilling tombs that lie hidden underground. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll be immersed in the origins and tales of this extraordinary site. Explore the crypts where renowned popes and martyrs were laid to rest in what was once Rome's busiest burial ground. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to visit the renowned Appian Way and the extraordinary Capuchin Crypt, adorned with the bones of approximately 3,700 friars. It's the best Catacombs tour in Rome, round-trip transportation from central Rome included!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meet Your Guide at Piazza Barberini Once you meet your expert local guide at the iconic Piazza Barberini, nestled in the heart of Rome, you'll embark on a fascinating journey as you are swiftly escorted to the captivating Capuchin Crypts. Within these hallowed grounds lie astonishing exhibits showcasing more than 3,700 human skeletons. Following this bone-chilling encounter, your journey continues to the expansive underground tombs for a guided tour of the Catacombs of Rome before passing by the Appian Way and concluding your tour with a visit to Santa Maria in Cosmedin and its famed Mouth of Truth.
Explore the Capuchin Crypts Nestled beneath the esteemed Church of Santa Maria della Concezione Cappuccini, lie five awe-inspiring chapels adorned with the bones of Capuchin friars. These friars were interred during a time when the Catholic Church permitted burial beneath its sacred grounds. The Capuchin Crypts, although not initially intended as macabre art, serve as a poignant symbol of mortality and the journey of life through the earthly realm. With the added advantage of bypassing queues, you will have the privilege of exploring all five chapels: the Crypt of the Resurrection, the Crypt of the Skulls, the Crypt of the Pelvises, the Crypt of the Leg Bones and Thigh Bones, and the Crypt of the Three Skeletons. This chilling yet captivating display awaits your up-close encounter, offering a truly fascinating experience.
Pass by the Via Appia Antica & The Aurelian Walls on your way back to the center of Rome. During the third century, Emperor Aurelian took measures to safeguard Rome from invading barbarians by constructing a defensive wall encircling the city. As you embark on your journey, you'll have the opportunity to observe the impressive Aurelian Walls up close from the comfort of your climate-controlled vehicle. In addition, you'll marvel at a small portion of the ancient Appian Way, a historically significant Roman road that stretches all the way to Puglia in Southern Italy. The Appian Way holds great historical significance, having been the site of the crucifixion of 10,000 slaves during the famous revolt led by Spartacus. Rest assured, you won't witness any such grim scenes today, but your guide will vividly recount the tale, bringing it to life before your eyes. Prepare to be enthralled by the narrative and immerse yourself in the rich history that unfolds along this ancient road.
Enjoy a guided tour of the St. Callixtus Catacombs. As you journey along the historic Appian Way, you'll encounter the earliest burial grounds of Rome. Here, a fascinating sight awaits as you stop to witness the above-ground cemeteries of the renowned Catacombs of St. Callixtus. But the true adventure lies beneath the surface as you descend into the vast labyrinth of burial sites at one of Rome's most renowned catacombs. Throughout history, these catacombs gained immense prestige as they became the final resting place for revered martyrs and pontiffs. Accompanied by your guide, you'll be led to the crypts housing esteemed popes from the third century, along with an area adorned with remarkably preserved paintings. Prepare to be captivated by the rich history and artistry that lie within these sacred underground chambers.
Hop in your luxury transport for a smooth ride back into central Rome. You will be conveniently dropped off at the original meeting point for the tour, making it easy to grab a bite or connect to public transportation.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Due to traffic regulations all children must be seated. Car seats available upon request. Must be requested at least 72 hours in advance.
- Depending on the opening days of the Catacombs, the Catacombs visited can vary
- DRESS CODE: Entrance into any religious site requires a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. The company will not be held responsible for refused entry due to unsuitable dress.
- TTG reserves the right to change itineraries for safety, restoration, maintenance, adverse weather conditions, or occasional events
- We will do everything in our power to ensure schedules and itineraries are adhered to; however, due to issues beyond our control, schedules and sites are subject to last-minute changes on rare occasions
- We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any walking impairments that require special assistance on our group tours. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages.
Reviews(835)
Radio sets don't work when it's more than one car so missed a lot on transfers other than that it was quite good
Arvin was a great guild. Super knowledgeable and friendly. Simply a pleasure to get to know him.
Arvin was a great tour guide and was very informative and engaging. We had w great afternoon on this tour!
Make sure you are on time. They will leave without you. Young man who is greeter will not give you entrance tickets if you miss transportation. Will not let you meet group at site. Look for different provider. This company kept changing meeting times.
Arvin was amazing very enthusiastic made my day
Arvin was awesome and super knowledgeable on everything we covered. Great guide definitely recommend
Arvin was a an amazing guide and very informative! Also a plus with having A/C in the transportation during the summer.
Arvin was great very friendly!
I am so glad I did this tour. I thought it was just one room. I didn't realize it was a series of crypts plus a museum. I learned a lot and encouraged others I was traveling with to see it. While it is macabre, it also is a testament to the faith of the Capuchins. Really glad I experienced this.
So it's important to be clear that this tour is in 3 section: 1) The crypt, 2) The catacombs, and 3) travel. Due to restrictions at the 2 locations, the tour guide actually only gives you information during the travel portion (to/from each location). And I should be clear, she is very good at that part, with lots of history, references, context, and background. For example, she pointed out the first Roman milestone as we came back from the catacombs, as well as several relics from pre-imperial Rome, which was very cool. So you will enjoy her part of the tour. The crypt is also very interesting. It's important to understand that it's in 2 parts: a standard museum (small) (with a recorded audio guide) of the Capuchin friars, and then the crypt - the place with the bones. We felt that the guide did a good job explaining about the friars, and the crypt itself was definitely a sight to see. Then, we have the catacombs. Again, the tour guide does not give this tour- an employee of the catacombs does. And this is where I can't complain too much, because our tour was primarily disturbed by a small child who kept talking over the guide, making it very hard to hear any of the information. With that said, the guide talked quietly normally, did not pause, adjust or otherwise account for the interference, and then moved quickly between locations in the catacombs. This meant we basically ran through the underground area we were trying to see, and got very little out of it. It certainly was interesting and would have been worth it with more time and explanation, but it didn't work out that way. That all said, our main guide made the point that this was the only Christian catacombs with pagan crypts in them, which was very cool - I wasn't expecting to see a thousand -year-old mural of Medusa! Overall, very interesting tour, definitely worth doing, with a great guide, but would be improved by coordinating/coaching the catacombs guide to give folks more time and ensure they hear the information.
