Rome has a complex set of underground tunnels and burial catacombs that were used to bury Roman citizens of Jewish, pagan, and early Christians faith 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 offices 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 guided tours of the catacombs 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 the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian, the Catacombs of San Callisto, the Catacombs of San Sebastiano, the Catacombs of Priscilla, Case Romane del Celio, and the Capuchin Crypt.
On their night tour, customers can expect to visit the Saint Sebastian Catacombs, Capuchin Crypt, Capuchin Museum, Holy Stairs, Churches of Rome, and Vatican Museum.qa1
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 through 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!
Traveling from November to April when there are less crowds gives you more discount.
- 20% Discount on 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
Roman catacombs, known for their underground burial chambers, house the remains of martyrs like Agnese (Saint Agnes) and date back to the 3rd century.
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.
While they are usually open for visitation, it's advised to check for potential closures on Wednesdays or during holidays like Easter.
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.
TIPS FROM LOCALS
If you've still got a few questions, don't worry, because we've got answers!
This section covers some of the most commonly asked questions about visiting the Roman Catacombs.
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 rome catacombs tour.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to purchase a separate entrance tickets 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 of sant.
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.
Can you visit the Rome catacombs without taking a tour?
Yes, you can visit the Rome catacombs without taking a tour. Some specific locations might require a ticket, but you do not need a tour guide to explore most of these areas. It's usually a good idea, but it is not always required.
Are the Rome catacombs ever free?
Some Rome catacombs are free on the first Sunday of the month:
- Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella
- Antiquarium of Roman Lucrezia
- Basilica di San Cesareo de Appia
- Park of the Tombs of Via Latina e Basilica di Santo Stefano
- Villa dei Quintili and Santa Maria Nova
- Villa di Capo di Bove
Do you have to buy Rome catacombs tickets in advance?
It's not necessary to buy Rome catacombs tickets in advance. Some locations such as the Capuchin Crypts might sell out of tickets fast, but other sites such as the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella almost never have long lines or queues.
WHAT CAN YOU SEE IN THE CATACOMBS?
The catacombs of rome 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 catacomb s 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.
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