Rome Catacombs of Callixtus Guided Tour
About this activity
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Experience Highlights
This activity will allow you to delve into the underground of Rome, specifically the Catacombs of San Callisto. There are many in the Eternal City, but these are considered among the most fascinating. An expert guide will tell you the history of this place, which encloses tunnels, frescoes and tombs. The tour lasts approximately 40 minutes.
- Enter the Catacombs of St. Callixtus and visit the crypts of the popes and other martyrs.
- Discover the oldest Christian cemetery in Rome with more than 20 kms of underground tunnels.
- Enjoy the explanations of an expert guide who will introduce you to the mysteries of the Eternal City.
What’s included
- Entrance to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus
- 40-minute guided tour
- Audio guide
Select date and time
Keep in mind you need to arrive 10 minutes before start
Step by Step
This ticket grants access to the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus, the oldest and most important in the Eternal City. An expert guide will accompany you through Rome’s underground passageways to discover the tombs of the early Christians. The tour lasts approximately 40 minutes.
The Catacombs of Saint Callixtus are situated along the Via Appia Antica, a short distance from the small Church of Quo Vadis, about 20 minutes by public transport from the city centre. They consist of a network of tunnels stretching for almost 20 kilometres, divided into four levels of depth. They take their name from the deacon of the same name who was entrusted with managing this cemetery in the late first century. Once inside, you can admire the following areas:
- Crypt of the Popes – The burial place of the popes of the 3rd century.
- Pope Miltiades’ Area – A must-see for pilgrims of old.
- Crypt of Saint Cecilia – Originally the burial place of the martyr of the same name. Today, her remains rest in Trastevere and a statue depicts Cecilia in her eternal sleep.
- The Area of Saints Caius and Eusebius – Two tombs of the popes of the same name. They are decorated with inscriptions in Greek and Latin, as well as frescoes.
- Chambers of the Sacraments – Six small burial chambers built in the 3rd century AD. The frescoes depict two key moments in the life of every Christian: Baptism and the Eucharist.
This is a recommended activity for all history enthusiasts and for those keen to discover something out of the ordinary. It is also recommended in case of rain.
Reviews
- II.Not to be missed
- EE.Very good tour, I really liked the way the tour was handled and the guide's talk about the catacombs.
- KK.The tour was very good, the guide told us all the lurid details of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus. A place that is undoubtedly gloomy but is part of the history of Rome.
- EE.Highly recommended!