Catacombs of Domitilla and Capuchin Crypt Guided Tour with Transfers

Uncover the secrets beneath Rome

Your journey begins in Rome, where you'll board a panoramic bus for the Catacombs of Domitilla. Descend into this ancient complex, the oldest and largest in Rome, and discover a network of tunnels adorned with frescoes and Christian symbols. Your expert guide will bring the past to life, sharing stories of the early Christian community who found refuge and faith within these underground walls. If you visit on a Tuesday, you'll visit the Catacombs of St. Callixtus instead. It's the most extensive network of its kind and the final resting place of nine popes!

The bone chapels of the Capuchins

Your final stop is the Museum & Crypt of the Capuchin Friars, featuring Caravaggio’s iconic painting of St. Francis and artifacts showcasing the order’s global charitable efforts. At the museum's rear, the Capuchin Crypts hold the remains of 4,000 friars, their bones meticulously arranged in the European memento mori tradition, offering a poignant reminder of mortality. Explore the unique chapels at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide and reflect on the Capuchins' beliefs about death and the afterlife.

Catacombs of Domitilla and Capuchin Crypt Guided Tour with Transfers

Discover the Catacombs of Domitilla, one of Rome’s largest underground burial sites, on this half-day sightseeing tour that includes guided visits to both the Catacombs of Domitilla and the Capuchin Crypt. This tour offers a seamless experience with pre-arranged transfers to these far-flung yet historically significant landmarks. Explore the ancient Catacombs of Domitilla, covering over 12 kilometers of tunnels dating back to the second century AD, where you will see frescoed tombs and underground basilicas. The Catacombs of San Callisto (available on Tuesdays only) are also part of this tour, featuring more than 50 miles of catacombs with numerous burial chambers and early Christian artwork. Additionally, visit the eerie Capuchin Crypt, where the bones of around 4,000 friars create haunting memento mori artwork, brought to life through an immersive audio guide in multiple languages including English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, and Russian. The tour duration is approximately four hours with a focus on detailed guided tours at each site.

Explore the Catacombs of Domitilla

Your tour stops at the Catacombs of Domitilla where you will delve into one of Rome’s largest underground burial sites, established in the second century AD and covering over 12 kilometers of tunnels. This extensive network includes numerous frescoed tombs and an underground basilica that has been preserved remarkably well since its construction around 160 AD. The Catacombs of Domitilla are unique for their extensive collection of early Christian burial sites, which include the tomb of St. Nereus and Achilleus, martyrs from the third century AD. Visitors spend approximately one hour exploring these catacombs with a knowledgeable guide who provides insights into the history and significance of each site. The Catacombs of Domitilla matter to this tour because they offer a glimpse into early Christian burial practices and the artistic expressions that accompanied them.

Discover the Capuchin Crypt

The tour takes you next to the Capuchin Crypt, an eerie yet fascinating landmark where the bones of approximately 4,000 friars create haunting memento mori artwork. This crypt was established in the late sixteenth century and serves as a stark reminder of mortality through its intricate bone decorations that include chandeliers, crosses, and even a clock made entirely from human remains. The immersive audio guide enhances your experience by providing historical context about each section of the Crypt, which is open to visitors year-round. Guests spend around 30 minutes here exploring the various chambers and understanding the unique way in which these bones are arranged to convey religious messages.

Tour Highlights

• Skip stress with pre-arranged transfers
• Venture into ancient Catacombs of Domitilla or St. Callixtus (Tuesdays only)
• Discover frescoed tombs and underground basilicas in catacombs
• Explore eerie Capuchin Crypt with bones of 4,000 friars
• Immersive audio guide available in multiple languages including English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, and Russian
• Detailed guided tours at each site ensuring a comprehensive understanding of history
• Seamless experience from start to finish with no need for navigation

Perfect for history enthusiasts, religious scholars, and tourists interested in ancient Rome’s hidden treasures, this half-day sightseeing tour provides an unparalleled insight into early Christian burial practices and the artistic expressions that accompanied them. The guided visits at each site allow you to explore the Catacombs of Domitilla, delve into the eerie Capuchin Crypt, and appreciate the historical significance of these landmarks while enjoying seamless transfers between locations.