Bestseller
Reserved Access
Discover the Hidden Depths of Rome by Night
Step into the shadowy depths of Rome on this spine-tingling night-time tour of its most mysterious and macabre corners. This exclusive 2.5-hour guided experience invites you to explore the hauntingly beautiful Capuchin Crypts and the ancient Priscilla Catacombs under the cover of darkness, when their eerie ambiance comes to life. Experience the chilling allure of Rome after sunset as your guide unveils the secrets buried beneath the city’s historic streets.
Your tour begins at the Capuchin Crypts, a site both fascinating and unnerving. Beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini lies a series of crypts decorated entirely with the bones of over 4,000 Capuchin monks.
By the dim glow of evening light, you’ll walk through chambers adorned with vertebrae chandeliers, skull-lined walls, and intricate bone mosaics. Your guide will reveal the somber meaning behind this macabre artistry, reflecting the monks’ meditation on mortality and eternal life. The quiet, shadowed crypts create an atmosphere that is at once thought-provoking and hauntingly unforgettable.
Descend into the Queen of Catacombs
The experience continues as you board a coach to the Priscilla Catacombs, a vast underground network often called the “Queen of the Catacombs” for its historical significance and grandeur. As night falls, the winding, labyrinthine tunnels take on a chillingly atmospheric quality. Dating back to the 2nd century, these catacombs were used by early Christians as secret burial chambers and places of worship during times of persecution.
Guided by our expert and their lantern light, you’ll explore narrow passageways lined with ancient tombs and adorned with stunning frescoes. Among these is the earliest known depiction of the Virgin Mary, a remarkable window into early Christian art and faith. As your guide recounts stories of martyrs, hidden rituals, and the challenges faced by Rome’s earliest Christians, you’ll feel transported back in time to a world of resilience and secrecy.
Arriving back at the moonlit streets at Piazza Barberini, you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for the darker side of The Holy City. This crypts and catacombs tour reveals the eerie beauty and hidden history of Rome, offering an unforgettable evening exploration.
