The Original Roman Crypts and Catacombs Tour with Transfers
Description
Descend into the chill of Rome’s mysterious underworld with Skip-the-Line access to three of the city’s strangest discoveries. Unmask a new side to the Eternal City as you explore the eerie Bone Chapel, adorned with the bones of 4,000 Capuchin monks, and the Christian Catacombs, a series of hidden tunnels where early Christian’s practiced their forbidden faith. Then travel beneath Basilica of San Martino ai Monti, a hidden gem tucked away in the city’s historic core.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your first destination is the Capuchin Crypt. Capuchin monks used the bones of nearly 4,000 of their brothers to decorate this somber space in intricate floor-to-ceiling designs, lending it the macabre nickname of ‘the Bone Chapel’. Here you will be free to explore hearing all the interesting details and the reasons behind such an unusual practice with your audio guide. Open your eyes to the city’s hidden side – and you’ll never see Rome the same way again.
Your expert historian guide will explain how this network of sacred tunnels is associated with the first Christians in ancient Rome. You’ll descend into the labyrinthian corridors carved into the soft volcanic rock and discover the frescoes, strange iconography and burial places which doubled as places of worship when the Christians were persecuted.
Conclude your Roman adventure at the Basilica of San Martino ai Monti, a hidden gem tucked away in the city’s historic core. Originally founded in the 4th century, this lesser-known church sits atop ancient Roman ruins and unveils layers of religious history. Marvel at magnificent Baroque frescoes, early Christian mosaics, and the remains of a secretive titulus—an early site for underground Christian worship. Venture beneath the basilica to explore centuries-old ruins and witness Rome’s evolving spiritual story.
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
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- A dress code is required for entry into some of the sites on this tour. Knees and shoulders must be covered
- No photos can be taken inside the venue during the tour
- This activity is not suitable for people who suffer from claustrophobia
- Some of the venues may slightly reduce the length of visit in period of high demand.
- If you select the "After Hours" Option, starting at 5pm, you tour will last 2.5 hours and will end at Piazza della Repubblica
- Please note, on Sundays the Church visits is not guaranteed due to liturgical activities.
- Not recommended for those who are effected by claustrophobia
Reviews(5,188)
Our tour guide Paula was excellent. She was so knowledgeable and gave us a day full of information and history.
Cat was fantastic guide. Very enjoyable and informative tour
Great! Knowledgeable guides, comfortable bus. Catacombs basilica was breathtaking, crypto were interesting! Bring cover for shoulders and legs.
This incredible tour brings you to the Catacombs of San Callisto, the Capuchin Crypt, and Basilica San Martino ai Monti all in about four hours. The Catacombs are a little outside the city, but a spacious, air-conditioned bus was provided for the journey. You WILL see human bones as you are unlikely to see them elsewhere - but it is expertly presented and explained. The Crypt itself is a marvel, as was the Basilica San Martino ai Monti. There is a fair amount of walking, so wear comfortable shoes, and be ready to learn an interesting part of Rome's history.
Really lovely tour, well organised, friendly and professional. Alberto was excellent right from the start with a wonderful welcome, good knowledge and presentation skills. He made every effort to engage with his group and explain the historical and cultural background of all the sites we visited. He had a good knowledge and articulate way of explaining the crypts, basilicas and catacombs that we visited . It was a good itinerary we enjoyed it as a family and big thanks to Alberto for making these sites come alive
It was very informative. Had trouble hearing. Wish they used a whispers. Group was small which was good. Well worth your time & money.
This was just what we asked for. We got to the crypts and the catacombs. As well as seeing the church built on top of a church. Paula was energetic and knowledgeable. We learned a lot about the history of Rome. Thank you for a wond tour.
The crypts and catacombs were amazing. One of my highlights from this trip. Maria our guide was very informative.
My guide was Alessandra and she was nice. It was hard to hear her at the 2nd stop though because there were groups on top of each other talking over each other. Overall the tour was good, but I wish you had a little more time at the Capuchin Crypts & Museum to see everything.
Maria our guide from City Wonders was terrific. She was full of energy and very knowledgeable including able to answer questions easily.
