Rome

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from €69.00 EUR
Duration: 3.5 Hours
Seller: Tiqets
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Delve into Rome’s ancient and mystical past by embarking on a captivating journey through its crypts and catacombs. This comprehensive English tour, complete with audioguide, will leave you spellbound by the intriguing stories and secrets hidden beneath the Eternal City.

Embarking on a Journey Through Time

As you begin your descent beneath a stunning 14th-century Byzantine church, prepare to be transported back in time to the captivating world of ancient Rome. Your first stop will be a 4th-century basilica, where you will learn about the fascinating history and art that defined this period.

Unearthing a Mysterious 2nd-Century Cult Shrine

Your journey continues deeper into the heart of Rome’s subterranean world, where you will discover a mysterious 2nd-century cult shrine. Here, you will be given the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the enigmatic rituals and practices of the ancient Roman people.

Exploring the Haunting Roman Street Level

As you venture further, you will find yourself at the 1st-century Roman street level, where the spirits of the past can almost be felt in the air. Wander through the eerily quiet streets and marvel at the remains of ancient buildings, gaining a new appreciation for the city that once was.

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.

The Intricate Art of Frescoes and Iconography

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

The final stop on your journey will be the Capuchin Crypts, a somber reminder of the fragility of life. Here, the bones of over 4,000 Capuchin monks are meticulously arranged in intricate displays that serve as a haunting reminder of the inevitability of death.

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.

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Rome by joining this exceptional Roman Crypts and Catacombs tour in English, complete with an audioguide. Explore the depths of the Eternal City and uncover the ancient secrets that lie beneath its bustling streets. This unforgettable experience will forever change the way you view Rome and its incredible 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.

Location

20 Via dei Santi Quattro Via dei Santi Quattro, 20, 00184 Roma RM, Italy, Roma, Lazio 00184