The Catacombs of Priscilla is a vast underground complex of 2nd- and 5th-century tombs and burial chambers renowned for their well-preserved Old and New Testament frescoes.
Named after Priscilla, the wife of consul Manius Acilius Glabrio, the catacombs span three levels, with the lower levels containing the most ancient tombs.
Visitors can explore the site through guided tours, witnessing early Christian symbols like the fish and the lamb, as these catacombs represent one of Rome’s oldest and most important Christian burial sites.
This article covers everything you must know before booking Catacombs of Priscilla tickets.
Top Tickets
# Guided tour of the Catacombs of Priscilla
# Roma PassIt’s highly recommended to book your Catacombs of Priscilla 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
The Catacombs of Priscilla span over 13 kilometers, where you’ll find 40,000 burials, including those of seven popes and many Christian martyrs
It features stunning frescoes, including the earliest known image of the Virgin Mary with Child
The crypt contains the famous “Greek Chapel,” where you’ll find the much-debated Fractio Panis, which some scholars believe portrays women sharing in the Eucharist
To make the most of your visit, it’s best to go early in the morning to avoid crowds, and booking your tickets online ensures you secure your preferred time.
What’s ahead
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Things to know before booking tickets
You can book tickets to the Catacombs of Priscilla either online or at the venue. However, we advise you to purchase your ticket online to avoid long lines and last-minute disappointment, especially during peak times. Online tickets are often cheaper, and booking in advance lets you choose your preferred time slot. Once purchased, you’ll receive an e-ticket via email—there is no need to take a printout. Simply show your e-ticket at the ticket office on the day of your visit, and you’ll be directed to your guide.
The Catacombs of Priscilla have an unusually high number of popes and martyrs, which is why they are called ‘Regina Catacumbarum,’ or the queen of the catacombs.
Guided tour of the Catacombs of Priscilla
Explore an underground matrix once used to bury the dead.
Your online ticket will provide you with an entrance to the Catacombs and a 45-minute guided tour.
The expert guides will provide information about the history of the catacombs and the early Christian community.
The tours are usually in English, Italian, and Spanish.
Ticket prices
Adult (17+ years): €15
Child (7 to 16 years): €12
Kids (up to 7 years): Free
Recommended
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Buy the Roma Pass and visit one or two of Rome’s top attractions with access to public transport. Choose either a 48-hour or a 72-hour pass and get direct entry into the city’s famous gems.
Catacombs Guided Tour + Piazza Navona
Do you want to maximize your experience with a pragmatic lineup of must-sees? Then, this ticket is just for you!
The Stadium of Domitian, underneath Piazza Navona, is Rome’s first venue for competitive athletics.
This underground Roman building is crammed with history as it once hosted gladiator games after a fire at the Colosseum.
Once you have collected the ticket from the ticket office, you will be provided with a physical guide who will accompany you.
The Stadium of Domitian opens from 10 am to 7 pm, Sunday to Friday.
On Saturday, the attraction opens from 10 am to 8 pm.
After visiting the stadium, head to the Catacombs of Priscilla and learn about this attraction’s excavations and complex system of tunnels and cubicles structured on different floors.
Ticket Cost: €24 (per person)
Buy This TicketRelated: Discover ancient Rome and its violent past with this Colosseum ticket
Frequently asked questions
Here are some questions tourists frequently ask before purchasing their Catacombs of Priscilla tickets.
Does the attraction offer free tickets?
Yes, entry to the attraction is free for children aged seven years and younger, as well as for people with disabilities and their carers.
Can I buy tickets at the venue?
Yes, tickets are available at the venue’s ticket office. However, due to high demand, the most popular timeslots may sell out. Thus, it is wise to get them online in advance.
Do we need to print online tickets?
Not really. Visitors can present their tickets on mobile devices, and once shown at the Catacombs ticket office, you’ll be directed to your guide.
What is the attraction’s arrival time?
When you book the attraction’s tickets, you must select a preferred time of visit. Keeping the security check-in mind, we recommend arriving at least 15 minutes ahead of your visit time.
What is the venue’s late arrival policy?
If you miss your time slot, the attraction’s authorities may try accommodating your entry in the next slot. However, the slots are often full due to the high demand for the tour and the limited number of slots.
Does the Catacombs of Priscilla offer discounts?
Locals and students can pay a discounted fare to enter the Catacombs. However, military personnel are not offered such fee reductions.
What is the Catacombs of Priscilla’s refund policy?
If you select a refundable ticket during checkout, you can cancel your ticket until 11.59 pm on the day 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 age restrictions for visitors?
There might not be specific age restrictions, but the catacombs’ environment, including stairs and narrow passages, might not be suitable for young children or individuals with mobility issues.
Related: Explore St. Peter’s Basilica’s Vatican Grottoes and Tomb of Popes
Timings
The Catacombs of Priscilla opens from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
While booking tickets, you can pick a timeslot and language that suits your schedule the best.
This guided tour of the Catacombs lasts 45 minutes.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Catacombs of Priscilla would be as soon as it opens in the mornings at 10 am.
When the Catacombs open in the morning, the crowds are usually less, and you have ample time to see and enjoy the intricacies of these burial sites.
Moreover, it would be best to visit during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
Avoid visiting during the summer when it can be hot and crowded or during the winter when the catacombs are closed due to inclement weather.
What not to miss at Priscilla Catacombs
Here’s what you ought not to miss when visiting the Catacombs of Priscilla:
- The frescoes depicting scenes from the Old and New Testament
- The tomb of Saint Cecilia, a martyr of the early Christian church
- The Chapel of the Madonna and the Saints
- The tomb of the ‘Two Brothers’
- The Greek, Latin, and Hebrew inscriptions and graffiti on the walls provide insight into the lives of the early Christians buried there
Know before you go
All set to visit the Catacombs of Priscilla? Here are a few things to keep in mind when you tour the catacombs:
- No photos or videos are allowed in the Catacombs
- Visitors should be prepared for cramped places and low illumination
- Remember that the Catacombs are a sacred place; dress modestly and respect graves and objects
- Wear appropriate clothing, as the Catacombs’ temperature is around 13 degrees
- There are certain restrictions for visitors with disabilities due to the unique nature of the attraction.
- Wear comfortable footwear to handle the catacombs’ aged and often uneven floors.
How to reach
The Catacombs of Priscilla is located at Via Salaria in Rome.
Address: Via Salaria, 430, 00199 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions.
The most convenient way to reach this attraction is by car or local public transportation.
By Bus
The nearest bus stop is Priscilla (available buses: 63, 92, 310, n92). It is 350 meters (1148 feet) from the attraction, making it a 2-minute walk to the Catacombs.
Another bus stop is Nemorense/Acilia (available buses: 63, 83, 92, 310, n92), which is about 600 meters (.37 miles) from the attraction.
By Car
If you are coming by car, turn on your Google Maps and get started.
There are multiple parking garages around the attraction.
