Crypts, Bones & Catacombs: An Underground Tour of Rome

See a darker—yet equally fascinating—side of Rome on a catacombs tour.

Rome's ancient streets are lined with thousands of years of history, both above and below ground level. On this expert-led Roman catacombs tour, you'll venture beneath the surface to explore the city's mysterious yet enchanting underworld. You'll be happy to be in the company of an expert guide to unpack the history of early Christians in Rome.

Witness Rome's strangest sight: a crypt decorated with skulls and bones.

Begin your Roman catacombs tour at one of the eeriest places in the city—a cemetery literally built from bones! Underneath a church in the center of Rome, you'll find a crypt decorated with the remains of some thousands skeletons dating as far back as the 16th century. During this exclusive visit just for Walks of Italy guests, you and your small group will be escorted by a nun into the crypt. For kids, it’s a fascinating lesson in anatomy, and for adults, a moving reminder of what we’ll all become. As you'll learn from your guide, this unique site wasn't intended to be a morbid one. After they give you the lay of the land, you'll have time to explore this fascinating burial ground at your own pace without anyone else around except your small group.

Board a comfortable private minibus and make your way to Rome's fascinating catacombs.

Next, your tour continues at the Roman catacombs via private bus transport. Following in the footsteps of the ancient Romans, you'll then drive along the famous Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)—a road dating back all the way to circa 300 B.C. There are miles of ancient Christian catacombs under Rome, and we'll take you on an underground journey to discover the birthplace and deathplace of these early believers. For a more unique and comprehensive experience, your group will be small to ensure you can hear your expert Catacombs guide at all times.

Your Rome catacombs tour will transport you beneath the surface of the city—and thousands of years back in time.

With comfortable, air-conditioned transport throughout, you won’t have to worry about coordinating metros, buses, or other means of transportation from one site to the next. Our guides are handpicked not just for their knowledge, but also their enthusiasm and engagement, so they’ll be happy to answer any questions you can throw at them. Join us as we peel back the many layers of Rome, uncovering secret stories of Christian persecution, unconventional religious practices, and the multi-layered history of the city on this unforgettable Roman catacombs tour.

Please note that this description is an example and your experience may vary depending on the season, day of the week, and group size. Regardless of where your tour goes, you always have an excellent experience.