Explore the Callixtus Catacombs, one of ancient Rome’s most significant burial sites.
As the resting place of over 500,000 Christians, including 16 Popes, these catacombs offer a unique glimpse into early Christian history.
Wander through the maze of underground tunnels and marvel at the frescoes and inscriptions that tell the stories of faith from centuries past.
This article covers everything you must know before buying tickets to the Catacombs of Callixtus.
Top Tickets
# Guided tour of Callixtus Catacombs
# Guided tour of Callixtus Catacombs + shuttle
# Catacombs and Capuchin Crypt Guided Tour with TransferIt’s highly recommended to book your Callixtus Catacombs tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
Key takeaways
You can book tickets online or at the venue, but online tickets are cheaper and help avoid long queues
The Catacombs are a sacred site, so proper attire is required (no shorts or sleeveless tops), and photography is prohibited. Wheelchairs are not permitted due to the structure’s layout
The Catacombs are open Thursday to Tuesday, with guided tours lasting around 40-45 minutes. The site is closed on Wednesdays and major holidays like New Year’s Day and Christmas
The Catacombs are the burial site for early Christians, including nine popes. Key attractions include the Crypt of the Popes, the tomb of St. Cecilia, and the Cubicles of the Sacraments with ancient frescoes
What’s ahead
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Things to know before booking tickets
You can book tickets to the Catacombs of Callixtus online or at the attraction. If you arrive at the venue to buy tickets, you must line up at the counter, which can get long, especially during peak times. Online tickets for the Callixtus Catacombs are usually cheaper and ensure you get your preferred time slot, helping you avoid last-minute disappointments when tickets sell out. After booking, your tickets will be emailed to you, and there’s no need for printouts. You can exchange your e-voucher on your smartphone at the ticket counter when you visit the attraction.
Tickets for Catacombs of Callixtus
There are many ways to experience San Calisto Catacombs in Rome.
You can book the standard guided tour and reach the attraction yourself or opt for a tour of the catacombs with a shuttle.
Visitors who want to know the region better opt for the Catacombs and Capuchin Crypt Guided Tour with Transfer.
Guided tour of Callixtus Catacombs
This is the cheapest way to explore San Calisto Catacombs in Rome.
The guide takes you through the immense underground cemetery excavated by the Christians of Rome from the 3rd to the 5th century AD and narrates stories of the tragic persecution of Christians.
While booking these tickets, you must select a time of arrival.
Ticket Prices
Adult (17+ years): €16
Youth (7 to 16 years): €12
Infant (up to 6 years): Free
Recommended
Guided tour of Callixtus Catacombs + shuttle
This tour starts at 9.30 am, 10.30 am, and 1.45 pm—from the Touristation’s office at Piazza Venezia.
Once your tickets are checked, the staff will guide you to the van that will transport you to the catacombs and back after the tour.
This tour includes the shuttle, a guided tour of the Roman Catacombs, and a free 25-minute Ancient Rome multimedia video.
This tour is available in English, German, Italian, and French.
Ticket Prices
Adult (16+ years): €54
Youth (6 to 15 years): €42
Infant (up to 5 years): Free
The catacombs stretch over an area of 20 kilometers and reach a depth of four levels. It is estimated that over half a million bodies were buried in these underground tunnels during their active use.
Catacombs and Capuchin Crypt Guided Tour with Transfer
This 3-hour tour lets you uncover what lies below the surface and discover three of Rome’s most significant archeological sites: the Capuchin Crypts, the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, and the Appian Way.
Enjoy the convenience of skip-the-line access and air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour.
To begin your tour, visit the Capuchin Crypt, where your guide will tell you about the amazing history of the people thought to be the Capuchin Friars.
Before entering the vast subterranean catacombs, visit the Catacombs of St. Callixtus and take in the cemeteries from the main floor.
On your way back to Rome, stop by the spectacular Aurelian Wall and walk down the Appian Way, a major artery during the Roman Empire’s reign.
The tour is available at 10 am and 2.45 pm.
Ticket Prices
Adult (18+ years): €78
Child (7 to 17 years): €69
Infant (up to 6 years): €33
If money isn’t an issue, but you would prefer some customization, check out the private tour of the Catacombs and Appian Way.
Catacombs + Capuchin Crypt + Roman Aqueducts
This trip is a complete tour of the city’s countryside. It includes three attractions—the labyrinthine Roman Catacombs, the Capuchin Crypt, locally known as the ‘Bone Chapel,’ and the Roman Aqueducts.
You move between these attractions in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Your English-speaking guide will be with you throughout the 3 hours and 25 minutes of the tour.
Ticket Prices
Adult (15+ years): €74
Child (2 to 14 years): €69
Infant (up to 1 year): Free
Frequently asked questions
Here are some questions tourists ask before purchasing their tickets for the Catacombs of St. Callixtus in Rome.
Do the Catacombs offer free tickets?
Entry to the attraction is free for children aged six years and younger, disabled persons (>74%) and their carers, students from the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeology, Salesian brothers of Don Bosco and sisters of Mary, Help of Christians, professors/ teachers/ catechists accompanying groups of minors (one free ticket for every 15 paying visitors), licensed tour guides with proof of eligibility, and researchers who, certifying the object of their research, make a specific request to the Pontifical Commission of Sacred Archaeology. Callixtus Catacombs allows two complimentary admissions for groups of at least 35 persons paying the standard admission fee.
Can I buy tickets at the venue?
Yes, tickets are available at the venue’s ticket office. However, the attraction gives preference to groups with reservations over walk-in visitors without reservations. Additionally, popular timeslots may sell out due to high demand, so getting them online in advance is better.
Do we need to print online tickets?
Visitors can present their tickets on mobile devices, but printed tickets are also accepted at the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus. You can show the voucher on your mobile at the ticket office, and you’ll be directed to your guide.
What is the arrival time of the Catacombs?
When you book the attraction’s tickets, you must select a preferred time of visit. Keeping security checks in mind, you must arrive at least 10 minutes ahead of your visit time.
What is the Catacombs’ late arrival policy?
Entry to the attraction at an alternative slot is not possible if you miss your scheduled slot.
Do the Callixtus Catacombs offer discounts for locals?
The attraction offers discounted admission to children aged between seven and 16 years, school groups from Elementary through High School, students of Archaeology, Architecture, Art History, and Cultural Studies up to 25 years of age, and Priests, Religious, Seminarians, and Novices upon presentation of proof of eligibility.
Do the Catacombs offer a student discount and military discounts?
Yes, the attraction offers student discounts to students of Archaeology, Architecture, Art History, and Cultural Studies up to 25 years of age, with proof of eligibility. However, they do not offer any military discounts.
Does Rome City Pass include access to the attraction?
Yes, the Rome City Pass is a cost-effective option to explore over 40 top Rome attractions and enjoy local tours (including a guided tour of the Catacombs of Callixtus).
What is the Catacombs of St. Callixtus‘ refund policy?
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before your visit for a full refund.
How to reschedule the Catacombs‘ ticket?
The attraction does not allow you to change the date and time of your visit under any circumstances.
What is the Catacombs’ rain policy?
The attraction is an all-weather experience, so all tickets are final.
Are there any restrictions or guidelines for visitors?
Following are the guidelines visitors need to follow:
-Visitors are required to keep the admission ticket for the entire visit.
-Wheelchairs are not permitted in the catacombs due to the monument’s architectural barriers.
-Do not visit the catacombs if you are claustrophobic.
-Touching and/or damaging the exhibits is forbidden.
-Removing any object and/or material from the catacombs is forbidden.
-Taking pictures and/or videos inside the catacombs is forbidden.
-Smoking is forbidden inside the catacombs.
Do I need a guided tour to visit the Catacombs of Callixtus?
Guided tours are recommended to explore the catacombs, as self-guided tours aren’t allowed. Guided tours provide valuable insights into the history and significance of the site.
These catacombs are named after Pope Callixtus I, who served as a deacon and later Pope in the 3rd century. Pope Zephyrinus appointed him to manage the burial grounds, making them one of the first official Christian cemeteries in Rome.
Opening hours
From Thursday to Tuesday, the Catacombs of St. Callixtus opens at 9 am and closes at noon.
After a 2-hour break, the Catacombs re-open at 2 pm and close for the day at 5 pm.
The final guided tour in the morning begins at noon, and the last guided tour in the afternoon starts at 5 pm.
The tourist attraction along the Appian Way remains closed on Wednesday.
The Catacombs also remain closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, and Christmas.
How long does the tour take
The guided tours at the Catacombs of St. Callixtus in Rome take around 40 minutes to complete.
The catacombs can only be visited in groups of at least two persons, accompanied by guides.
Since self-guided tours are not allowed, all visitors leave the underground burial site in 40-45 minutes.
What to wear to San Calisto Catacombs
San Calisto Catacomb is considered a holy place and site of worship.
Visitors must dress up appropriately. No shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed for either men or women.
Ladies must cover their shoulders. If you plan to wear a skirt or trousers, please ensure they are below knee level.
Rome has around 60 Catacombs, five of which are most popular with tourists. Learn everything about the Catacombs of Rome.
What to see at Catacombs
The Catacombs have an exciting history—from their origin to their decline and rediscovery in the modern era.
With so much to see, they are a great way to understand the life and times of the Christians living in Rome.
Crypt of the Popes
The Popes’ crypt is the cemetery’s most important and revered crypt.
It is also known as the ‘The Little Vatican’ because it was the official burial place of nine popes of Rome’s 3rd century Church.
Crypt of St. Cecilia
In the adjoining crypt is the tomb of St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music.
She belonged to a Roman royal family and was martyred in the 3rd century.
Her remains were in the crypt for at least five centuries, but in 821, they were sent to Trastevere to be preserved in the Basilica dedicated to her.
Visitors can see a statue of St. Cecilia, a copy of the celebrated work sculptured by Stefano Maderno in 1599.
Cubicles of the sacraments
The five small chambers are commonly known as the cubicles of the Sacraments and are famous for their frescoes.
Visitors love these frescoes, which date back to the third century.
Pope Melziades’ area
Through an open passage in the back wall of Cubicle A1, visitors can enter the area of St. Miltiades, where he is buried.
This space assumes significance because, during his pontificate, Emperor Constantine the Great issued the Edict of Milan, giving Christianity legal status within Rome.
How to reach
The Catacombs of St. Callixtus are between the Church of Quo Vadis and the Basilica of Saint Sebastian.
Address: Via Appia Antica, 110/126, 00179 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions
It is best to get to these Roman Catacombs by public transport or the vehicle offered by your tour operator.
There are many ways to get to Callixtus from Roma Termini, the central railway station of Rome.
By Metro A Line
You can board Metro A (towards Anagnina) from Termini station and get down at San Giovanni (in Laterano).
From just outside San Giovanni station, board bus number 218 (towards Ardeatina) and get off at the Fosse Ardeatine stop.
The catacombs are a quick walk from the bus stop.
You can also board the Metro A train (towards Anagnina) and get off at Arco di Travertino station.
From Arco di Travertino, take bus number 660 and get off at the Appia Pignatelli/Appia Antica bus stop.
From the stop, the attraction is less than 300 meters (950 feet).
By Metro B Line
Visitors can board Metro B (towards Laurentina) from Termini station and get down at either Colosseo station or Circo Massimo station.
Then, board bus number 118 (towards Appia/Villa Dei Quintili) and get down at Catacombe di San Callisto’s entrance.
By Bus
If you want to avoid the subway, you can board bus number 714 and get off at the Navigatori bus stop.
If you stick to the Via delle Sette Chiese, you will reach San Calisto Catacombs after a 1 km (.6 mile) walk.
If that was too much to plan, book a tour to the Catacombs of St Callixtus and let someone else worry about the transport.
By Car
If you’re traveling by car, turn on your Google Maps and get started.
There are enough parking garages around the attraction.
