How to Visit the Catacombs in Rome: The Best Way to Experience Them

In terms of sites and monuments, and let’s not even talk about food and restaurants, the Eternal City has so much to see and do. This alone puts millions of people per year on the roads leading to Rome! However, one such place that doesn’t get enough attention is underground – the catacombs – and trust us, they should definitely be on your radar. But herein lies the rub: because they are not directly in the center of town (like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican) many people have no idea how to visit the catacombs in Rome.

Indeed, finding information about how to visit the catacombs is not as easy as the city’s other all-star sites.  For example, how do you get there? Where do you get your tickets? What if they’re sold out?

But, never fear, we have got you covered. Keep reading to find out the answers to these questions and more helpful information about how to visit the catacombs in Rome.

The history, construction and preservation of the catacombs are equally impressive.

The Catacombs of Rome – A Brief History

What are the Catacombs?

Ancient Romans, like most people, had an aversion to dead bodies. Therefore, all cemeteries by law were outside of the old city walls.  The catacombs, though, are not your typical burial grounds. They are vast, ancient multi-level subterrestrial burial tunnels used by early Christians. 

Why do the Catacombs exist?

Starting in the 2nd century, catacombs were created partly as burial chambers but also, because it was illegal to practice Christianity until the early 4th century, these catacombs doubled as places of clandestine worship.

Who is buried in them?

Common people, as well as early popes, martyrs and saints are buried in the catacombs, And there are 60 known catacombs sprinkled around the outskirts of Rome where over half a million bodies are buried. There might be other, yet-to-be-discovered catacombs too.

Which are the most famous?

The catacombs of St. Callixtus are one of the largest and most important catacombs in Rome, with the most popes buried there. The most famous catacombs exist right off the famed Appia Antica: the Catacombs of San Sebastiano, San Callisto, Domitilla, and Priscilla are the most popular with visitors.

The catacombs of St. Callixtus, where most popes are buried!

Now that you´ve had a quick history lesson, here are the best ways to visit the Catacombs in Rome: 

How to Visit the Catacombs in Rome

The Best Way – Let Us Be Your Guide 

The best way to visit the Catacombs in Rome is, in fact, to take a guided tour. The reality is: you can’t just descend into the Catacombs on your own. You have to be on a tour of some sort. Either you´ll be grouped with a cadre of people when you turn up at the catacomb of your choice, or you could be more organised and join us on the “Rome Catacombs, Appian Way and Aqueducts Tour.” 

There are a few unique benefits to this specific tour.

• For over three hours, a local expert guide is by your side putting everything you’re seeing into a historical context and regaling you with amazing historical anecdotes.
• But even better, you’ll do it when all the crowds have left. That’s right: this tour gives you privileged access at closing time. That means no crowds, no noise; just you, your guide, your small group, and the catacombs in Rome.

Walking the passageways of the catacombs is a unique experience that not all visitors to Rome have!

Not only will you visit either the Catacombs of San Sebastiano or Domitila, but arguably even better, during the tour you’ll…

• get an up-close look at the majestic ancient aqueducts.
• wander the mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, an imposing 1st-century BCE tomb of a member of a powerful family in ancient Rome.
• walk along the famed Appia Antica, the Appian Way, the Queen of Roman Roads, one of the most picturesque and bucolic swaths of Rome. 

And you won’t have to worry about getting there and back, as there will be a private shuttle from the center of Rome. Plus, you’ll be driven to each site on the tour. So, this really is the answer to how to visit the catacombs in Rome in the best way. 

Strolling the Appian Way is a wonderful way to enjoy history and nature simultaneously.

The Second Best Way – Visit Independently

Visit the Catacombs official site to check opening details and book your spot.

• Insider Tip: Most of the catacombs around Rome, particularly those that flank the Appian Way, are closed one or two days per week. Plus, all catacombs will be closed for the major Christian holidays such as Easter and Christmas. So, make sure you look up closure information and pre-book before making the journey, or you may not be able to access the catacomb of your choice, if at all! 

Once you´ve checked the date and booked a timeslot you need to figure out how to reach the catacombs.

• Taking a taxi is the easiest option, especially if you’re short on time.
• If you prefer public transport, the catacombs along the Appian Way are accessible by bus. Bus 118 departs from near the Colosseum and travels along the historic road, while bus 218 leaves from near the Basilica of Saint John Lateran. Both routes will get you close to several of the main catacombs, though services can be infrequent, so it’s worth checking schedules in advance.

When you’re on the site, you’ll be able to choose to visit the Catacombs of Priscilla, Saint Agnes, Saints Marcellinus and Peter, Saint Sebastian, Saint Callisto/Callixtus, or Domitilla. 

There are many fascinating things to see, if you know where to look – our guides will point you in the right direction.

General Tips for Visiting the Catacombs in Rome 

Going to underground burial tunnels is not your typical tourist site. So, there are things to know in order to be properly prepared: 

• If you’re not going to join us for the guided tour at closing time, then we recommend to visit at 9am when the catacombs first open, or just after the lunch break around 2pm. 
• The tunnels can be damp and chilly, so wear appropriate clothes (sweater/light jacket). 
• The catacombs are burial grounds and also considered sacred spaces, so do not wear anything that would be considered disrespectful. 
• Photography is not allowed in the catacombs.

The tunnels are dark and chilly, but so intriguing!

FAQs – How to Visit the Catacombs in Rome

Why should you take a tour? 

If you go to the catacombs on your own, you’ll end up getting put in a tour group anyway. But this tour – “Rome Underground: Catacombs at Closing Time, Appian Way, and Aqueducts Tour” – is really like a four-in-one offering: the catacombs, the Appian Way, the ancient aqueducts, and the tomb of Cecilia Matella. Plus, no need to worry about trying to figure out how to book tickets. It’s done for you. No need to spend time trying to figure out how to get there. Transportation on a private, airconditioned shuttle  is taken care of for you. 

What time does the tour start and how long does it last? 

The tour is 3 hours and 15 minutes.  Depending on the day of the week, tours can start in the morning or in the late afternoon. Morning tours will finish just in time for lunch and afternoon tours will start just after lunch. 

When is the best time to go to Rome? 

Shoulder season—April and May or September and October—because there are fewer tourists than in the summer and hotel and flight prices are usually lower too. Winter is a bit chillier and there are even fewer crowds. If possible try to avoid August when the hot weather is at its peak and many Italians are on vacation. 

No matter which time of year you visit, the Colosseum is incredible.

What other attractions are worth seeking out in Rome? 

The Colosseum, the Pantheon, Galleria Borghese, Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiore, the Vatican (and its museums), the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain. There is a lot to see and do in Rome, but try to see some of the relatively off-the-radar sites, too: the Catacombs, for example, and the Appian Way. 

Ready to uncover one of Rome’s most fascinating hidden worlds?

If you’re curious about what lies beneath Rome´s surface , experience it the right way, with expert guidance, seamless transport, and exclusive access. Instead of worrying about logistics, timings, or navigating public transport, you can simply focus on the history, atmosphere, and incredible stories that make the catacombs so unforgettable.

Join the “Rome Underground: Catacombs, Appian Way, and Aqueducts Tour” and step beyond the usual sights to discover a more mysterious side of Rome. It’s an experience that brings together history, nature, and hidden gems, all in one unforgettable journey.