{"id":25118,"date":"2026-03-30T11:30:59","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T10:30:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/?p=25118"},"modified":"2026-03-31T10:08:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T09:08:54","slug":"how-to-visit-the-catacombs-in-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/how-to-visit-the-catacombs-in-rome","title":{"rendered":"How to Visit the Catacombs in Rome: The Best Way to Experience Them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In terms of sites and monuments, and let\u2019s 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, <strong>o<\/strong><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>ne such place that doesn\u2019t get enough attention is underground &#8211; the catacombs &#8211; and trust us, they should definitely be on your radar.<\/strong> 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. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indeed, finding information about how to visit the catacombs is not as easy as the city\u2019s other all-star sites.\u00a0 For example, how do you get there? Where do you get your tickets? What if they\u2019re sold out? <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But, never fear, we have got you covered. Keep reading to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">find out the answers to these questions and more helpful information about how to visit the catacombs in Rome.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_22562\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22562\" class=\"wp-image-22562 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/romes-catacombs.jpg\" alt=\"A man walking through a dark passage lined with catacombs. He is part of a guided tour group which is one of the best options when considering how to visit the catacombs in Rome\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/romes-catacombs.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/romes-catacombs-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22562\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The history, construction and preservation of the catacombs are equally impressive.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/how-to-visit-the-catacombs-in-rome\/#The_Catacombs_of_Rome_%E2%80%93_A_Brief_History\" >The Catacombs of Rome &#8211; A Brief History<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/how-to-visit-the-catacombs-in-rome\/#What_are_the_Catacombs\" >What are the Catacombs?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/how-to-visit-the-catacombs-in-rome\/#Why_do_the_Catacombs_exist\" >Why do the Catacombs exist?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/how-to-visit-the-catacombs-in-rome\/#Who_is_buried_in_them\" >Who is buried in them?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/how-to-visit-the-catacombs-in-rome\/#Which_are_the_most_famous\" >Which are the most famous?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/how-to-visit-the-catacombs-in-rome\/#How_to_Visit_the_Catacombs_in_Rome\" >How to Visit the Catacombs in Rome<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/how-to-visit-the-catacombs-in-rome\/#The_Best_Way_%E2%80%93_Let_Us_Be_Your_Guide\" >The Best Way &#8211; Let Us Be Your Guide\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/how-to-visit-the-catacombs-in-rome\/#The_Second_Best_Way_%E2%80%93_Visit_Independently\" >The Second Best Way &#8211; Visit Independently<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/how-to-visit-the-catacombs-in-rome\/#General_Tips_for_Visiting_the_Catacombs_in_Rome\" >General Tips for Visiting the Catacombs in Rome\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/how-to-visit-the-catacombs-in-rome\/#FAQs_%E2%80%93_How_to_Visit_the_Catacombs_in_Rome\" >FAQs &#8211; How to Visit the Catacombs in Rome<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/how-to-visit-the-catacombs-in-rome\/#Why_should_you_take_a_tour\" >Why should you take a tour?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/how-to-visit-the-catacombs-in-rome\/#What_time_does_the_tour_start_and_how_long_does_it_last\" >What time does the tour start and how long does it last?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/how-to-visit-the-catacombs-in-rome\/#When_is_the_best_time_to_go_to_Rome\" >When is the best time to go to Rome?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/how-to-visit-the-catacombs-in-rome\/#What_other_attractions_are_worth_seeking_out_in_Rome\" >What other attractions are worth seeking out in Rome?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Catacombs_of_Rome_%E2%80%93_A_Brief_History\"><\/span>The Catacombs of Rome &#8211; A Brief History<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_Catacombs\"><\/span><strong>What are the Catacombs?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ancient Romans, like most people, had an aversion to dead bodies. Therefore, all cemeteries by law were outside of the old city walls.\u00a0 The catacombs, though, are not your typical burial grounds. They are vast, ancient multi-level subterrestrial burial tunnels used by early Christians.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_the_Catacombs_exist\"><\/span><strong>Why do the Catacombs exist?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_is_buried_in_them\"><\/span><strong>Who is buried in them?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common people, as well as early popes, martyrs and saints are buried in the catacombs, And t<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_are_the_most_famous\"><\/span><strong>Which are the most famous?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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. <\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_22568\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22568\" class=\"wp-image-22568 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/romes-catacombs2.jpg\" alt=\"A dark confined space with steps leading to ancient catacombs.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/romes-catacombs2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/romes-catacombs2-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22568\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The catacombs of St. Callixtus, where most popes are buried!<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you\u00b4ve had a quick history lesson, here are the best ways to visit the Catacombs in Rome:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Visit_the_Catacombs_in_Rome\"><\/span><b>How to Visit the Catacombs in Rome<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Best_Way_%E2%80%93_Let_Us_Be_Your_Guide\"><\/span><strong>The Best Way &#8211; Let Us Be Your Guide\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best way to visit the Catacombs in Rome is, in fact, to take a guided tour. <strong>The reality is: you can\u2019t just descend into the Catacombs on your own.<\/strong> You <em>have to<\/em> be on a tour of some sort. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Either you\u00b4ll 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 \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/rome-catacombs-tour\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rome Catacombs, Appian Way and Aqueducts Tour<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a few unique benefits to this specific tour.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For over three hours, a local expert guide is by your side putting everything you\u2019re seeing into a historical context and regaling you with amazing historical anecdotes. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But even better, you\u2019ll do it when all the crowds have left. That\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_25127\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-25127\" class=\"wp-image-25127 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0369.jpg\" alt=\"A women in one of the underground passageways of the catacombs in Rome\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0369.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0369-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0369-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-25127\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Walking the passageways of the catacombs is a unique experience that not all visitors to Rome have!<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not only will you visit either the Catacombs of San Sebastiano or Domitila, b<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ut arguably even better, during the tour you&#8217;ll&#8230;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">get an up-close look at the majestic ancient aqueducts. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wander the mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, an imposing 1st-century BCE tomb of a member of a powerful family in ancient Rome.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">walk along the famed Appia Antica, the Appian Way, the Queen of Roman Roads, one of the most picturesque and bucolic swaths of Rome.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And you won\u2019t have to worry about getting there and back, as there will be a private shuttle from the center of Rome. Plus, you\u2019ll 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_8986\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8986\" class=\"wp-image-8986 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/RomeDriving_Appian-Way-copy.jpg\" alt=\"Visitors walk on the Appian Way.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/RomeDriving_Appian-Way-copy.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/RomeDriving_Appian-Way-copy-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-8986\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Strolling the Appian Way is a wonderful way to enjoy history and nature simultaneously.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Second_Best_Way_%E2%80%93_Visit_Independently\"><\/span><strong>The Second Best Way &#8211; Visit Independently<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visit the Catacombs <a href=\"https:\/\/www.omniavaticanrome.org\/en\/pages\/options\/#catacombe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">official site<\/a>\u00a0to check opening details and book your spot. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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!\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u00b4ve checked the date and booked a timeslot you need to f<\/span><\/strong>igure out how to reach the catacombs.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Taking a taxi is the easiest option, especially if you\u2019re short on time.<\/li>\n<li>If you prefer public transport, the catacombs along the Appian Way are accessible by bus. Bus 118 departs from near the <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Colosseum<\/span><\/span> and travels along the historic road, while bus 218 leaves from near the <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Basilica of Saint John Lateran<\/span><\/span>. Both routes will get you close to several of the main catacombs, though services can be infrequent, so it\u2019s worth checking schedules in advance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you\u2019re on the site, you\u2019ll be able to choose to visit the Catacombs of Priscilla, Saint Agnes, Saints Marcellinus and Peter, Saint Sebastian, Saint Callisto\/Callixtus, or Domitilla.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_25132\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-25132\" class=\"wp-image-25132 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0597.jpg\" alt=\"a closeup of 2 women pointing and looking through an archway in the brick-lined underground tunnels of the catacombs in Rome\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0597.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0597-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0597-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-25132\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">There are many fascinating things to see, if you know where to look &#8211; our guides will point you in the right direction.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"General_Tips_for_Visiting_the_Catacombs_in_Rome\"><\/span><strong>General Tips for Visiting the Catacombs in Rome\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Going to underground burial tunnels is not your typical tourist site. So, there are things to know in order to be properly prepared:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The tunnels can be damp and chilly, so wear appropriate clothes (sweater\/light jacket).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The catacombs are burial grounds and also considered sacred spaces, so do not wear anything that would be considered disrespectful.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Photography is not allowed in the catacombs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_25129\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-25129\" class=\"wp-image-25129 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0476.jpg\" alt=\"A small group of visitors walk through an archway that has been lit up, in the middle of an underground tunnel within the Rome catacombs \" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0476.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0476-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0476-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-25129\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The tunnels are dark and chilly, but so intriguing!<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_%E2%80%93_How_to_Visit_the_Catacombs_in_Rome\"><\/span><b>FAQs &#8211; How to Visit the Catacombs in Rome<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_should_you_take_a_tour\"><\/span><b>Why should you take a tour?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you go to the catacombs on your own, you\u2019ll end up getting put in a tour group anyway. But this tour &#8211; \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/rome-catacombs-tour\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rome Underground: Catacombs at Closing Time, Appian Way, and Aqueducts Tour<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d &#8211; 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\u2019s done for you. No need to spend time trying to figure out how to get there. Transportation on a private, airconditioned shuttle\u00a0 is taken care of for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_time_does_the_tour_start_and_how_long_does_it_last\"><\/span><b>What time does the tour start and how long does it last?\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The tour is 3 hours and 15 minutes.\u00a0 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_is_the_best_time_to_go_to_Rome\"><\/span><b>When is the best time to go to Rome?\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shoulder season\u2014April and May or September and October\u2014because 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_22599\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22599\" class=\"wp-image-22599 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/Colosseum-at-2.jpg\" alt=\"Rome's majestic colosseum illuminated from within at night.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/Colosseum-at-2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/Colosseum-at-2-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22599\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">No matter which time of year you visit, the Colosseum is incredible.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_other_attractions_are_worth_seeking_out_in_Rome\"><\/span><b>What other attractions are worth seeking out in Rome?\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Colosseum, the Pantheon, Galleria Borghese, Piazza Navona, Campo de\u2019 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-25125\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0036.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0036.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0036-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0036-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>\n<p><strong>Ready to uncover one of Rome\u2019s most fascinating hidden worlds?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re curious about what lies beneath Rome\u00b4s 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.<\/p>\n<p>Join the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/rome-catacombs-tour\/\"><strong>\u201cRome Underground: Catacombs, Appian Way, and Aqueducts Tour\u201d<\/strong><\/a> and step beyond the usual sights to discover a more mysterious side of Rome. It\u2019s an experience that brings together history, nature, and hidden gems, all in one unforgettable journey.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In terms of sites and monuments, and let\u2019s 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\u2019t get enough attention is underground &#8211; the catacombs &#8211; and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":73,"featured_media":25131,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[95,280,304,281],"ppma_author":[181],"class_list":["post-25118","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-things-to-do","tag-ancient-rome","tag-catacombs","tag-guided-tour","tag-underground-rome"],"authors":[{"term_id":181,"user_id":0,"is_guest":1,"slug":"david-farley","display_name":"David Farley","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Farley_AuthorPhoto.jpg","url2x":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Farley_AuthorPhoto.jpg"},"user_url":"","last_name":"Farley","first_name":"David","job_title":"","description":"David Farley is a West Village-based food and travel writer whose work appears regularly in the New York Times, National Geographic, BBC, and Food &amp; Wine, among other publications. He\u2019s the author of three books, including \u201cAn Irreverent Curiosity: In Search of the Church\u2019s Strangest Relic in Italy\u2019s Oddest Town,\u201d which was made into a documentary by the National Geographic Channel. You can find Farley\u2019s online homes at https:\/\/dfarley.com\/index.html and https:\/\/www.tripout.online\/"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25118"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/73"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25118"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25118\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25137,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25118\/revisions\/25137"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25131"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25118"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25118"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25118"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=25118"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}