Exploring the underground crypts and catacombs of Rome is a captivating experience that unveils the city’s macabre history. This tour offers a unique opportunity to descend into the eerie realms beneath the streets, where the Crypt of the Capuchin Friars, adorned with thousands of skeletons, and ancient aqueducts await. Guided by knowledgeable experts, visitors can uncover the secrets of Rome’s subterranean world, uncovering the mysteries that lie beneath the surface.

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Key Points

A 3-hour immersive underground tour in Rome that explores the Crypt of the Capuchin Friars, ancient aqueducts, and a 10th-century church.
Tour showcases approximately 4,000 skeletons arranged in intricate designs within the Crypt of the Capuchin Friars.
Visitors can walk through the ancient Roman aqueducts that still supply water to the iconic Trevi Fountain.
Tour includes live commentary from a guide and an audio guide, with skip-the-line access to the sites.
Certain sites have photography restrictions, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, or wheelchair users.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Rome: Crypts, Catacombs and Skeletons Underground Tour offers an immersive 3-hour experience, priced from $141.91 per person.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot now without paying anything today.

The tour takes visitors through three underground sites, including the Crypt of the Capuchin Friars, ancient aqueducts, and a 10th-century church.

An English audio guide and skip-the-line access are included.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues or claustrophobia, or wheelchair users.

Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, and photography may be restricted at some sites.

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Highlights of the Itinerary

Three underground sites rich in Roman history await visitors on this tour.

First, explore the Crypt of the Capuchin Friars, a cemetery made of bones housing approximately 4,000 skeletons.

Next, descend into ancient aqueducts and visit Acqua Vergine, which feeds the iconic Trevi Fountain.

Finally, visit a 10th-century church built over the remains of three 1st-century B.C. temples in a former Roman market area.

Along the way, experience a crypt used for exorcisms and ancient prisons associated with Saint Nicola, brought to life through insightful commentary from a live tour guide.

Exploring the Crypt of the Capuchin Friars

Visitors descend into the Crypt of the Capuchin Friars, a cemetery made of bones housing approximately 4,000 skeletons.

This macabre ossuary features the remains of Capuchin monks arranged in intricate artistic designs. Visitors view the chapels decorated with human remains, including full skeletal frames, chandelier-like structures, and wall embellishments made from vertebrae, ribs, and skulls.

The crypt’s atmosphere is both eerie and captivating, offering a unique glimpse into the religious practices and beliefs of the Capuchin order.

This underground ossuary represents a lasting testament to the circle of life and death.

Visiting the Ancient Aqueducts

Next, the tour takes visitors to explore the ancient aqueducts. This section provides a fascinating look at the engineering marvels that supplied water to ancient Rome. Participants will walk through the Acqua Vergine, which still feeds the iconic Trevi Fountain today. The aqueduct system is a testament to Roman ingenuity and problem-solving skills. Visitors can marvel at the structure’s impressive size and the challenges overcome in its construction centuries ago.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Aqueduct | Acqua Vergine, feeding the Trevi Fountain |

| History | Ancient Roman engineering marvel |

| Significance | Vital water supply for the city |

| Highlights | Walking through the impressive structure |

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Discovering the 10th-Century Church

The tour then leads visitors to a 10th-century church built over the remains of three 1st-century B.C. temples located in a former Roman market area.

This church features a fascinating history, having been constructed atop the ruins of ancient structures. Visitors can explore the church’s interior, marveling at its architectural details and the juxtaposition of old and new.

The guide provides commentary on the church’s origins, the significance of the underlying Roman ruins, and how this site has evolved over the centuries.

Exploring this unique blend of history and modernity is a highlight of the underground tour experience.

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Experiencing the Crypt of Exorcisms and Ancient Prisons

After exploring the 10th-century church, the tour then leads visitors to experience the crypt used for exorcisms and ancient prisons associated with Saint Nicola.

Descending underground, the tour guide shares the crypt’s haunting history, describing its connection to rituals of exorcism and its past use as a holding cell for prisoners.

Visitors are captivated by the eerie atmosphere and learn about the crypt’s role in the city’s dark past.

The tour provides an immersive experience, transporting participants back in time and shedding light on the capital’s hidden spiritual and judicial practices.

Features of the Tour

The Rome: Crypts, Catacombs and Skeletons Underground Tour includes several key features that enhance the experience for participants.

The tour is led by a live guide who provides insightful commentary on the ancient mysteries and curiosities encountered. Plus, an audio guide in English is included, allowing visitors to learn at their own pace.

A live guide provides insightful commentary, while an audio guide in English allows visitors to learn at their own pace.

On top of that, the tour includes skip-the-line access, ensuring seamless entry to the sites.

Live tour guide providing insights into ancient mysteries and curiosities.
Audio guide included in English.
Skip the ticket line for easier access to sites.

Participant Information and Recommendations

Participants meet at the Fontana del Tritone, identifiable by staff wearing red and white hats.

This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, claustrophobia, or wheelchair users. Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended.

Photography is restricted at certain sites, with instructions provided. The meeting point is easily accessible, allowing for a smooth start to the underground exploration.

While some restrictions apply, the tour aims to accommodate a wide range of visitors, ensuring a memorable and safe experience through Rome’s fascinating subterranean history.

The Sum Up

This captivating underground tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Rome’s macabre history. From the haunting Crypt of the Capuchin Friars to the ancient aqueducts and 10th-century church, the experience provides an immersive journey through the city’s eerie subterranean sites. With convenient skip-the-line access and insightful commentary from a live guide, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Rome’s crypts, catacombs, and skeletons.