Catacombs Private Tour in Rome

After a visit to the strangely beautiful bone displays at the Capuchin Crypts, you’ll descend beneath the Eternal City’s well-traveled streets to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus—a large burial site which includes the resting places of many martyrs and pontiffs. To top things off see the historic Aurelian Walls and stroll along the Ancient Appian Way!

Private Rome Catacombs Tour Description

Your 3-hour underground tour features: 

• Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in central Rome

• Private, climate-controlled transportation (about 25 minutes to St. Callixtus)

• A private guided tour of the Capuchin Crypts

• A private guided tour of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus

• Visit to the ancient Appian Way

• A passionate, English-speaking guide

Since sites on this tour are religious, knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women. We know that Rome is hot in summer - a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way, you can cover your knees and shoulders when needed.

Door-to-Door Private Transportation

To make this private tour in Rome even better, we pick you up and drop you off! Using a climate-controlled vehicle, these private transfer services are included for accommodations located in Rome’s city center.

Please reach out to our Travel Experts after booking to let them know where you are staying.

Capuchin Crypts

The first stop on your private tour is the amazing Capuchin Crypts, which are bound to be like nothing you've ever seen before. This medieval crypt contains the skeletal remains of some 3,700 human bodies, believed to be Capuchin friars buried by their order. They were buried between the years 1500 and 1870, during which time the Roman Catholic Church permitted burial in and under churches.

The underground crypt is divided into six chapels: Crypt of the Resurrection, Crypt of the Skulls, Crypt of the Pelvises, Crypt of the Leg Bones and Thigh Bones, and Crypt of the Three Skeletons. Lit only by dim natural light seeping in through cracks and small fluorescent lamps, the crypt walls are elaborately decorated with skeletal remains.

Some of the skeletons are still intact and draped in Franciscan habits, while individual bones from other skeletons form elaborate ornamental designs. The Catholic Order insists that the display is meant to be a silent reminder of our own mortality and the fleeting passage of life on Earth.

The Catacombs of St. Callixtus

Along the Appian Way is where the first cemeteries of Rome were built. It’s here that you’ll stop to see the above-ground cemeteries of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus. Then your private guide will lead you underground to see the extensive network of burial sites at one of the most popular catacombs in Rome.

Over time, these catacombs became the coveted burial place as prominent martyrs and pontiffs were laid to rest here. Your guide will lead you to the crypts filled with popes from the third century as well as an area with impeccably preserved paintings.

The Catacombs of St. Callixtus are typically closed on Wednesdays and sometimes close on other days too. Not to worry though, your guide will take you to another incredible catacombs site if your tour lands on one of these days.

The Appian Way and Aurelian Walls

Emperor Aurelian built a defensive wall around Rome during the third century to defend the city against invading barbarians. You’ll pass the Aurelian Walls in your climate-controlled vehicle and see them up close. In addition, you can walk a small stretch of the ancient Appian Way. Leading all the way to Puglia in Southern Italy, the Appian Way is one of the most important ancient Roman roads.

This road was also the location of the crucifixion of 10,000 slaves during the revolt of Spartacus. Thankfully, you won't see any crucifixions today, but your guide will retell the story for you and make it come alive.