Catacombs of Rome: Tickets, Hours, and Tips for Visitors

Rome’s catacombs offer a journey into the ancient world, revealing early Christian burial sites and hidden history. Explore the famous St. Sebastian and St. Callixtus Catacombs, the sprawling Domitilla, the serene Catacomb of St. Agnes, and the art-rich Catacombs of Priscilla.

The Catacombs of Rome are ancient underground burial sites used by Pagans, Christians, and Jews from the 2nd to 5th centuries.

These eerie tunnels, once home to relics of martyrs and saints, also served as places of worship for early Christians during the Roman persecution.

Located on the city’s outskirts, the Roman Catacombs offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s hidden past, where art and history commingle in harmony.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Catacombs of Rome, including ticket options, hours, and essential tips for your trip.

Top Tickets

# St Sebastian Catacombs Guided Tour
# Guided Tour of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus
# Domitilla Catacombs Guided Tour
# Guided Tour of the Catacomb of St. Agnes
# Catacombs of Priscilla Guided Tour

It’s highly recommended to book your Catacombs of Rome 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 Rome offer you a glimpse into a hidden part of Rome’s history, showcasing ancient underground burial sites used by Pagans, Christians, and Jews

You can explore the five public catacombs of San Sebastiano, San Callisto, Priscilla, Domitilla, and St. Agnes, with San Sebastiano and San Callisto being the most popular

It’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly, ensuring you don’t miss out on the same

Be sure to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. Also, don’t forget to bring a jacket since the catacombs are cool all year round

The Catacombs of Rome are spread over 400 miles (600 kilometers) and contain over 500,000 individuals, including pagans, Jews, and early Christian martyrs, including St. Peter and St. Paul, and other noble figures.

What’s ahead

What to wear to the Catacombs

How many Catacombs are in Rome

Archeologists have unearthed more than 60 catacombs under the city of Rome. 

These run into hundreds of kilometers of underground tunnels with thousands of tombs—mostly ordinary folks and some Popes and Martyrs, all jostling for space. 

Of these, only five catacombs are open to the public now. They are – 

San Sebastiano’s and San Callisto’s Catacombs are the most popular of these five.

That’s why more than 80 percent of the Roman Catacombs tours take you to these two sites. 

Visitors can’t explore these underground burial sites by themselves. 

Everyone must book guided tours of these catacombs, which usually last 30 to 40 minutes. 

Related: Discover ancient Rome and its violent past with this Colosseum ticket

Catacombs of San Sebastiano

Sebastino CatacombsPin
Image: Madeoftuscany.it

San Sebastian catacombs are one of the world’s first underground burial sites. 

The Catacombs of San Sebastian runs along the first 6 km (4 miles) stretch of Via Appia.

This 12-kilometer (7.5 km) long catacombs owe their name to St. Sebastian, a soldier who was martyred for converting to Christianity. 

Tours of San Sebastiano Catacombs

The Catacombs of San Sebastiano organize guided tours in English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish.

Buying the tickets at the venue will cost you €8 for adults 17 years and above. 

Kids aged seven to 16 years, students with valid ID cards, and priests get a €3 discount and pay only €5 to enter. 

Most users book tours that include transport from the city and visits to nearby attractions.

Tours
St Sebastian Catacombs Guided Tour
Catacombs and Roman Countryside
Private tour of the Catacombs of Rome
Catacombs tour for cruise passengers

How to reach

The Catacombs of San Sebastian is next to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus on the Appian Way.

You can board Bus Route 118 From Colosseo or Circo Massimo metro station on Line B to get to the San Sebastian Catacombs.

Or you can board bus route 218 From San Giovanni station on Line A.

Opening hours

The San Sebastiano Catacombs are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and the last entry is at 4.30 pm.

The Catacombs remain closed on 25 December, 1 January, and Easter Day.

The Catacombs of Rome aren’t the largest catacombs in the world. That distinction goes to the Catacombs of Paris: It is estimated to contain the mortal remains of more than 6 million people!


Recommended


Catacombs of San Callisto

Crypt of PopesPin
Crypt of the Popes at Callixtus Catacombs. Image: Dnalor 01, Wikipedia

The Catacombs of San Callisto are also known as the Catacombs of Callixtus. It is a network of 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) of underground passageways. 

These Catacombs were the official cemetery of the Church of Rome in the 3rd century AD.

St Callixtus Catacombs on the Appian Way is the final resting place of half a million Christians, including 16 Popes. 

Tours of Callixtus Catacombs

The guided tours at the Catacombs of St. Callixtus in Rome begin every 60 minutes and take around 30 minutes to complete.

The catacombs can only be visited in groups of at least two persons, accompanied by guides. 

When you purchase at the venue, the entry tickets to St. Callixtus Catacombs cost €8 for adults 17 years and above. 

Kids aged seven to 16 years, students with valid ID cards, and priests get a €3 discount and pay only €5 to enter. 

Since visitors can explore St. Callixtus Catacombs in 45 minutes, tours usually include nearby attractions like the Appian Way, Capuchin Crypt, Roman Aqueducts, etc. 

Tours
Guided tour of Callixtus Catacombs
Tour of Callixtus Catacombs with transport
Catacombs of Callixtus + Appian Way
Catacombs + Capuchin Crypt + Roman Aqueducts

How to reach

Visitors can board Metro A (towards Anagnina) from Termini station and get off at San Giovanni (in Laterano). 

From there, get to bus number 218 (towards Ardeatina) and get off at the Fosse Ardeatine stop.

The catacombs are a quick walk from the bus stop.

Metro A train going towards Anagnina can drop you at Arco di Travertino station, from where you can board bus number 660 and get down at the Appia Pignatelli/Appia Antica bus stop.

From the stop, the attraction is less than 300 meters (950 feet). 

Opening hours

The Catacombs of St. Callixtus are open from Thursday to Tuesday.

They open at 9 am and close at noon. After a 2-hour break, the Catacombs re-open at 2 pm and close for the day at 5 pm. 

The tourist attraction along the Appian Way remains closed on Wednesday. 

The final guided tour in the morning begins at noon, and the last guided tour is at 5 pm.

The attraction remains closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, and Christmas.

Catacombs of Priscilla

Priscilla CatacombsPin
Image: Biblicalarchaeology.org

The Catacombs of Priscilla are located on the Via Salaria, an ancient road leading north out of Rome.

Its main draw is the Cappella Greca (Greek Chapel) and the intricate frescoes featuring women.

These frescoes hold great importance for art and religious history. For instance, it has the first representations of the Virgin Mary breastfeeding baby Jesus.

These underground pathways hold at least 40,000 tombs, including the tombs of seven popes.

Priscilla Catacomb tickets

Visitors can purchase tickets to the Priscilla Catacombs online or at the venue. 

For adults 17 years and above, the catacomb tickets are priced at €8.

Kids aged seven to 16 years, students with valid ID cards, and priests get a €3 discount and pay only €5 to enter. 

Buy This Ticket

How to reach

The Catacombs of Priscilla are at Salaria, 430. 

S. Agnese Annibaliano station and Libia station, served by Line B, are closest to the Priscilla Catacombs. 

Both subway stations are around a kilometer (0.6 miles) from the attraction, and you can walk the distance in less than 15 minutes. 

If you prefer a bus, board Lines 63 and 83 from the city center or Lines 92 and 310 from Roma Termini.

Opening hours

The Catacombs of Priscilla are open from 10 am to 4 pm, from Tuesday to Sunday.

They remain closed on Mondays.

The last guided tour in the morning starts at 11.30 am, and the evening’s last guided tour starts at 4.30 pm.

The guided tour lasts 45 minutes.

Catacombs of Domitilla

Domitilla CatacombsPin
The Last Supper at Catacombs of Domitilla. Image: Wga.hu

Domitilla Catacombs is one of the largest and most ancient underground cemeteries, and it gets its name from Flavia Domitilla, who initially ordered the site’s creation. 

Flavia Domitilla was the granddaughter of emperor Vespasian (builder of the Colosseum), who had converted to Christianity and, as a result, was exiled.

Saint Domitilla Catacombs are 16 meters (52 feet) underground and 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) long. 

It has more than 26,000 tombs and, unlike other Roman catacombs, still has human remains.

Domitilla Catacomb tickets

Visitors can purchase guided tour tickets to the Catacombs of St Domitilla at the venue. 

For adults 17 years and above, the entry tickets are priced at €15.

Kids aged seven to 16 years and students with valid ID cards pay a discounted price of €12 for their admission.

Buy This Ticket

How to reach

The Catacombs of Domitilla are on the southern outskirts of Rome on Via delle Sette Chiese, 282. 

You can take bus number 714 from Termini station and get off at Navigatori bus stop.

From the stop, the ancient burial place is a brisk ten-minute walk. 

Bus number 716 from Piazza Venezia in the city center and bus number 218 from San Giovanni metro station can also drop you closer to the Catacombs. 

Opening hours

The Catacombs of Domitilla are open from 9 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm, from Wednesday to Monday.

They remain closed on Tuesdays.

The last guided tour starts 20 minutes before the closing hours in the morning and afternoon.

Catacomb of St. Agnes

St.Agnes CatacombsPin
Image: Wikipedia

The Catacomb of St. Agnes has three levels and is divided into four regions. 

Saint Agnes was buried in these catacombs after becoming a martyr due to her Christian faith. 

Agnes died at just twelve years of age and underwent tremendous torments before she was murdered. 

Because of how she died for her devotion to Jesus, Agnes became an influential figure immediately after her martyrdom. 

The Byzantine Basilica, built right above her tomb, is dedicated in her memory.

Saint Agnes Catacomb tickets

Official guides lead tours of Saint Agnes Catacombs, and visitors can purchase tickets at the venue to join the group. 

For adults 17 years and above, the tour tickets are priced at €15.

Kids aged seven to 16 and students with valid ID cards pay a discounted €12 entry fee. 

Buy This Ticket

How to reach

The Catacomb of Saint Agnes is at the second mile via Nomentana.

You can board the number 60 Express bus from Piazza Venezia in the city center or Line 90 from the Rome Termini station.

You must get down at the Nomentana/XXI Aprile bus stop, just 250 meters (800 feet) from Saint Agnes Catacombs.

If you prefer the Metro, board the B1 train and get down at St. Agnese/Annibaliano, 400 meters (1300 feet) from the Catacombs.

Opening hours

The Catacombs of Saint Agnes is open from 9 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm, from Thursday to Saturday.

On Sundays, the Catacombs open at 3 pm and close at 6 pm.

The attraction remains closed on 1 January, Easter, 15 August, Christmas, and the morning of religious holidays.

What to wear to the Catacombs in Rome

Catacombs, anywhere in the world, are considered holy places and worship sites as they contain the mortal remains of saints and renowned people.

Here are some dos and don’ts when visiting the Catacombs of Rome:

  • Visitors must dress appropriately when visiting these sites of reverence. Both men and women should avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless tops
  • If you plan to wear a skirt or trousers, please ensure it is below knee level
  • Don’t forget to carry a jacket as the temperature inside these catacombs hovers around 16°C (60°F)
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Researched & written by
Jamshed is a versatile traveler, equally drawn to the vibrant energy of city escapes and the peaceful solitude of remote getaways. On some trips, he indulges in resort hopping, while on others, he spends little time in his accommodation, fully immersing himself in the destination. A passionate foodie, Jamshed delights in exploring local cuisines, with a particular love for flavorful non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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