Uncover Rome’s macabre past on this captivating after-hours tour. Venture beneath the city streets and explore the Capuchin Crypt, where the walls are adorned with the bones of Franciscan monks. Then, explore the ancient Catacombs of Priscilla, a network of underground burial chambers that offer a glimpse into early Christian history. With expert commentary and transportation along the Appian Way, this 2.5-hour excursion promises an immersive experience that will leave you both fascinated and unsettled. What secrets lie waiting in the shadows of Rome’s crypts and catacombs?
Key Points
- This 2.5-hour after-hours tour provides exclusive access to the Capuchin Crypts and Priscilla Catacombs in Rome, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s macabre history.
- The tour includes transportation between sites, such as the Ancient Appian Road and Aurelian Walls, and is led by an English-speaking guide with extensive knowledge of Christianity in Rome.
- Highlights of the tour include viewing the bone displays in the Capuchin Crypts and exploring the ancient tombs and intricate frescoes in the Catacombs of Priscilla.
- The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, and a modest dress code is required with knees and shoulders covered.
- Customer reviews praise the tour’s exceptional value, transportation services, and the guide’s expertise, particularly the unforgettable experience at the Priscilla Catacombs.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Experience Highlights
- Itinerary
- Important Information
- Customer Feedback
- Meeting Point
- Capuchin Crypt
- Catacombs of Priscilla
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Photos Allowed Inside the Capuchin Crypt?
- What Are the Health and Safety Protocols for the Tour?
- Can You Request a Private Tour for a Larger Group?
- Are Audio Headsets Provided During the Tour?
- Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Rome
- More Tours in Rome
- More Tour Reviews in Rome
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Rome we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
The Rome: Crypts & Catacombs After Hours Tour with Bone Chapel offers a captivating 2.5-hour exploration of Rome’s macabre history.
Priced from €67.69 per person, the tour provides after-hours access to the Capuchin Crypts and VIP entry to the Priscilla Catacombs.
Throughout the experience, a live English-speaking guide will lead guests through bone displays and underground tombs.
Transportation between sites, including the Ancient Appian Road, is included.
The tour meets at Piazza Barberini’s Fontana del Tritone and can be freely canceled up to 24 hours in advance.
However, it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Rome.
Experience Highlights
After-hours entry to Capuchin Crypts and VIP access to Priscilla Catacombs allow guests to discover Rome’s macabre history.
The tour offers:
- Guided exploration of Rome’s bone displays and underground tombs
- Transportation between sites, including the Ancient Appian Road
- Live tour guide in English, providing insights into the city’s history
- Photo stop at the Appian Way, a famous ancient Roman road
- Pass by the Aurelian Walls, the impressive city fortifications
This unique experience offers a glimpse into Rome’s fascinating and eerie past, accessible only to a limited number of visitors.
Itinerary
The tour begins at the Fontana del Tritone in Piazza Barberini, where guests meet their guide.
From there, they’ll spend 45 minutes exploring the Capuchin Crypt, a macabre display of bones and skulls.
Next, they’ll transfer by van for 20 minutes to the Appian Way, where they’ll stop for a 5-minute photo opportunity.
The group then heads to the Catacombs of Priscilla, spending 45 minutes underground touring the ancient tombs.
After, they’ll pass by the Aurelian Walls for 5 minutes before returning to the city center.
Throughout the 2.5-hour journey, the live guide provides expert commentary in English.
Important Information
This tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as the sites visited involve stairs and uneven terrain.
A modest dress code is required, with knees and shoulders covered, and scarves recommended in the summer months. Comfortable shoes and a jacket for cooler temperatures are advised.
Participants should be aware that the tour has a minimum requirement, and the itinerary is subject to change.
Additionally:
- The Capuchin Crypt and Priscilla Catacombs provide a unique and macabre glimpse into Rome’s history.
- Transportation between sites, including the Ancient Appian Road, is provided.
- The tour is led by an expert English-speaking guide.
- Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance allows for a full refund.
- The tour offers great value for money.
Customer Feedback
With an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 91 reviews, customers have praised this Crypts & Catacombs tour for its exceptional value and transportation.
Reviewers like Molly from the United States highlighted the guide Davide’s extensive knowledge of Christianity in Rome. Similarly, Deseree from Australia found the Priscilla catacombs unforgettable and appreciated Davide’s expertise.
The transportation aspect of the tour also received high marks, earning a 4.6 out of 5 rating.
Meeting Point
Participants on the Crypts & Catacombs tour meet at Piazza Barberini, in front of the iconic Fontana del Tritone. This convenient meeting point is easily accessible by public transportation. The tour guide will be waiting with a sign to greet the group.
Attendees should arrive a few minutes early to ensure a punctual departure.
The meeting point offers several advantages:
- Central location in Rome’s city center
- Proximity to public transit options
- Recognizable landmark for easy identification
- Ample space for the group to gather
- Nearby shops and cafes for pre-tour refreshments
From the Fontana del Tritone, the group will then embark on their journey to explore Rome’s captivating crypts and catacombs.
Capuchin Crypt
Departing from the meeting point, the tour group first ventures to the Capuchin Crypt, a captivating underground ossuary boasting macabre displays of bones and skulls. Here, guests spend approximately 45 minutes exploring the crypt’s eerie chambers, which are decorated with the skeletal remains of over 3,700 Capuchin monks.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini |
| History | Established in the 16th century, the crypt serves as the final resting place for Capuchin friars |
| Décor | Walls, ceilings, and columns adorned with the bones and skulls of the deceased monks |
| Highlight | The Crypt of the Resurrection, featuring an elaborate chandelier made entirely from skeletal remains |
| Duration | 45 minutes |
Catacombs of Priscilla
After visiting the Capuchin Crypt, the tour group departs for the Catacombs of Priscilla, one of the oldest and most significant Christian catacombs in Rome.
The Catacombs of Priscilla feature:
- Intricate frescoes and early Christian art dating back to the 4th century
- The Cubiculum of the Veiled Woman, a famous painting depicting a woman in prayer
- Numerous burial chambers and tombs, including those of early Christian martyrs
- Vast underground tunnels and passages extending for miles beneath the city
- Insights into the lives and beliefs of the early Christian community in Rome
The guide provides expert commentary, bringing the history and significance of this sacred site to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Photos Allowed Inside the Capuchin Crypt?
Photos are not allowed inside the Capuchin Crypt. The crypt has strict rules prohibiting photography to preserve the solemn atmosphere and respect the sanctity of the sacred site.
What Are the Health and Safety Protocols for the Tour?
The tour has health and safety protocols in place. Guests must cover their knees and shoulders, and comfortable shoes and a jacket are recommended. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
Can You Request a Private Tour for a Larger Group?
Yes, private tours can be arranged for larger groups. The tour provider offers customized options to accommodate specific group sizes and preferences, subject to availability and additional fees.
Are Audio Headsets Provided During the Tour?
Audio headsets are provided during the tour to enhance your’ experience. This allows them to clearly hear the guide’s commentary without disrupting other visitors in the quiet, atmospheric spaces.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
The tour has no minimum age requirement. Children are welcome, though the content may not be suitable for young kids. Parental discretion is advised for the tour’s macabre elements.
Rome: Crypts & Catacombs After Hours Tour With Bone Chapel
Recap
This unique after-hours tour offers a captivating journey through Rome’s macabre history. Visitors will marvel at the intricate bone displays of the Capuchin Crypt and the early Christian art within the Catacombs of Priscilla. With transportation along the ancient Appian Way and expert commentary, this 2.5-hour experience is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those intrigued by the city’s darker past.
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