During this private guided tour you will have an opportunity to visit the Christian Catacombs and admire ancient frescoes and sculptures that exist from early Christian period
The term “catacombs” appeared from the Latin catatumbas “at the graves,” from cata -” among” + tumbas, accusative plural of tumba “tomb.” The Roman Catacombs are one of city’s wonders. Precisely, catacombs are underground Christian or Jewish burial places; some of them were discovered only in recent decades. Moreover, the Etruscans used to bury their dead in underground chambers. The original Roman custom was cremation, but from about the 2nd century AD, inhumation became more fashionable. For Christians, the burial method was essential because they believed in bodily resurrection at the Second Coming. Moreover, among unusual catacombs is the Museum and Crypt of Capuchin Friars (Museo e Cripta dei Frati Cappuccini), where Capuchin monks were buried. It is located near the city center, on Via Veneto.
The Christian Catacombs are significant for the art history of Early Christian art because many frescoes and sculptures from before about 400 AD where found there
You may think the underground atmosphere may be frightening and dark, but it isn’t. There is the feeling of peace and colorful frescoes that surround you. Which catacomb to visit?
We invite you to visit one of the catacombs, which is the best according to your choice:
Catacomb of Priscilla
The Catacomb of Priscilla is named after the wife of Consul Manius Acilius Glabrio, who was killed on the orders of Domitian. There are walls and ceilings with decorations illustrating Biblical scenes.
Do you believe in ghosts? Let’s check, whether they exist or not 🙂
- Ticket cost: 8 euro
- Opening hours: from 8.30 am to afternoon; 2.30 pm to 5 pm
- Closed on Mondays
- How to get: From Termini station by bus 86, 92, or 310. From Piazza Venezia by bus 63 (Piazza Crati stop). The taxi price will be around 15 euros from the city center area. You can use our TAXI FARES CALCULATOR.
Catacombs of Saint Agnes
The Catacombs were built to conserve the remains of Saint Agnes of Rome. Her bones are now preserved in the church built over the catacomb. Moreover, the life story of Saint Agnes is impressive and breathtaking. Visit to these crypts definitely worth it.
- Ticket cost: 8 euro
- Opening hours: from 9 am to afternoon, 4 pm to 6 pm
- Closed on Sundays
- How to get: bus 90, 60, or 36 on via Nomentana
- Meeting point: S.Agnese/Annibaliano metro stop, near the entrance to McDonald’s. Here is the point on the map
Catacombs of Saint Clement
The Basilica of Saint Clement is a Roman Catholic minor basilica dedicated to Pope Clement I. We will discover a three-tiered complex of buildings with an underground world full of secrets and interesting facts.
- Ticket cost: 10 euro
- Opening hours: from 9 am to afternoon; from 3 pm to 5.30 pm
- There is a mass at 9 am every Saturday, so visits only after an afternoon
- Closed on Sundays
- How to get: from Termini station by bus 75, 714, or 16. Also, you can get to the basilica from the Colosseum metro stop and then walk 15 minutes on foot
Organizational details
- Beginning time: 8.30-9 am or 3-4 pm, depending on the catacomb you choose
- Tickets: we will buy tickets to the catacomb near the entrance
- Dress code: covered arms and shoulders. The temperature inside is cool, and you should better take something warm
- Price for a private tour: 150 euros for your company of up to 3 participants (+25 euro for any additional participant; 6 tourists is the max number)
- Duration: around 1.5 hours
- Meeting point: near the entrance to the catacombs. The most convenient way to get to any of them is by taxi, with an average price of 10-15 euros from Rome’s city center.
