Tour Description

Attention Crypts and Catacombs Passionates!

Enhance your time in Rome with a unique tour of the Eternal City’s underground wonders. From the Dark Ages through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and present day, Rome has a rich heritage that is quite literally layered beneath her surface. Come see the ancient churches, burial places and homes as they were in their day.

We’ll visit the Triton Fountain first. Located in Barberini Square, this elegant monument is a fine representation of the 17th century Baroque sculpture of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. You’ll see the sea god, Triton, atop dolphins. Note the papal tiara and crest of the Barberini family. It was commissioned in 1642 by Pope Urban VIII to commemorate restoration of the Acqua Felice, an aqueduct.

Then it’s on to the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini and the Capuchin Crypt. Here we are on the sacred ground of the Capuchin friars. Nearly 4,000 rest in peace here, but not as you would think. Their skulls and bones are arranged as funereal art, the likes of which you’ve never seen. Rosettes, butterflies and even clocks made of bones make up the intriguing display. There is a museum at this location.

We will walk on to the Basilica San Clemente next. The church we will enter dates to the 12th century, and is called an archbasilica. Prior to this, it was a church in the 4th century and prior to this, a pagan temple in the 1st. See the fascinating layers as you walk deeper beneath the ground. Gaze upon mosaics and frescoes that speak of life through the centuries. Optional

1- The famed Roman Catacombs. See early Christian frescoes and sculptures dating to 400 AD. Follow passageways that wind beneath the city to see where popes and martyrs were laid to rest. See personal memorials dedicated to loved ones, and learn what life was like when Christians were viewed as criminals.

2- The awe-inspiring Church of Saint Quattro Coronati. A medieval fortress that offered respite for popes and their visitors, today this secluded cloister is home to the contemplative Augustinian nuns. Meaning the Four Crowned Saints, the church was named for four soldiers martyred by Emperor Diocletian for refusing to follow his orders. Here you’ll find two treasures to inspire you with beauty and serenity. First is the Romanesque Cloister. Ring the bell, and one of the nuns will admit you to this peaceful enclave. Second is the precious Chapel of St. Sylvester. Ring and enter to be awed by colorful 700 year-old frescoes portraying a chronology of medieval events. Rich in legend, you will enjoy learning about religious and political life in the Middle Ages.

We’ll finish our exceptional tour with the celebrated Basilica of St. John Lateran in Laterano. This is Rome’s original church and cathedral. For a thousand years, the Popes lived beside this archbasilica. We will enter the church through the Piazza, where an ancient red granite Egyptian obelisk will capture your attention. Carved in Amun in Karnak, it was shipped to Alexandria in the 4th century. Constantius II had planned to bring it to Constantinople. Instead, he shipped it to Rome’s Circus Maximus in 357 AD. It was restored in 1588 and erected in Laterano. Inside we’ll see incredible Baroque treasures including statues of the Apostles, the ornamental ceiling, nave and Holy Door.

• 4 hours
• Age 14+ (for kids we have special kid-friendly tours)
• Rome City Center