Roman Crypts and Catacombs: A Comprehensive English Tour with Audioguide

36 Reviews
from €60.00 EUR
Duration: 3.5 Hours
 Seller: Tiqets
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Delve into Rome’s ancient and mystical past on a captivating journey through its crypts and catacombs. This comprehensive English tour, complete with an informative audioguide, immerses you in the hidden stories beneath the Eternal City. From centuries-old churches and mysterious shrines to elaborately decorated burial chambers, every step takes you deeper into Rome’s remarkable history.

Embarking on a Journey Through Time

Your exploration begins beneath a breathtaking 14th-century Byzantine church, where you’ll be transported to the era of ancient Rome. The first highlight is a 4th-century basilica, offering an illuminating look at the art, architecture, and daily life that defined this transformative period. As you descend through layers of history, each level reveals captivating details about Rome’s evolving culture and religious practices.

Unearthing a Mysterious 2nd-Century Cult Shrine

Next, venture even deeper to uncover a 2nd-century cult shrine, shrouded in age-old legends and rituals. Here, you can experience the enigmatic worship practices that once resonated through these subterranean walls. Insights into these ceremonies offer a window into the spiritual tapestry that shaped Rome’s multifaceted religious landscape.

Exploring the Haunting Roman Street Level

Continuing on, you’ll reach the 1st-century Roman street level, where time seems frozen. The dimly lit corridors and partially intact ruins evoke a palpable connection to the past, giving you a glimpse of how Romans lived, worked, and worshipped. Walking these ancient streets is a powerful reminder of the city’s enduring legacy and the countless stories that echo beneath modern-day Rome.

A Labyrinth of Christian Catacombs

Your adventure will then lead you to the Christian catacombs, an intricate network of underground burial sites dating back to the early days of Christianity. Here, you will encounter frescoes, unique iconography, and fascinating stories surrounding the lives and deaths of those interred within these sacred chambers.

As you walk the hallowed halls of the catacombs, be prepared to encounter an array of stunning frescoes and iconography, each telling a story of faith, love, and devotion. These ancient works of art offer a unique insight into the religious and cultural life of early Christians in Rome.

The Capuchin Crypts: A Testament to Mortality

Concluding your immersive experience, you’ll arrive at the Capuchin Crypts, a solemn yet awe-inspiring reminder of life’s fragility. The remains of over 4,000 Capuchin monks are meticulously arranged into haunting yet artistic displays—an emblem of reflection and spiritual contemplation. This macabre yet profound site encourages visitors to reflect on mortality and the enduring power of faith.

Audioguide Tours of the Capuchin Crypts

As per new rules imposed by the Capuchin Crypts, tours are now conducted using audioguides. These devices will provide you with detailed information about the history, rituals, and beliefs surrounding the crypts, enhancing your understanding of this unique site.

Embark on this exceptional Roman Crypts and Catacombs tour in English and unveil the ancient secrets lying beneath Rome’s bustling streets. From mysterious cult shrines to reflective Capuchin Crypts, this unforgettable journey will transform the way you view the Eternal City and its monumental past.

Highlights
  • You will have the chance to learn more about Rome’s religious traditions with an experienced guide,
  • You will enjoy underground catacombs, crypts and hidden pagan shrines hidden in Rome,
  • You will enjoy air-conditioned transportation between the sites to learn more about ancient Rome.
What's Included
  • Professional small-group tour (max 20 people) in English or Spanish,
  • Capuchin Crypt and Museum entry ticket,
  • San Domitilla / San Callisto Catacombs entry ticket,
  • Basilica San Clemente (Underground area) entry ticket.
Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 1 day before tour starts.

Useful Info

Originally private cemeteries, the catacombs quickly became places of devotion. They were all built on more or less the same pattern, with chambers radiating from the hypogeum or tomb of a rich Roman family which had adopted Christianity. Converts did not come here to escape persecutions, but to honour the memory of the dead. As Christianity spread and the number of its followers increased, the catacombs were gradually forgotten and abandoned.

Those of St Calixtus and Domitilla are some distance off the Via Appia. The first owes its name to Pope Calixtus (217-222). It consists of four storeys, and the galleries extend for a considerable distance.

The Catacombs of Domitilla are even larger, and contain a series of frescos from the third and fourth centuries. Further on, the Via Appia descends through a valley, passing further catacombs which include the tomb of St Sebastian, martyred under Diocletian (284-305). In the subterranean chambers are graffiti of incalculable historical value invoking St Peter and St Paul, as well as paintings and stucco work.

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