Descend beneath the historic Appian Way and discover the fascinating underground world of the Catacombs of San Callisto on a guided tour. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, explore one of Rome’s most significant early Christian burial complexes and learn about the communities, traditions, and individuals connected with these ancient subterranean galleries.  

Enter the network of underground passages carved into the volcanic rock and discover how the catacombs were developed as places of burial and remembrance. Your guide will explain the customs of early Christian communities and help you understand the significance of the inscriptions, burial niches, chambers, and surviving traces of ancient Christian art found throughout the complex.  

The tour includes the historic Crypt of the Popes, an important area associated with several early bishops of Rome. Learn about the early Christian leaders connected with the site and the role the catacombs played in the history of the Church during the first centuries of Christianity.  

Continue through the underground galleries and discover the Crypt of Saint Cecilia, traditionally connected with the Christian martyr. Your guide will share the traditions and historical stories surrounding the crypt while explaining how Saint Cecilia became one of the important figures associated with the catacombs.  

Throughout the visit, the guide provides historical context that helps bring the underground site to life, connecting the physical remains with the history of Rome’s early Christian communities. Learn how the catacombs were constructed, how they were used, and why San Callisto became such an important site in Christian history.  

The experience offers a different perspective on Rome, taking you away from the city's famous monuments and into a quieter archaeological environment beneath the ancient landscape of the Appian Way.

Highlights

• Explore the underground world of the Catacombs of San Callisto
• Visit the Crypt of the Popes and learn about its early Christian history
• Discover the Crypt of Saint Cecilia and the traditions surrounding the saint
• See ancient burial niches, inscriptions, and surviving Christian artwork
• Learn about early Christian burial customs and the development of Christianity