During the mid-18th century in the thriving, but overcrowded, city of Paris, France, a noticeable stench permeated the air: the smell of millions of dead and decaying bodies. With a public health crisis looming, the Paris government had to find a way to manage the problem of overflowing cemeteries in the city center.
The solution? Transferring the remains of the deceased to an underground quarry abandoned hundreds of years prior. For two years, from 1785 to 1789, quarrymen worked overnight to transfer the bones of the dead to the catacombs.
Today, the Paris Catacombs are open to the public, known as one of the city’s creepiest tourist attractions. The bones of the six million relocated bodies that were once haphazardly thrown into the underground tomb are now neatly stacked and arranged specifically to attract tourists to the historic site, making the site notorious as one of Paris’ creepiest places.
But, the history of the first known catacombs began nearly 2,000 years before the Parisian catacombs in Ancient Rome—which you can still visit today!
The Roman catacombs remain one of the most influential and interesting representations of religion, death, and the infrastructure of Ancient Rome. If you’re an art or history buff with a desire to go off-the-beaten-path and beyond the Vatican or the Colosseum, a visit to the Catacombs may be one to add to your itinerary!
In this ultimate guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about how to visit the oldest catacombs in the world for an unforgettable journey sixty feet underground.
What Are The Catacombs in Rome, Italy?
Due to sanitary reasons, Ancient Rome prohibited burying bodies in the city center. Often, the solution was simply to cremate the bodies, but for the early Christians and Jewish people, this was a problem due to their beliefs about keeping the body intact after death.
Originally carved out as mining tunnels by the Etruscans, the Roman catacombs were used for hundreds of years starting in the 2nd century. Only to be shuttered and forgotten for over a thousand years until they were rediscovered in the 16th century. While there are estimated to be over 60 catacombs and 400 miles of tunnels lying under the streets of Rome, only six remain open to the public that you can visit today.
While much of the imagery and art of the catacombs depict Christianity, with biblical scenes and other religious symbols, people of all religions were buried in these underground tunnels, including many Jews, who also did not believe in cremation at the time.
The remains of the dead were often wrapped in linen and placed in what’s called loculi, which were cut into the walls of the tunnels to fit the bodies. An estimated over 500,000 corpses were once buried in the underground tunnels, however most of the remains have been removed today.
What Really Happened in the Roman Catacombs?
While some once believed that Christians in Ancient Rome secretly gathered in the catacombs to avoid persecution, this myth has been largely debunked and claims otherwise are largely exaggerated.
While Christians may have met in these underground locations to memorialize their dead, any meetings would not have been secret because the location was known to the public. The Roman catacombs were largely utilitarian and actually first used by Jews and Pagans, although today we see them primarily for their Chrisitan religious symbolism.
In Ancient Roman times, since bodies could not be buried in the city center, those who wanted to be buried would need to pay to be buried outside of the city, which was not an option for those who were in the lower classes or enslaved, making the catacombs nothing more than a practical solution.
Is It Worth Seeing the Catacombs in Rome?
With so much to see and do in Rome, is it really worth your time to see the Roman Catacombs?
Many who visit are very interested in Ancient Roman history and want to learn more about the traditions of the people during that time. The vast network of underground tunnels is truly a sight to see and a feat of early human innovation.
Even if you’re not so interested in history, there’s still plenty of reason to visit the catacombs. The catacombs are also filled with many different pieces of artwork and sculptures, with most depicting Christian imagery and early frescoes, an artistic technique later used by world-famous artists like Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel or Raphael!
Even if you’re all in on visiting Italy just for wine, pasta, and “La Dolce Vita” vibes, the catacombs can still be a great way to escape the crowds (and the heat in the summer). Since the catacombs remain largely off the well-trodden tourist trail of all the “must-see” sites.
With one caveat, some of the catacombs can be a bit claustrophobic, and most tours last at least one hour, so if being underground for an extended period of time doesn’t sound like your jam, it may not be for you.
The Most Famous Catacombs in Rome
While there are an estimated 60+ catacombs that lie underneath Rome, there are only a handful open to public visitors today. The most famous often house the burial sites of saints, early popes, or other significant figures in Christianity.
The Catacombs of Callixtus
Located along the Appian Way, one of the earliest roads to Rome that leads all the way back to Brindisi in the southeastern region of Puglia, the Catacombs of Callixtus, or the Catacombs of San Callisto, are known today as one of the most famous catacombs because of its prior status as the official cemetery of the Church of Rome.
With over 12 miles of tunnels and multiple levels, this catacomb known as “The Little Vatican” is the burial site of 16 popes, dozens of martyrs, and hundreds of thousands of Christians, as well as one of the most popular saints, Saint Cecilia, regarded as the patroness of music.
Inside the catacomb, you’ll see the Crypt of Popes, the Crypt of the Sacraments featuring ancient frescoes, and the intricate carvings in the labyrinth of tunnels. But, the website says they do not recommend visiting if you’re claustrophobic!
You can book tickets for the Catacombs of Callixtus directly on their website. The tour takes about 40 minutes.
The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian
Also located on the Appian Way, the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian are known as the oldest of the Roman Catacombs, home to the burial site of one of Rome’s greatest christian martyrs, as well as many others.
Inside the basilica above the ground, you’ll see the lying statue of Saint Sebastian as well as many other beautiful works of art. Underground, you’ll see the networks of burial grounds and many loculi carvings in the walls.
You can book tickets for the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian directly on their website. The tour takes about 40 minutes.
The Catacombs of Domitilla
With 10 miles of galleries and four levels, the Catacombs of Domitilla are the only Roman catacombs with an underground church open to the public! Built in the 4th century, the underground basilica is dedicated to saints Achilles and Nereus and adorned with many frescoes depicting Chrisitan imagery
You can book tickets for the Catacombs of Domitilla directly on their website.
The Catacombs of St. Agnes
Located at the second mile of Via Nomentana, the Catacombe di Sant’Agnes is dedicated to Saint Agnes, a third-century Christian martyr who dedicated her virginity to Christ and refused all suitors. Inside the underground labyrinth containing three levels and four regions, you can still see the urn containing her relics today.
There is also a basilica built directly above the catacombs with a spectacular mosaic depicting Saint Agnes and two popes. You can book tickets for the Catacombs of St. Agnes directly on their website.
The Catacombs of Priscilla
Known as one of the most extensive of the Roman Catacombs, the Catacombs of Priscilla located near the Catacombs of St. Agnes stretch over seven miles underground and are renowned for their well-preserved frescoes depicting the origins of Christianity.
One of the paintings is believed to be the oldest depiction of the Virgin Mary in existence, dating back to around the third century A.D.
You can book tickets for the Catacombs of Priscilla directly on their website.
What You Need to Know About Visiting Rome’s Catacombs
How Do I Get to the Roman Catacombs?
Many of the catacombs are accessible via public transportation, such as the bus or the metro. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to the locations. But, don’t forget to validate your ticket when taking public transportation! Nobody wants to bring home a fine as a souvenir or go through the hassle of figuring out how to pay for it, although it may make for a good story to tell your friends back home.
Click here to read our five essential tips and tricks you must know before your trip to Italy, including how to navigate public transportation.
How Long Does It Take to Tour the Catacombs?
Most tours of the catacombs last no more than an hour, ranging from 30 minutes to one hour in length. While restrooms may be available at visitor centers, you won’t be able to use the restroom when you head underground for the tour of the catacombs.
Do the Catacombs Have a Dress Code?
While there is no specific dress code for the Roman Catacombs, it’s generally expected as a sign of respect that those entering any religious site, such as basilicas, dress modestly. For women, this means covering shoulders and wearing a longer skirt or pants that hit below the knee.
Even beyond the unspoken dress code, keep in mind you’ll be underground, meaning the temperatures will drop from whatever it is outside. Whether you’re heading underground for a tour of the catacombs or sipping wine overlooking a vineyard with us on tour, we recommend layering for your trip to Italy, or dressing like an onion as we call it!
Click here to read our Ultimate Italy Packing Guide so you know exactly what you need to bring without overpacking.
Do You Have to Book a Tour of the Roman Catacombs?
Yes, you have to book a guided tour of the Roman Catacombs—no one is permitted to explore the catacombs on their own, you must be with a guide.
However, you can book a tour of the catacombs directly through their websites in advance or even directly at the site. It’s also important to check for availability ahead of time for closures during holidays and be mindful of the operating hours so that you can plan your day.
There are also some touring companies that offer tours of multiple catacombs as well as transportation between the locations, but these can get pretty pricey.
We recommend saving your money on the umbrella-waving tour guides in Rome and joining us on tour after you visit the Catacombs, where you’ll get to see the Italy that most will never get to see!
Are You Allowed to Take Photos Inside the Roman Catacombs?
Photography is generally not allowed inside of the Roman Catacombs, mostly out of respect for the solemnity of the sites and because flash photography can cause damage to the ancient artwork.
As a general rule of thumb, it’s important to listen to your tour guide and follow any rules they set out during the tour.
More Can’t Miss Eats, Stays, and Things To Do in Rome
Staying to explore Rome above-ground after your journey to the past in the Catacombs? We’ve got you covered with only the best of what Rome has to offer.
Where you stay can have a huge impact on the overall experience of your trip, not to mention that accommodations are typically your largest expense. While you don’t want to cheap out with a subpar, spending on accommodations can take away from your food/wine budget—which nobody wants! We’ve curated a list of our favorite affordable boutique hotel stays in Rome. Keeping in mind that Rome is still one of Italy’s most visited cities and you’ll find prices here higher than lesser known destinations in Italy.
Speaking of food and wine, we all know that’s at least half the reason you’re booking a trip to Italy! But particularly in Rome, it’s easy to get caught in a tourist trap restaurant. If you see an English menu or photos of the food, run away as far as you can and read this blog on how to find the best restaurants in Rome. Need specific recommendations? Take it from us as Italian locals! You can’t leave Italy until you’ve had authentic pizza or gelato. And don’t miss the enotecas or wine bars for a taste of the Eternal City’s finest samplings.
Looking for more unique activities off-the-beaten-path in Rome? Avoid the lines and crowds at the bucket-list sites and choose one of these eight unique activities instead! If you enjoy exploring Roman history like the Catacombs, we recommend the Mithraeum of Circus Maximus, another spectacular underground chamber with a glimpse into a secretive Roman cult.
Where To Go After Visiting Rome
It’s understandable why many travelers have Rome on their bucket lists! The city is rich with history and culture, with so much to see and do. The Catacombs and other landmark historical sites are truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But, with that being said, Rome is the second most visited city in Europe, with a staggering 35 million tourists every year.
For you, that means large crowds, long lines, and unfortunately, tour guides that prioritize profit over authentic experiences and giving back to local communities. That’s why the best thing you can do as a visitor is to get beyond the “Grand Tour” stops like Rome and visit the unseen parts of Italy that remain true to the pace of everyday Italian life.
Why not visit a city like our hometown of Ascoli Piceno, known as the City of 100 Towers with a history dating back to before Rome even existed? When you join us on Italy’s Epicurean Journey, your home base of Ascoli Piceno is just three hours away from Rome, where you’ll embark on a ten-day journey through the Abruzzo and Le Marche regions.
You’ll uncover the nuances of everyday Italian life with multiple winery experiences, an authentic Italian cooking class, and a visit to Italy’s largest medieval fortress! Looking for another journey to the underground marvels of Italy? Join us on Italy Uncorked, where you’ll visit Italy’s Largest Underground Karst System for a private tour of the Frasassi Caves and our most extensive wine soaked vacation as of yet!
And of course, on all of our tours, you’ll enjoy some of the best food and wine Italy has to offer, personally curated by your hosts—which is what we’re all really here for! Rome is great, but there’s truly so much more to Italy that doesn’t involve a packed tour bus or hours-long lines, experiences that make you feel like a local.
You can experience both! Many guests of ours visit Rome before or after their tour with us, and they get more out of the experience because they’ve seen all Italy truly has to offer. Not to mention, they actually got the chance to relax on their vacation because all the logistics are taken care of for them, rather than spending the entire trip packing and repacking.
Ready to unlock the hidden gems of Italy beyond the tourist trail? Click here and we’ll match you with your perfect Italy Trip in just 60 seconds!
