In a nutshell
- Where are the catacombs in Rome and how do you visit them? There are around 60 catacombs in total, but only a few are open to the public. Here we cover the four most impressive ones.
- The Rome catacombs have no bones on display. For that, you need the Capuchin Crypt near the Spanish Steps — which is why we really recommend the combo tour of the Catacombs and Capuchin Crypt.
- All catacombs are outside the city center. You can go by public transit, but booking a ticket with transfer included is by far the easiest option.
What you need to know about the catacombs in Rome
Visiting the catacombs of Rome is one of the most popular guided tours in Rome.
The catacombs date back to the early days of Christianity, when Christians were tolerated at best — or systematically persecuted.
They were only allowed to bury their dead outside the city walls, and as inconspicuously as possible.
So the early Christians dug these underground tunnel systems, with chambers and niche tombs — the catacombs. It all began in the 2nd century AD, about 1,800 years ago.
Here are a few important things to know about the Rome catacombs:
- There are around 60 catacombs in Rome, but only a small number are open to the public.
- In total, there are said to be several hundred kilometers of catacombs beneath Rome, with around 170 km accessible today.
- In the catacombs of Rome, you won’t see any bones, unlike, for example, the catacombs of Paris. You tour the underground passages and see niche tombs, burial chambers, frescoes, and inscriptions — but no remains.
- If you want to see human remains, visit the Capuchin Crypt in the center of Rome.
- All of Rome’s catacombs are outside the city center. Getting there from your hotel in Rome by public transit takes about an hour. A taxi or a booked tour with transfer is much faster.
- Besides the Rome catacombs, it’s also worth checking out the catacombs of Naples while you’re in Italy.
- The Catacombs of Callixtus are included with the Rome Turbopass and the Hop-on/Hop-off ticket from Big Bus Rome.
More info on Hop-on Hop-off and passes in Rome:
Our tip: The combo tour of the Catacombs and Capuchin Crypt
Our top pick is the guided tour with transfer to the Catacombs followed by the Capuchin Crypt. Here’s why.
None of the Rome catacombs have bones on display.
And honestly, that’s just part of what you’d expect from a catacombs visit. That’s what makes this combo tour so good — you get both experiences in one go.
Which catacomb is visited can vary depending on opening hours. As a rule, though, the Domitilla Catacomb is included.
Afterward, you’ll visit the Capuchin Crypt, near the Spanish Steps. It consists of five underground chapels decorated with the bones of 3,700 Capuchin monks. You can find something similar in Palermo in Sicily.
Transfer to and from the catacombs and crypt is by private bus, and the whole tour takes three hours. On Rome’s public transit, you’d spend a whole afternoon getting there and back. We think that’s a seriously great deal.
Book the Catacombs and Capuchin Crypt combo tour
Lies auch:
Map of the four most fascinating Rome catacombs
On this map you can see where the catacombs of Rome and the Capuchin Crypt are located.
All the catacombs sit well outside the usual cluster of Rome’s top attractions, beyond the city center. We recommend getting there by taxi or booked transfer — it’ll save you a lot of time.
The Capuchin Crypt, on the other hand, is very centrally located.
Catacombs of Callixtus
The Catacombs of Callixtus are the most famous in Rome and a standard stop on virtually every Rome catacombs tour. They’re also the first catacombs to have been established in the city.
The earliest popes of Christianity were buried here, along with around 100 martyrs and half a million faithful.
The catacomb stretches across 20 kilometers in total and consists of multiple underground levels. You won’t see all of it — only a small section is accessible to visitors.
Guided tours run several times a day, including in English.
Tickets cost 10 euros on the official website.
On GetYourGuide, tickets cost 14 euros — but you can cancel and get a full refund if your plans change, which makes it worth considering.
Get your ticket for the Catacombs of Callixtus on GetYourGuide
Catacombs of Sebastian
The Catacombs of Sebastian sit practically next door to the Catacombs of Callixtus and are just as well known. Above the underground cemetery stands the Basilica of San Sebastiano, one of the seven pilgrimage churches of Rome.
The catacomb itself has three levels, with niche tombs, mausoleums, frescoes, and around 600 inscriptions. Here too, only a limited area is open to the public.
Tickets for the Catacombs of Sebastian cost 12 euros on the official website.
The most convenient option, though, is the guided tour with transfer from the city center. It costs a bit more, but saves you the headache of navigating Rome’s public transit to get here:
Book the Catacombs of Sebastian tour with transfer
Domitilla Catacomb
The Domitilla Catacomb is one of the largest in Rome.
The tunnel system runs 17 kilometers in total, with around 150,000 niche tombs.
What makes it really special: it’s the only catacomb in Rome with an underground church — something you genuinely won’t find anywhere else.
The publicly accessible area is somewhat smaller than at the other sites, and the guided tour lasts around 30 minutes.
Admission costs 8 euros; basic tickets are only available on-site. If you’d rather skip the logistics, you can book a ticket with transfer from the city center:
Book the Domitilla Catacomb tour with transfer
Priscilla Catacomb
The Priscilla Catacomb is the only one located in the northeast of Rome — also about an hour from the city center.
It covers around 13 kilometers of tunnels across two levels. As with the others, you’ll only see a portion of it during your visit.
What makes this one stand out: it contains the world’s oldest known depiction of the Virgin Mary with Child, dating back to the 2nd century AD. That alone makes it worth the trip.
Get your ticket for the Priscilla Catacomb
Frequently asked questions about the catacombs in Rome
Which catacombs in Rome are the best?
The Catacombs of Callixtus are the most famous and also the largest in Rome — they’re a great starting point. But we have a soft spot for the Domitilla Catacomb, because it has its own underground church. You really don’t see that every day!
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them — they’re all worth visiting.
How do you get to the Rome catacombs?
To reach the Catacombs of Callixtus by public transit, you’ll need two buses and about an hour each way. It’s similar for the others. That’s why we’d suggest booking a catacombs ticket with transfer included — it’s so much easier.
How cold is it inside the Rome catacombs?
It’s around 16°C (61°F) inside the catacombs, even in summer. Bring a light sweater — you’ll be glad you did.
Are children allowed in the catacombs?
Yes, children of all ages are welcome. Kids under seven get in free. Just note that strollers aren’t allowed inside the catacombs.
Can you buy Rome catacombs tickets on-site?
Yes, tickets are available on-site at all the catacombs. That said, the Catacombs of Callixtus and Catacombs of Sebastian can get busy, and tours only depart at set times — so there may be a wait. Booking in advance is the safer bet.
