Rome: Crypts and Catacombs Underground Tour With Transfers

This underground tour of Rome’s crypts and catacombs offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history and religious heritage. With guided visits to the Capuchin Crypt, ancient Roman Catacombs, and Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere, participants can uncover the hidden wonders that lie beneath the bustling streets of the Eternal City. Seamless transportation and skip-the-line access ensure a convenient and immersive experience for those seeking to venture beyond Rome’s iconic landmarks. What secrets might these underground sanctuaries unveil?

Key Points

• A 2.5-3.5 hour tour exploring the Capuchin Crypt, Roman Catacombs, and Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere in Rome with transportation and skip-the-line access included.
• The tour offers a mix of self-guided and guided experiences, with knowledgeable guides providing historical commentary and local stories.
• Highlights include the bone decorations in the Capuchin Crypt, the early Christian burial sites in the Roman Catacombs, and the ancient Roman temple remnants in the Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, and certain clothing restrictions apply.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.6/5 based on over 5,000 reviews, with praise for the organization and the guides’ expertise.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled "Rome: Crypts and Catacombs Underground Tour with Transfers," offers visitors the opportunity to explore Rome’s underground mysteries at a discounted price.

Priced from $47.00 to $78.34 per person, the 2.5-3.5 hour tour is available in English and Spanish. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without paying today.

The tour includes transportation via air-conditioned coach, skip-the-line access, and guided visits to the Capuchin Crypt, Roman Catacombs, and Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere.

Itinerary and Highlights

Kicking off the tour, guests are led to the starting locations at Piazza Barberini, either at number 12 or 13.

The 2.5 to 3.5-hour underground exploration begins with a self-guided tour of the Capuchin Crypt, decorated with the bones of 4,000 Capuchin monks.

Next, a guided tour takes guests through the Roman Catacombs, an early Christian burial site. The final stop is the Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere, where a guided tour explores the historic underground church.

Throughout the journey, groups are transported via air-conditioned coach with skip-the-line access.

• Capuchin Crypt: Self-guided tour (45 minutes)

• Roman Catacombs: Guided tour (45 minutes)

• Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere: Guided tour (30 minutes)

• Transportation: Air-conditioned coach with skip-the-line access

• Additional Option: Exclusive After Hours tour of Capuchin Crypts and Rome Catacombs

Customer Experience and Reviews

The underground tour of Rome’s Crypts and Catacombs has received a strong 4.6/5 rating based on over 5,000 customer reviews.

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, who provide insightful historical commentary and unique local stories throughout the experience.

Participants describe the tour as well-organized and enjoyable, highlighting the opportunity to explore the Capuchin Crypt‘s distinctive bone decor and the Roman Catacombs’ early Christian burial site.

The Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere also receives positive feedback for its guided tour of the historic underground church.

Important Information

Travelers planning to join the Rome: Crypts and Catacombs Underground Tour should meet at the center of Piazza Barberini, near the Triton fountain.

This tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, wheelchairs, or baby strollers. Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes.

Certain attire is prohibited, including:

• Shorts

• Short skirts

• Sleeveless shirts

• Baby carriages

Itineraries may change, so participants should check the availability of start times.

After the tour, guests will be dropped off at various locations, including Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza Barberini.

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Transportation and Drop-off Locations

Comfortable coaches transport participants to the various drop-off locations at the conclusion of the Rome: Crypts and Catacombs Underground Tour.

The tour ends at one of three convenient locations – P.za Barberini, 13, Piazza della Repubblica, or P.za Barberini, 12. Guests can easily continue their explorations from these central points in Rome.

While the itinerary may change, the tour’s starting times are clearly communicated to ensure a smooth and well-organized experience.

Regardless of the drop-off point, the air-conditioned coach service provides a comfortable and efficient mode of transportation throughout the tour.

What to Expect at the Capuchin Crypt

The Capuchin Crypt, also known as the "Bone Chapel," is the first stop on the Rome: Crypts and Catacombs Underground Tour.

Visitors are greeted by the macabre sight of the crypt’s walls, floors, and ceilings adorned with the bones of over 4,000 Capuchin monks.

The crypt’s design creates a somber atmosphere, with:

The crypt’s design creates a somber atmosphere, with chandeliers made from bones and alcoves filled with precisely arranged skulls and femurs.

• Chandeliers made from bones

• Alcoves filled with precisely arranged skulls and femurs

• Frescoes depicting Capuchin monks

• Plaques providing historical context

• A small museum showcasing Capuchin artifacts

The self-guided tour allows guests to explore this unique and haunting relic of Rome’s past at their own pace.

Exploring the Roman Catacombs

After the eerie Capuchin Crypt, the tour’s focus shifts to exploring the ancient Roman Catacombs.

These early Christian burial sites sprawl underground, with miles of tunnels and chambers. Guides lead visitors through the dimly lit passages, sharing the history and significance of these catacombs.

Guests learn about the lives and deaths of early Christians, who used the catacombs to secretly bury their dead and worship.

The guided tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of Rome’s rich religious and cultural heritage hidden below the surface.

The Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere

Following the captivating exploration of the Roman Catacombs, the tour’s next stop is the historic Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere.

This 12th-century church is built upon the foundations of three ancient Roman temples. Visitors will enjoy a guided tour of the basilica’s underground level, where they can discover:

• Remnants of the original temples

• Fragments of ancient Roman columns and architectural elements

• Intricate frescoes adorning the walls

• A serene and atmospheric ambiance

• Insights into the site’s rich history and cultural significance

The guided tour provides a fascinating look into the multilayered history of this historic Roman landmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour provider states the tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, wheelchairs, or baby strollers, indicating animals would also not be permitted.

Is the Tour Suitable for Individuals With Claustrophobia?

The tour may not be suitable for individuals with claustrophobia, as it involves exploring underground spaces like catacombs and crypts. Guests with concerns about enclosed spaces should check with the tour operator before booking.

Will There Be Opportunities to Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

There aren’t any designated stops for souvenir purchases during this tour. The focus is on exploring the historic sites, so there won’t be opportunities to shop for souvenirs along the way.

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Capuchin Crypt?

Yes, visitors are allowed to take photographs inside the Capuchin Crypt, though they’re advised to be respectful and avoid using flash photography. The crypt’s unique bone decor makes it a popular spot for photography during the tour.

Does the Tour Include Any Stops for Food or Refreshments?

The tour doesn’t include any scheduled stops for food or refreshments. Participants can explore the sites on their own and may find opportunities to grab a snack or drink during the free time between the guided portions of the tour.

The Sum Up

The "Rome: Crypts and Catacombs Underground Tour with Transfers" offers a captivating exploration of Rome’s hidden historical wonders. With knowledgeable guides, skip-the-line access, and air-conditioned transportation, participants can seamlessly uncover the city’s rich cultural and religious heritage. The tour’s competitive pricing and well-rounded itinerary make it an attractive option for those seeking an immersive underground experience in the eternal city.

You can check availability for your dates here: