Crypts and Catacombs Guided Evening Tour
What your day looks like
Discover the Hidden Depths of Rome by Night Step into the shadowy depths of Rome on this spine-tingling night-time tour of its most mysterious and macabre corners. This exclusive 2.5-hour guided experience invites you to explore the hauntingly beautiful Capuchin Crypts and the ancient Priscilla Catacombs under the cover of darkness, when their eerie ambiance comes to life. Experience the chilling allure of Rome after sunset as your guide unveils the secrets buried beneath the city’s historic streets. Your tour begins at the Capuchin Crypts, a site both fascinating and unnerving. Beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini lies a series of crypts decorated entirely with the bones of over 4,000 Capuchin monks. By the dim glow of evening light, you’ll walk through chambers adorned with vertebrae chandeliers, skull-lined walls, and intricate bone mosaics. Your guide will reveal the somber meaning behind this macabre artistry, reflecting the monks’ meditation on mortality and eternal life. The quiet, shadowed crypts create an atmosphere that is at once thought-provoking and hauntingly unforgettable. Descend into the Queen of Catacombs The experience continues as you board a coach to the Priscilla Catacombs, a vast underground network often called the “Queen of the Catacombs” for its historical significance and grandeur. As night falls, the winding, labyrinthine tunnels take on a chillingly atmospheric quality. Dating back to the 2nd century, these catacombs were used by early Christians as secret burial chambers and places of worship during times of persecution. Guided by our expert and their lantern light, you’ll explore narrow passageways lined with ancient tombs and adorned with stunning frescoes. Among these is the earliest known depiction of the Virgin Mary, a remarkable window into early Christian art and faith. As your guide recounts stories of martyrs, hidden rituals, and the challenges faced by Rome’s earliest Christians, you’ll feel transported back in time to a world of resilience and secrecy. Arriving back at the moonlit streets at Piazza Barberini, you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for the darker side of The Holy City. This crypts and catacombs tour reveals the eerie beauty and hidden history of Rome, offering an unforgettable evening exploration.
Why travelers choose this experience
- Embark on a guided 2.5hour night tour through Rome’s eerie underground sites
- Explore the Capuchin Crypts, adorned with bone art from 4,000 monks
- Visit the Priscilla Catacombs, home to ancient burial chambers and early Christian frescoes
- See the earliest depiction of the Virgin Mary in the catacombs
- Enjoy comfortable coach travel and insights from an expert guide
- Enjoy the included audio guide at the Capuchin Crypts
Your day, step by step
Rome
Sightseeing at Capuchin Crypt.
Rome
Sightseeing at Catacombs of Priscilla.
Rome
City/Town Tour.
Before you go
Included
Expert English-speaking Tour Guide Entrance Ticket to the Capuchin Crypts Entrance Ticket to the Priscilla Catacombs Round-trip Transport in State-of-the-art Coach Audio guided visit of the Capuchin Crypts
Not Included
Gratuities Hotel pick-up/drop-off
What to Bring
Entrance into churches requires a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. City Wonders cannot be held responsible for refused entry due to improper dress. This tour is not recommended for people who suffer from claustrophobia or who are uncomfortable in small spaces. Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world, making certain sites extremely busy in high season. Careful planning limits our exposure to crowds, but please be aware that some locations may be unavoidably busy during standard hours.
Meeting & Pickup
In the center of Piazza Barberini, by the large Triton (Tritone) fountain. Piazza Barberini is located at the metro stop “Barberini” on metro line A (red line).
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Automatic
What travelers are saying
This was a great tour, the catacombs guide was fantastic!
They loved it
Great guides, and really good tours
Guide was very good and explained a lot of history of the crypts and catacombs.
Love accessing the crypts at the monastery. Our tour guide was fabulous. Additionally, a nun who lives at monastery above crypts provided the below ground tour. Fascinating!
Our guide was great. I don't feel like we had enough time in the crypts but I also wasn't expecting the crypts "museum" portion to be so large. The catacombs were AMAZING! Rome's best kept secret!