Rome has another world beneath it.

Literally.

Beneath the streets, parks and churches are hundreds of kilometres of underground passages, used mainly as burial grounds by early Christians.

They began to emerge around the 2nd century AD and are now one of the most interesting places for anyone who enjoys a bit of history beyond the classic "Colosseum - Pantheon - Trevi Fountain".

It's just good to know one thing in advance.

Don't expect a haunted underground or a horror movie style attraction.

Rather, the Roman catacombs have a very calm, historical and sometimes surprisingly civil feel.

I have personally only visited the Catacombs of St. Sebastian (San Sebastiano), so I will relate my own experience mainly to them.

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What catacombs can I visit in Rome? Are reservations required?

There are several that are open to tourists. Each one looks a little different.

The largest concentration of catacombs is on the southeastern edge of Rome along the Via Appia Antica.

Online reservations are required for some catacombs.

Catacombs of St. Calixto (Catacombe di San Callisto)

The largest and most famous catacombs in Rome.

Here you will find:

• tombs of the early popes
• a vast system of corridors
• one of the most important early Christian sites

If one is visiting the catacombs for the first time, one often starts here.

• Online booking: yes, it is required, ideally at least a week in advance
• Price: 10 eur
• Opening hours: closed Wednesday, other days 9:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00
• Official website + booking: catacombesancallisto.it

Catacombs of St. Sebastian (Catacombe di San Sebastiano)

I visited these.

One thing stuck in my mind the most from the whole visit: how vast it really is.

In photos or videos, you get a sense of several corridors.

The reality feels much more monumental.

A big plus compared to some other Roman monuments:

• significantly fewer people
• more pleasant pace of visit
• very interesting interpretation by the guides

The site also includes the Basilica of San Sebastiano Fuori le Mura.

• Online booking: recommended, preferably 1-3 days in advance
• Price: 10 eur
• Opening hours: closed Mondays, other days 9:15-16:45
• Official website + booking: catacombe.org

Catacombs of St. Domitilla (Catacombe di Domitilla)

One of the most extensive.

They are interesting mainly because they contain:

• original early Christian frescoes
• an underground basilica
• very long corridors

It feels a little more "raw" than San Callisto.

• Online booking: not necessary
• Price: 10 eur
• Opening hours: closed Tuesdays, other days 9:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00
• Official website + booking: catacombedomitilla.it

Catacombs of St Agnese (Catacombe di Sant'Agnese)

A smaller site in the northeast of the city (other than the more famous catacombs mentioned above)

Combines well with:

• Basilica of Sant'Agnese Fuori le Mura
• the Nomentano district

Compared to the previous ones, it tends to be less visited.

• Online booking: not possible, the tour can only be booked on site
• Price: 10 eur
• Opening hours: closed Sundays, other days 10:00-13:00 and 15:00-18:00
• Official website + booking: catacombedomitilla.it

Are the catacombs worth it?

✅ Yes, if:

• you enjoy the history of ancient and early Christian Rome
• you want something completely different from the city centre
• you are planning a visit to Via Appia Antica

❌ More likely not, if:

• you don't like enclosed underground spaces
• you don't enjoy this type of history
• you have very little time in Rome
• you visit sites mainly for photography or filming

💡 Alternative:
If you want history off the main tourist routes but without the underground, check out the Baths of Caracalla.

Photography? Banned practically everywhere.

This is important.

In most of the Roman catacombs, there is a strict ban on photography and filming.

And actually, I didn't mind at all. Instead of taking pictures, you get more of a sense of the space itself.

How does a visit

In most catacombs:

• Guided entry only.
• tours are conducted in groups
• length usually 45 minutes

The underground is pleasantly cool even during the summer.

A sweatshirt is usually not needed, but the difference is noticeable compared to the hot centre of Rome.

Which catacombs to choose?

Do you have only one visit?

For the first choice I would recommend:

• San Callisto - the most important
• San Sebastiano - a very good combination of history + fewer people
• Domitilla - if you want a longer and less touristy option

Whichever you choose, be prepared for one thing.

How to get there?

I've only been to the catacombs around Via Appia (especially San Sebastiano + San Callisto + Domitilla).

It takes about 30 minutes to get there by bus from the centre.

• Line 118: direct connection to the centre (Colosseum, Baths of Caracalla, Piazza Venezia)
  • runs approx. once every 12 minutes
• Line 660: only goes to the Catacombs of San Sebastiano (to the others + 15 minutes walk) from metro line A Arco di Travertino
• 👉 How to get around Rome

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