Rome has a complex set of underground tunnels and burial catacombs that were used to bury Roman citizens of Jewish, pagan, and early Christian faiths until the 5th century.
These underground worlds are fascinating, which makes catacombs popular attractions.
This post will tell you everything you need to know to visit the Catacombs in Rome. We have listed discounts, opening times, and what the exhibits include.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GO TO THE CATACOMBS?
Tickets for each of the catacombs on the Appian Way, Saint Domitilla, Saint Callixtus, and Saint Sebastian, are €8 each.
You can purchase tickets in advance from the Saint Domitilla and Saint Callixtus booking office online or over the phone. Advance booking for Saint Sebastian must be done in person.
If you take a guided tour, you can see more of the Appian Way above ground with transportation included!
TOURS
This section provides details about tours that include admission to the Roman Catacombs, covering information such as ticket prices, locations visited, and more.
Take Walks
This company offers two tours which include admission to various catacombs in Rome.
Their day tour covers admission to Saint Sebastian Catacombs, Case Romane del Celio and the Capuchin Crypt.
On their night tour, customers can expect to visit the Saint Sebastian Catacombs, Capuchin Crypt, and Capuchin Museum.
Each tour will be led by a professional guide who will provide a plethora of information about each of the catacombs you will visit.
Tours are kept to a max of 18 people per group, ensuring that they won't get too crowded.
Crypts, Bones & Catacombs Day Tour
- Tickets: €69/Adults | €64/Children
- Availability: Sun, Tue, Fri
- Hours: 9:45 am - 12:45 pm
- Purchase tickets or learn more.
DISCOUNTS
All three catacombs along the Appian Way have a reduced ticket of €5 for children between 7 and 16 years old, school groups, archeology and art history students, and religious clergy people with certification on hand.
Tourist Discount Passes
Tourist attraction passes offer discounts by the ability to bundle multiple ticket prices together.
This saves you both time and money, as you don't have to wait in line for multiple, full-price tickets!
- 20% Discount Normal Entry for Rome City Pass holders.
- €10 off the €42 price of a 4-hour Catacombs Tour with the Rome City Pass.
TIP: The Rome City Pass is a great option for anyone who also wants to see the Colosseum with a skip-the-line ticket or get a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tour!
Other Available Discounts
- €5 reduced ticket for children and concessions.
- FREE for children 6 and under.
- FREE for disabled visitors and one accompanying person.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
There are multiple catacombs throughout Rome.
Perhaps the most well-known are the catacombs along the Appian Way, the Catacombs of Domitilla, Saint Callixtus, and Saint Sebastian.
Closer to the center of Rome and next to the Villa Borghese park and Borghese Gallery Museum is the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars.
Note: As you go underground there are no elevators or assistance in moving around.
Where are the Catacombs?
The main three catacombs are located on the Appian Way, which is south of Rome’s historical center.
The easiest way to get there is by bus, as it is quite far away from most other attractions and not easily walkable.
Bus 118 stops right in front of the catacombs and circles back into town, with a stop at the Colosseum as well.
Hours of Operation
- The Saint Domitilla catacombs are open every day except Tuesdays from 9:00 - 12:00 and 14:00 - 17:00 (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm).
- The Saint Callixtus catacombs are open every day of the week from 9:00 - 12:00 and 14:00 - 17:00 (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm).
- The Saint Sebastian catacombs are open every day except for Sundays from 10:00 - 17:00 (5:00 pm). They’re also closed for the month of December.
When is the best time to go?
Even though the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian are the only catacombs open over lunch, they are generally not too crowded around 1:00 pm.
How long should we stay at the catacombs?
How long you stay depends on if you want to visit more than one of the catacombs. Most people choose one and complete a 1-hour to 2-hour tour.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to purchase a separate ticket for each catacomb system.
Can we bring bags into the catacombs?
For safety reasons, large bags and luggage are not permitted inside. The staircases and walkways are uneven and can be tight.
TIP: There are multiple places to keep your bags in Rome if you need temporary storage!
Can I take photos or videos?
No. Photography and videography of any kind is prohibited.
Will children enjoy it?
Very small children might have difficulties navigating the uneven staircases and walkways, and also might be scared in the dark, small spaces.
Use your judgment as to whether or not your family will enjoy the catacombs.
However, the kids will love to see the Appian Way (Appia Antica), as there is a huge, open park and space to play.
Are there restaurants nearby?
There are only a few restaurants close to the Appian Way catacombs.
Appian Way Cafe is close to the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella and offers simple items for lunch. L’Archeologia is across from the Saint Sebastian catacombs and is a high-end restaurant.
We suggest packing a lunch and taking it into the park.
WHAT CAN YOU SEE IN THE CATACOMBS?
The catacombs contain burial tombs for famous saints, other religious figures, and regular people from the past alike.
You’ll walk underground, where it will be colder and darker and see how people in the past were laid to rest.
Many people want to go into the catacombs to see skulls and other bones line the walls, as well as elaborate chapels dug into the cavernous underground spaces that are decorated with skeletons.
- The Catacombs of Domitilla are the largest and oldest of Rome’s underground cemeteries and was started in 120 BC. Some of the larger rooms contain beautiful, recently restored frescoes.
- The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian began as a pagan burial ground with interesting decorations, and later was filled with Christian symbols, like the fish, which are associated with Jesus.
- The Catacombs of Saint Callixtus have huge tunnels and caverns, and for this reason, there is a space called “the little Vatican.” There are original Greek epitaphs for nine popes that were buried here.
We suggest taking a tour of the catacombs, no matter which ones you visit, so you get the most out of your time underground!
Note: The catacombs are not for the claustrophobic! Or those who cannot walk over uneven surfaces. s
