Magpie
4.3(43 reviews)

Mamertine Prison and Catacombs Tour

From€88
4 hours
Province of Rome, Italy

About this activity

Delve into Rome's ancient history with a guided tour of Mamertine Prison and the Catacombs, including comfortable transportation.

Highlights

  • Explore ancient Roman Mamertine Prison
  • Discover hidden Catacombs beneath Rome
  • Learn about early Christian history
  • Enjoy comfortable transportation
  • Experience Rome's rich archaeological sites

Full description

Step back in time and uncover the secrets of ancient Rome on this immersive 4-hour tour. Begin with a guided exploration of the Mamertine Prison, where early Christian martyrs were held, and then descend into the eerie Catacombs, hidden beneath the city's surface. Along the way, your expert guide will share captivating stories and historical insights, bringing these ancient sites to life. With comfortable transportation provided, this tour offers a seamless and enriching experience for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour of Mamertine Prison
  • Visit to ancient Roman Catacombs
  • Transportation in a comfortable vehicle
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

Pass by: Discover Mamertine prison, the most ancient jail of Rome located next to the Roman Forum.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Pass by: Christian catacombs are a real underground labyrinth- cemetery built between the II and III century A.D. under the Roman Empire

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian, Via dei Fori Imperiali, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy

Important information

Know before you book

  • This tour involves walking through underground passages; be prepared for narrow and low-ceilinged areas.
  • Photography may be restricted in certain areas; please follow the guide's instructions.
  • The tour is conducted in English; ensure you are comfortable with the language.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
  • Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
  • Be prepared for some areas with limited lighting; a small flashlight may be helpful.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Easy Public Transport

Good to know

  • Meeting time is subject to change; if this occurs, you will receive a call or message from the activity provider. Please provide your correct phone number and country code
  • Late arrivals will not be refunded
  • Please dress accordingly: knees and shoulders must be covered.
  • Please note that during certain period of times you might find a high level of water; in that case you can buy covers for your shoes
  • By purchasing this tour, you agree to our Terms and Conditions

Traveler reviews

4.3
43 reviews
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Partial Tour

Much to our dismay, the Mamertine part of the tour was canceled by Viator 2 days prior. Not good. They said it was due to logistical issues. But was not clear if the logistical issues where with Viator or Mamertine. It turns out it was Viator's issue because I went on the Mamertine prison website and booked directly with them and got a tour the.same day as the Catacombs tour. The Catacombs part of the tour continued. That part of the tour was terrific, done in English by a terrific guide. Be aware that none of the tour logistics is precise. We had to be in communication on WhatsApp with the Italian Viator folks for the Catacombs tour. For example, where to meet exactly and who we are supposed to look for took some persistence. It's is also not clear how much I'm going to be refunded for the Mamertine loss of the tour I asked them directly on WhatsApp and the response is unacceptablely unclear.

Paul_SMay 14, 2026VIATOR

Great experience!

Our guide, Zena, made our experience great! If you are interested in early Christian history, this tour is a must.

Robert_FMay 9, 2026VIATOR

Viator Pulls a Switcheroo

Viator switched the Mamertine Prison tour with a different tour that I didn’t pay for nor was I compensated correctly for their mistake. The switch wasn’t communicated until after the tour ended and only after I spoke up. Unprofessional!

Suzanne_GNov 8, 2025VIATOR

Great guide!

We were running behind and our tour guide waited for us and helped us find the meeting point. She escorted us to the Catacombs and gave us some information on the Catacombs. Then she escorted us back and to the Mamertine prison. She was very nice and knowledgeable. Worth booking.

Emily_MSep 17, 2025VIATOR

Do Not Recommend

The company changed the time of tour at the last minute to 30 minutes before scheduled time, which was listed on our itinerary multiple times. So we hustled and left another site early to get there 20 minutes before original meeting time. However, the tour did not wait for us at meeting point. They finally got us a taxi to catch up to rest of tour. However no guide from company at either site. Would have been much easier to do on own. Tour provided no tangible benefit. Definitely would not book again with this company.

Ryan_WSep 10, 2025VIATOR

Additional information

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately Adult pricing applies to all travellers Please be aware that to enter the Colosseum it is necessary to pass a metal detector security check. No visitor can avoid these checks. Even though we purchase in advance skip the line tickets for you we are not responsible for time spent waiting to pass security checks A valid ID is required for entry at the Colosseum. For families with children, a child-friendly will be assigned upon request.
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