Descend beneath the ancient Appian Way and explore the largest and most important of all Rome's catacombs — the Catacombs of St. Callixtus. This is Rome's oldest official Christian cemetery, the final resting place of approximately half a million early Christians, 16 popes, and countless martyrs, all preserved in an extraordinary underground labyrinth of tunnels and crypts stretching over 90 acres. A guided tour brings the stories of faith, persecution, and devotion vividly to life in one of the most moving archaeological sites in the world.
Key Highlights
- Explore the largest catacomb in Rome — over 90 acres of underground tunnels containing approximately half a million early Christian burials
- Visit the Crypt of the Popes, where 9 popes and 3 bishops were laid to rest in the official cemetery of the early Christian church
- Discover the Crypt of Saint Cecilia — patron saint of music — and the evocative statue marking the place where her body was found
- Admire early Christian frescoes, carved symbols of faith, including the fish, dove, and anchor, and ancient inscriptions throughout the tunnels
- Join a 45-minute guided tour in English, Italian, Spanish, French, or German with an expert live guide
About Catacombs of St. Callixtus Ticket
The Catacombs of St. Callixtus along the Via Appia Antica are Rome's most important and extensive early Christian burial site — the oldest official cemetery of Rome's Christian community, established in the 2nd century AD and named after Pope Callixtus I, who administered the site before becoming pope himself. Covering over 90 acres and descending across multiple levels, the catacombs contain an estimated half a million tombs, making them one of the largest and most historically significant underground sites in Italy.
Every visit is conducted as a 45-minute guided tour led by expert guides who bring the tunnels, crypts, and artwork to life with informed and engaging commentary. Tours are available in English, Italian, Spanish, French, and German, with new groups departing every 30 minutes. The route leads through labyrinthine corridors lined with loculi — carved niches where bodies were placed — and into the most significant chambers. The Crypt of the Popes is the spiritual centrepiece — a burial chamber where nine early popes and three bishops were interred, and where original Greek inscriptions and decorative friezes have survived remarkably intact. The adjacent Crypt of Saint Cecilia marks the spot where the body of the patron saint of music was found before her remains were transferred to the Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere. The Crypt of the Holy Sacraments contains some of the most vivid early Christian frescoes in any Roman catacomb, depicting biblical scenes and early Christian symbolism on every surface.
The temperature inside the catacombs is a constant 16 degrees Celsius year-round — refreshingly cool in summer but chilly in winter — and the atmosphere throughout is one of profound historical weight and quiet reverence. Book your Catacombs of St. Callixtus ticket now on Thrillark and save up to 13%.
Every visit is conducted as a 45-minute guided tour led by expert guides who bring the tunnels, crypts, and artwork to life with informed and engaging commentary. Tours are available in English, Italian, Spanish, French, and German, with new groups departing every 30 minutes. The route leads through labyrinthine corridors lined with loculi — carved niches where bodies were placed — and into the most significant chambers. The Crypt of the Popes is the spiritual centrepiece — a burial chamber where nine early popes and three bishops were interred, and where original Greek inscriptions and decorative friezes have survived remarkably intact. The adjacent Crypt of Saint Cecilia marks the spot where the body of the patron saint of music was found before her remains were transferred to the Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere. The Crypt of the Holy Sacraments contains some of the most vivid early Christian frescoes in any Roman catacomb, depicting biblical scenes and early Christian symbolism on every surface.
The temperature inside the catacombs is a constant 16 degrees Celsius year-round — refreshingly cool in summer but chilly in winter — and the atmosphere throughout is one of profound historical weight and quiet reverence. Book your Catacombs of St. Callixtus ticket now on Thrillark and save up to 13%.
Inclusions
- Entry to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus
- 40-minute guided tour
- Expert live guide in your chosen language
- Access to the Crypt of the Popes, Crypt of Saint Cecilia, Crypt of the Holy Sacraments, and all open tunnel sections
Exclusions
- Personal expenses
- Transport
- Food and beverages
Insiders' Tips
Visit at 9:00 AM when the catacombs open for the quietest and most intimate experience — tour groups build throughout the morning and early afternoon. Bring a light jacket or layer regardless of the season, as the underground temperature is a constant 16 degrees Celsius.
Additional Information
Operating Hours
- 9:30 am - 05:00 pm
- Free entry for kids -7, disabled visitors +1 carer, students of Christian Archaeology. All with a valid proof
- Given the specific nature of the sites, there are specific limitations for disabled visitors
- No photos or filming
- No smoking
- Keep in mind you need to arrive 10 minutes before the start.
- The Catacombs of St. Callixtus can only be visited with a guide
Cancellation Policy
- No Cancellation and Non-refundable
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Catacombs of St. Callixtus in Rome?
The Catacombs of St. Callixtus are Rome's largest and oldest official Christian cemetery, established in the 2nd century AD along the ancient Appian Way and containing approximately half a million tombs across over 90 acres of underground tunnels. They are the burial site of 16 popes, numerous martyrs, and early Christian saints, making them the most historically significant catacomb complex in Rome.
How long does a guided tour of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus take?
The guided tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, with new groups departing every 30 minutes from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. All visits are mandatory guided tours — no independent self-guided access is permitted inside the catacombs.
What is the Crypt of the Popes at the Catacombs of St. Callixtus?
The Crypt of the Popes is the spiritual centrepiece of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus — a burial chamber where nine early popes and three bishops were interred, with original Greek inscriptions and decorative friezes still visible on the walls. It is one of the most significant early Christian burial sites in the entire Roman world.
Who was Saint Cecilia and what is her connection to the catacombs?
Saint Cecilia is the patron saint of music, and the Crypt of Saint Cecilia within the Catacombs of St. Callixtus marks the spot where her body was discovered before being transferred to the Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere. An evocative statue commemorates the position in which her body was found, making this one of the most moving stops on the guided tour.
Is photography allowed inside the Catacombs of St. Callixtus?
No, photography and filming of any kind are strictly prohibited throughout the entire site. The prohibition applies to all visitors without exception, including phone cameras and video recording.
What languages are guided tours available in at the Catacombs of St. Callixtus?
Guided tours are available in English, Italian, Spanish, French, and German, with expert live guides leading each session. Tours depart in multiple language groups every 30 minutes throughout the day, so most visitors are accommodated in their preferred language without a long wait.
Why are the Catacombs of St. Callixtus closed on Wednesdays?
The Catacombs of St. Callixtus are closed every Wednesday as the site's regular weekly closure day — a practice common among Rome's Vatican-administered catacomb sites. If you can only visit on a Wednesday, the nearby Catacombs of San Sebastiano are open every day of the week and offer a comparable experience.
What should I wear to visit the Catacombs of St. Callixtus?
Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip as the tunnel floors are uneven and can be slippery in sections, and bring a light jacket or warm layer as the underground temperature is a constant 16 degrees Celsius regardless of the season outside. Respectful casual attire is encouraged, though no formal dress code is strictly enforced.
Is the Catacomb of St. Callixtus accessible for wheelchair users?
No, the Catacombs of St. Callixtus are not accessible for wheelchair users or strollers due to narrow tunnel passages, stairs, and uneven underground terrain throughout the site. Visitors with specific mobility requirements are advised to contact the site in advance before booking.
Do I need to book Catacombs of St. Callixtus tickets in advance?
Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly for morning sessions and weekend visits when popular time slots fill quickly during Rome's peak tourist season. Booking through Thrillark saves up to 13% on the standard rate with instant confirmation, and please note tickets are non-refundable once purchased, so always confirm the site is open on your intended visit date before booking.
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