Not recommended if you are sever claustrophobia. All passageways are easy walk about. Moist down there. They have air pumped in. I was disappointed that we didn't get to see a lot of early Christian artwork, but we did get to see some. No pictures are allowed inside, so if all you want to do is take pictures, this may not be for you. Great for a hot day. Cool to see. Even my mother-in-law thought they were cool and she didn't want to go see a "creepy underground cemetery".
Written May 19, 2011
We visited San Sebastian church after visiting the catacombs of Callistus but we just saw the church here as there was a mass taking place and they didn’t allow tours at the catacombs. The church was built in 13th century on ancient remains but it was rebuilt in 1933. We stayed for a while at the back seats trying not to disturb the people that were there for the mass.
There used to be four floors of catacombs. San Sebastian catacomb was one of the smallest Christian cemeteries in the general area.
The catacombs are open 9.00-12.00 and 14.00-17.00 daily except Sunday)
the entrance fee is 7 euro that includes a tour with a guide.
Written Mar 21, 2011
Address: Via Appia Antica, 00179 Roma
The catacombs of Rome are the places were early Christians were buried (but also jewish and others) here between 1st and 5th century AD. It seem the soft rock under the ground (known as tuff) was perfect for tunneling. Not a nice place for people that are claustrophobic though all the others will enjoy a great place full of history!
There are about 60 ancient catacombs all over Rome but only 5 of them are open to the public. We decided to visit the most famous catacombs and that is the Catacombs of St Calixtus. We bought the tickets at the entrance and then they asked us what was our language, usually, they put you in a group with a guide that speaks this language (Italian and English, I’m not sure about other languages though). The tour guide was very helpful and gave us all the info we needed about the place. The tour lasted about 40’ and we were the only ones inside so it was a private tour for free :)
Unfortunately, they don’t allow photography inside so I just have pics from the general area and some scetches outside the catacombs that give you an idea how these underground burial chambers were.
Once inside we didn’t see any bones(it seems everything is removed) but don’t get disappointed that it’s a rip off because it’s not just slots carved into walls as many people describe! You can also see a lot of ancient drawings, letters, sacramental chapels of the 3rd century and learn a lot of things about the process. The burial niches were smaller than we were expected but that’s normal because the people were much shorter some centuries before. The catacombs are in different layers, a huge intricate network of passages(12km long!) that were hosting about 170,000 burials! Some of burials were for important people like the popes but also the martyr Santa Cecilia (there’s a copy of her statue here as her bones are in Trastevere).
The catacombs are open 9.00-12.00 and 14.00-17.00 daily except Wednesday).
The entrance fee is 8euro (5e reduced price)
Written Mar 21, 2011
Address: Via Appia Antica 110/126, 00179 Roma
Phone: 0039-065130151
Visting one of the 2 catacombs along the Appian Way is a must. We toured the Catacombs of San Sebastiano.
The tour took approximately 45 minutes and cost about 7 euros apiece. We had an English speaking guide and spent almost the entire time underground in the catacombs winding our way through well-lit paths.
The Catacombs are underground burial chambers where many christians were buried. The bodies (at least where the tour goes through) have been removed and relocated; however, you can see burial niches, sarcophagi, and ancient graphiti and drawings. In San Sebastiano, there was also a small underground christian alter where services were held during times of christian persecution. Supposedly, the bodies of Saints Peter and Paul were also kept here for a while.
I would be wary about taking this tour if you are claustrophobic and it is not appropriate for baby strollers.
Written Jan 24, 2009
Address: Via Appia Antica 136
Phone: 06-7850350
This church is not what it seems. Because below the church there are catacombs. Rome is built in layers over the centuries and streetlevel today is much higher than it was before. This church is built upon another church. Which you would now consider catacombs. But wait, below that lower church is a Roman house!
This tip is about the newest church, dating from the 12th century A.D. You can find a load of information about it in the link below.
What struck me about the church is that it feels real. Not touristy. There is a wall painting of St. Paul with a square halo. This is very unusual. Usually these are round. But square means 'alive'.
On a practical note: on entering the courtyard in front of the church, there is a toilet on your right hand side. Might just come in handy!
Written Dec 11, 2007
Address: Via Labicana 96, Roma
Website: www.basilicasanclemente.com
A big crowd puller are the Catacombs of San Callisto(Callixtus). The catacombs house the crypts and tombs of 47 Christian martyrs, known by name plus popes and reputedly the crypt of Saint Cecelia.
Open April - October:- 0830 -1200/1440-1730....November - March:-0830 - 1200/1430-1700
Closed every Wednesday.
Written Aug 24, 2007
Address: Via Appia Antica 110/126, Rome 00179
Phone: +39 65130 1580
If you are interested in the history of Rome and its place in the history of Europe as a whole, you can’t skip the catacombs. Prior to Charlemagne and Constantine, the government of Rome persecuted those who chose not to practice the religion of the state. Early Christians were one of these groups (which eventually gained enough following and power to take over the Empire). The Christians were forced to practice their faith in hiding, literally underground.
The catacombs are not just tombs, as many believe. These intricate tunnels were built to include chapels, meeting areas, dining rooms and places to sleep. Today, you can tour the various catacombs around the city.
We bought a ticket (5 euro) into the catacombs and scheduled an English speaking tour (there were numerous languages offered). After climbing down a narrow staircase of approximately 60 feet and walked single-file through the tunnels below. This catacomb was built in the 2nd century and covers and area of about 90 acres, with a network of galleries about 12 miles long, in four levels.
The tour itself lasted about an hour (and was a nice, cool break from the August heat). It was fascinating. I would highly suggest one of these tours to anyone who enjoys history, religious or otherwise.
Warning: Do not go in if you are claustrophobic. My mother freaked out and knocked over a young couple on her way up the stairs at the end of the tour
Updated Mar 19, 2007
Address: Via Appia Antica, 110/126 - 00179 ROMA
Phone: 0039 - 06 - 513 01 580
Website: http://www.catacombe.roma.it/welcome.html
I had queued for ages and then finally was allowed in the catacombs. It was one of the most haunting things I had ever done in my life. At the time Pope John Paul II (God rest his soul) had just passed away. His tomb lay there recently sealed with lillys lying upon it. Two nuns both from different places knelt weeping whilst other people just walked on. After seeing that I started to well up but didn't let it become visable. The catacombs are an enthrawling place, you must go.
Written Dec 29, 2006
Address: In the Vatican
We came out to the Catacombs with high expectations. They were quickly dashed, however, once we realized that they were closed for 2 hours for lunch (12-2). We killed time in a partially rundown town nearby, trying to avoid the sun. Once 2 o'clock rolled around we came back to the Catacombs and quickly were placed in a tour group where the average age was 65 y/o. The tour itself was pretty short, about 10 min, although it was often slowed down by some of the elderly in our group. I was expecting to see bones and artrifacts, but there were only small holes dug into the stone walls. Our guide informed us that the remains had since been removed and buried somewhere else. I was very dissapointed by our trip to the catacombs here in Rome. I think we should have gone to the Catacombs while we were in Paris.
Updated Jul 29, 2006
We decided to visit the catacombs of San Callisto. To get there you take the metro to Colli Albani, then outside the metro station there is a bus, the 660, which you need to catch as well. 1 ticket is good for both, as is the 4 euro day ticket (get your 1 Euro metro ticket in advance if you don't have a day ticket)- be simple- get a day ticket!
The 660 bus take you to the Via Appica Antica - Its pretty obvious because its a cobbled road, and the bus stops here and turns round back to the metro station.
After you have gotten off the bus, turn right (it is signposted) for the catacombes. If you are hungry and thirsty there is a little cafe here, which is pretty cheap- 1.50 Euro for a nice icecream, drinks are about the same price. Also you can hire bikes, 1 Euro an hour. The catacombes are about a kilometre walk.
Walk up the Appica Antica and you will come to the church/catacombes of San Sabastiano. A little further on you leave the road and walk up the long path to the San Callisto Catacombes.
It is 5 Euros to get in, and outr guide was a Catholic Father from America. The guided tour is nice, but the whole area was very busy when we went, and I think that it was at time a little rushed because of this. There is a nice shop and drinks place at the entrance, drinks are cheap enough- 1 Euro for a Coke.
WARNINGS- Be aware that this is a church, so the dresscode *might* apply. Basically, be conservative. The usual sign is up, but I am unsure if it is enfoced. Also THEY CLOSE FOR AT LEAST 2 HOURS AT MIDDAY! Be aware- don't do the trip only to find them closed.
Written Jul 1, 2006
Address: Via Appica Antica 126
Sponsored Links
Albergo Del Senato Rome
5 Reviews and 1076 Opinions The Pantheon is my favorite building in Rome and might be my favorite building in the world. The...
Campo De' Fiori Rome
5 Reviews and 616 Opinions It has been completely renovated but still with a very traditional elegant decor. I am not sure if...
Artemide Hotel Rome
3 Reviews and 1754 Opinions Awesome hotel. Great service. Free breakfast was just enough to get you going each morning. We...
Catacombs tips and photos posted by real travelers and Rome locals.
Write a Review
We decided to visit the catacombs of San Callisto. To get there you take the metro to Colli Albani, then outside the metro station there is a bus, the 660,...
1,061 members live in Rome

Q: Hi there... yes... not very original.. but since there are over 3350 restaurants on Tripadvisor only... Who can recommend some...

A: Hi Time, food is never boring... our family favorite is The Bear, just a few short blocks of Piazza Navona. (See my Rome page under restos) I have a few others listed...
Read 5 Replies
1

Coming to bella Roma? B R A V O !! A grand lady - she is. Overwhelming - she can be.......... Know a little about her and you will not SEE her - you will EXPERIENCE her - she will be yours. Open...
2
To the Sources of my Culture and History.

On each of my visits to Rome I have the same feeling of cultural, historical abundance and plenitude. The abundance of monuments is unequalled. The famous Guide Michelin proposes a visit program of...
3

Without a doubt, Rome is my favourite city in this world. There is little to dislike about Rome, and too much to love for a short introductory paragraph. Even listing random non-descriptive positives...
4

Rome is huge, beautiful, full of attraction by very very dirthy town! Yes, it is the very first thing one can noticed when strolling around. Is it so because of huge number of tourists or perhaps...
5
Rome : A Surpise Around Every Corner

I have had a fascination with the Eternal City since I was child. The history and the art and the spirituality speak out across the centuries to stir something deep within me. Within the last nine......
Build your own Rome page
see all Rome member meetings
Sponsored Links