Rome: Catacombs of Priscilla Entry Ticket & Guided Tour

Exploring the ancient Catacombs of Priscilla is a unique opportunity to explore early Christian history and art. This guided tour provides an intimate 30-minute experience, offering insights into the architectural marvels and significant burials within. With a small group size and multi-lingual guides, visitors can expect an engaging and informative journey into a remarkable underground world. At just $15.23 per person, it’s a chance to uncover the fascinating stories that lie beneath the streets of Rome.

Key Points

• The Catacombs of Priscilla in Rome offer a 30-minute guided tour with live guides fluent in Spanish, Italian, and English for an entry fee of $15.23 per person.
• The catacombs feature around twenty niche tombs, hundreds of wall niches, and notable burials including martyrs and the Basilica built by Pope St. Silvestro.
• Architectural highlights include a cryptoporticus, a Greek Chapel adorned with frescoes, and the hypogeum of the Acili, an underground tomb complex.
• Visitors can see early Christian art and symbolism, such as frescoes depicting biblical scenes and carvings with Christian symbols like the chi-rho and anchor.
• The tour has a group size limit of 10 participants, requires arrival 15 minutes before the scheduled start time, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The entry ticket for the Catacombs of Priscilla tour costs $15.23 per person and lasts approximately 30 minutes.

It’s likely to sell out, so booking early is recommended. Visitors can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Tour times are available, and the group is limited to 10 participants. Live guides fluent in Spanish, Italian, and English are provided for a personalized experience.

The Catacombs of Priscilla

Located on Via Salaria, the Catacombs of Priscilla spread over two floors.

Initially an arenarium, the catacombs were later used by Christians starting in the third century. The site features around twenty niche tombs and hundreds of niches in the walls.

The catacombs were initially an arenarium but later used by Christians in the third century, featuring around twenty niche tombs and hundreds of niches.

Noteworthy burials include martyrs Felice, Filippo, and their mother St. Felicita. Plus, numerous popes were interred here, such as Marcellino, Marcello, and Silvestro.

The catacombs also contain the Basilica built by Pope St. Silvestro near the tomb of Felice and Filippo, offering visitors a chance to explore ancient Roman burial practices and Christian art.

Noteworthy Burials

Among the notable burials in the Catacombs of Priscilla are the martyrs Felice, Filippo, and their mother St. Felicita.

In addition, several popes were interred here, including Marcellino, Marcello, Silvestro, Liberius, Siricius, Celestino, and Vigilius.

The Catacombs also contain the Basilica built by Pope St. Silvestro near the tomb of Felice and Filippo.

Visitors can explore these ancient Roman burial chambers and learn about the rich history of early Christianity, including the artistic and architectural features of the cryptoporticus, Greek Chapel, and hypogeum.

Architectural Highlights

Along With the notable burials, the Catacombs of Priscilla boast several architectural highlights that offer visitors a glimpse into ancient Roman and early Christian design.

The catacombs feature a cryptoporticus, or covered passageway, with a Greek Chapel adorned with frescoes. Beneath the surface lies the hypogeum of the Acili, an underground tomb complex.

The Catacombs of Priscilla boast a cryptoporticus, a Greek Chapel with frescoes, and the hypogeum of the Acili, an underground tomb complex.

Visitors can explore these spaces and discover the blend of pagan and Christian elements in the catacombs’ construction and decoration.

These unique architectural features provide a fascinating window into the history and faith of the early Christian community in Rome.

More Great Tours Nearby

Christian Art and Symbolism

The Catacombs of Priscilla showcase a wealth of early Christian art and symbolism, reflecting the faith and beliefs of the community that worshipped here.

Visitors can observe:

1. Frescoes depicting biblical scenes, such as the Good Shepherd and Orpheus charming the animals.

2. Intricate carvings and inscriptions on sarcophagi, including Christian symbols like the chi-rho, anchor, and palm branch.

3. The Greek Chapel, featuring wall paintings of the Virgin Mary and Christ, showcasing the influence of Byzantine art.

4. The hypogeum of the Acili, with its vibrant frescoes of the Eucharist and Christian rituals.

These artistic treasures provide a unique window into the early Christian experience.

Visitor Information

To visit the Catacombs of Priscilla, travelers must arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled tour start time.

Visitors to the Catacombs of Priscilla must arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour start time.

Tickets cost $15.23 per person and the tour lasts 30 minutes. Group size is limited to 10 participants.

Live guides are available in Spanish, Italian, and English. The catacombs aren’t suitable for those with mobility issues, and strollers and photography aren’t allowed inside.

Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Checking availability for start times is recommended, as the tours are likely to sell out.

What to Expect on the Tour

As visitors descend into the Catacombs of Priscilla, they’ll be transported back in time to the early days of Christianity.

The tour highlights include:

1. Exploring the underground burial chambers and learning about ancient Roman burial practices.

2. Admiring the ancient Christian art, including the Greek Chapel and the hypogeum of the Acili.

3. Visiting the tombs of notable martyrs and popes, such as Felice, Filippo, and Pope St. Silvestro.

4. Discovering how the catacombs evolved from an arenarium to a hub for early Christian worship and burials.

With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, visitors can expect an immersive and educational experience in this historic Roman landmark.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Visitors have shared enthusiastic feedback on the Catacombs of Priscilla tour, praising the knowledgeable guides and the invaluable opportunity to explore this historic Roman landmark.

With an overall rating of 4.7/5 from 291 reviews, the tour consistently receives high marks for its informative and engaging guides. Reviewers highlight the guides’ expertise in bringing the catacombs’ rich history to life, allowing visitors to discover ancient Christian art and burial practices.

The tour’s value for money is also widely commended, making it a must-do activity for those interested in early Christianity and Rome’s underground wonders.

Common Questions

Is Photography Allowed in the Catacombs?

Photography is not allowed inside the Catacombs of Priscilla. The tour restrictions specifically state that no photography is permitted within the ancient underground burial site.

Can I Bring a Baby Stroller on the Tour?

No, baby strollers are not allowed on the tour. The information provided indicates the tour is "not suitable for people with mobility impairments," which likely includes the use of strollers.

Is a Guide Required to Visit the Catacombs?

A guide is not required to visit the catacombs, but the tour provides valuable insights and context that enhance the experience. While independent exploration is possible, the guided tour is recommended for a more informative and engaging visit.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the tour. Children are welcome, though the tour may not be suitable for very young kids due to the underground environment and length of the experience. Strollers are not allowed in the catacombs.

Is There an Option to Visit the Catacombs Independently?

There’s no option to visit the Catacombs of Priscilla independently. The tour is the only way to access the site, which is not open for self-guided exploration due to safety and preservation concerns.

The Sum Up

The Catacombs of Priscilla offer a unique glimpse into early Christian history and art. With a guided tour at just $15.23 per person, visitors can explore the architectural marvels and significant burials within. The intimate group size and multilingual guides ensure an engaging and informative experience. Those interested should arrive 15 minutes early, as these tours often sell out quickly.

You can check availability for your dates here: