4.8(30 reviews)
Rome Underground Catacombs Tour
From€119
3 hours
Province of Rome, Italy
About this activity
Delve into Rome's rich history with a guided tour of the Catacombs and San Clemente Basilica, uncovering ancient secrets and early Christian art.
Highlights
- Explore ancient Roman Catacombs
- Discover San Clemente Basilica's layers
- Learn about early Christian history
- See hidden frescoes and artifacts
- Enjoy a small-group experience
Full description
Step back in time and uncover the secrets of Rome's underground world. This engaging tour takes you through the ancient Roman Catacombs, where you'll explore intricate tunnels and learn about early Christian burial practices. Then, visit the San Clemente Basilica, a unique site with layers of history beneath its surface, including hidden frescoes and artifacts. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you'll gain insights into Rome's rich past and its evolution over centuries. This small-group experience ensures a personalized and immersive journey into the heart of Rome's history.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Roman Catacombs
- Visit to San Clemente Basilica
- Transportation between sites
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
Meet your guide at the meeting point and then venture deep underground the Basilica of San Clemente, below its foundations into a mystical world of ancient cults and legends. Journey through several layers of history and earth, down to 14 meters below ground. Live the excitement of gradually exploring the later structures built on top of it on your way up to the surface. Go back in time down to the deepest point and discover the best-preserved Mithraic temple of the city. Find out about the pagan faith of Ancient Romans before Christianity and be intrigued by its sectarian and esoteric flavour. Touch the waters of an underground river before going higher into the remains of the 4th Century Basilica, built on top of the martyr’s house and below the actual one. Walk along its imposing walls and be fascinated by the ancient frescoes while learning about the scenes and the lives of the martyrs they portray.
Duration: 1h 15mAdmission: YES
2
Get onboard a comfortable air-conditioned minivan and travel along the Ancient Appian Way to the largest Catacombs in Rome. The round trip takes approx. 30 minutes.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
Visit the otherworldly crypts of Domitilla. Descend 16 meters below the surface and explore the accessible part of its vast labyrinth of underground burial chambers and galleries. Be captivated by the ancient wall-paintings of mythological and biblical figures and revive the shift of faith from paganism to Christianity. Feel the power of prohibited belief and learn about early martyrs and persecutions. Complete your underworld experience in the 4th-century subterranean basilica.
Duration: 1h 15mAdmission: YES
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour involves walking through narrow and uneven passages; consider your comfort with such environments.
- 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 surfaces.
- 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
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered
- This tour is subject to weather conditions and/or liturgic-calendar events. If canceled you will be given the option of an alternative date or a full refund
- This tour will have a maximum of 10 participants
- You will need to be at the meeting point 5 minutes before the starting time
Traveler reviews
4.830 reviews
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The storytelling style...
The storytelling style of this tour is perfect for the sites. We learned a lot and were amazed by the discoveries.
Rebecca_RMar 15, 2026VIATOR
St Clemente’s.
Our guide was excellent made the tour so interesting. The catacombs were fascinating and st Clements was so beautiful.
Nicola_DMar 8, 2026VIATOR
Top leadership
There were three of us as a family, and so the tour felt very personal. The tour was very competent, informative and entertaining. Highly recommended!
W2023REbernhardsFeb 19, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Oldie, but goodie
While the catacombs were cool, the best part is the undergrounds. It's amazing to be standing in/on a building so old and in such good condition. Worth your hard earned money.
Scott_CNov 30, 2025VIATOR
This is a fantastic tour...
This is a fantastic tour of a true catacomb and detailed tour of San Clemente. The guide, Daniel, was probably the best tour guide I have experienced over the years of using Viator
Christopher_BNov 10, 2025VIATOR
Additional information
An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered
This tour is subject to weather conditions and/or liturgic-calendar events. If canceled you will be given the option of an alternative date or a full refund
This tour will have a maximum of 10 participants
You will need to be at the meeting point 5 minutes before the starting time