Joy of Rome

LIVE TOURS
ANCIENT ROME
CATACOMBS and the Capuchin Crypts Tour

LIVE TOURSANCIENT ROMECATACOMBS and the Capuchin Crypts Tour

CATACOMBS and the APPIAN WAY TOUR

Rome has so many that you could travel the entire city passing through the tunnels and passageways of this incredible subterranean cemetery. Explore one of them together and then visit the queen of the roads: the appian way!

Rome, Catacombs of Callixtus, The Crypt of the Popes - photo by Dnalor 01 Wikimedia Commons

Things to know:

THIS TOUR INCLUDES:

One catacomb chosen from our lis

Walkig tour of the Appian Way
Mauseoleum of Romulus
Circus of Maxentius
Tomb of Caecilia Metella

To speak of underground Rome is to talk about many different things. There can be entire churches beneath the ground, as in the case of Saint Clement; or Roman dwellings, as in the case of the houses beneath the Church of Saint John and Saint Paul, all of which we can explore on a different tour.
But if you are interested in the catacombs, Rome has so many that you could travel the entire city passing through the tunnels and passageways of this incredible subterranean cemetery. Explore one of them together and then visit the famous queen of the roads: the Appian way!

The Appian Way was also known as “the Queen of all Roman roads”, it has always been the pride of Roman Empire which built a road network, unique in the world. This 2.300 years old road is now part of a park, which preserves and promotes outstanding memories of Rome’s glorious past, such as Catacombs, Basilicas, Tombs and Villas.

The Appian Way Park is not far from the center but it is away from the noisy and chaotic center…the Kids will love to discover some jewels of Ancient Rome, while the adults will enjoy a stroll through history. Here you will walk on the “basoli”, the original huge smooth paving basalt stones of the road, among shady trees and fields. The road was built in a remarkably straight line, wide enough for two carriages and sidewalks. The Appian Way hides many catacombs too! There are more than 40 catacombs which wind and weave for about 150 km underground and on many different levels. That’s why you need to have a guide with you! 

Where are the catacombs of Rome?

It was prohibited to perform burials within the city walls, so cemeteries were constructed along the consular roads and along the most famous roadways like the via Appia and via Ostiense, which led to the sea. A visit to the catacombs is also an opportunity to discover interesting areas a little outside of the city centre. Beneath the bustling streets of Rome lies a hidden world: the catacombs, an intricate network of underground tunnels and chambers used for Christian burials from the 2nd to the 5th century. Carved into soft volcanic rock, these labyrinthine passages stretch for miles, lined with niches that once held the bodies of the faithful. Some catacombs feature small chapels, frescoes, and symbols that reflect early Christian beliefs, offering a haunting yet fascinating glimpse into ancient spiritual life.

The Ancient Roman Appian Way: recentely proclaimed Italy’s 60th Unesco world heritage site!

If you want to offer your family a unique experience of learning and entertainment in the eternal city, but you don’t want to trap them in stressful Museums or endless lines: the Appian Way + Catacombs Private Tour will fulfill your expectations!

Your family will love to learn about the life of ancient romans, while running free in a wonderful green archaeological park and exploring ancient roman burials underground lead by an expert guide. You will feel like you have stepped back into ancient Rome but free as they would be in a park!

 

How do you get to the catacombs/appian way?

This is something you can decide, either by taxi or alternatively by private car.

Which are the most beautiful catacombs to visit with a guide?

This is a hard question to answer because each cemetery has its own special and unique features. They all share in having kilometres of tunnels decorated with frescoes and inscriptions and each tour will include an exploration of the areas open to the public with one of our guides and also, in some cases, with the expertise of the archaeological site managers. Together we will discover the meanings of symbols hidden within inscriptions and admire some of the most beautiful and important frescoes from the early Christian era. Seeing as we need to make a selection of which catacombs, here are our favourites which we’ve decided to include in our tour. The first on the list is our TOP CHIOCE 🙂

The catacombs of Santi Pietro and Marcellino with the Mausoleum of Helen (Costantine’s mother) are available also with exclusive visit! Only you and your guide in the darkness of the corridors… SPOOKY!

How many catacombs and monuments will we visit on a tour?

One from the catacombs we have listed, depending on your interests, the time of the week, and the opening hours plus mausoleums of Romulus and Cecilia Metella, Circus of Maxentius on the Appian Way.

Are there human remains in the catacombs?

No, or rather, if there are they are no longer visible for reasons you’ll discover during the tour. But you will see many ancient roman burials! From the Mausoleum built by the Emperor Maxentius, in honor of his son Romulus to the fancy cone-shaped tomb built for the noble Cecilia Metella.

GENERAL INFORMATION
You’ll visit one Catacomb + sites of the Appian way (mausoleum of Romulus, circus of  Maxentius, mausoleum of Cecilia Metella)

EXCLUSIVE ENTRANCE IN THE CATACOMBS OF SAINT MARCELLINO and PIETRO available upon request. 

Days of the week and hours:

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Mornings from 9.30am and afternoons from 2pm)

Price

The cost of the tours will vary depending on the season and the day of the week.

CATACOMBS

Full price: €12.00 adults
Reduced price: €7.00 children between 6 and 15 years of age
Free: Children under the age of 6 and carers for those with disabilities.

APPIAN WAY SITES

Full price: €8
Reduced price: €7.00 (under 18 – over 65)
Entrance tickets are not included in the tour price and can be purchased on sites.

TOURS & PRICES

We run only private tours.

We don’t run small groups.

We can accommodate time/day request according to our guides’ and entry tickets availability.

Final and detailed price will be provided after receiving your request from the contact form.

Starting price for a private tour 2,5 hrs for 2 adults: 350 euro + tickets but definitive price is provided *only* upon request.
Price can be reduced during low season or increased during holiday, peak dates or last minute request.

For group larger than four, price will be provided upon request.

ASK for availability

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