Plan Your Visit to Rome Catacombs: Essential Tips & Guide

A few practical things to know before you visit the Catacombs of Domitilla or the Catacombs of Saints Marcellinus and Peter: the rules, what's on site, and where to eat or stay nearby.

Catacombs of Rome: Visitor Guidelines

Arrive Early for Your Tour: Get to the entrance 10 to 15 minutes before your slot. Once the group has gone underground, late arrivals may not be able to join.

Stay With Your Guide: Visits are only allowed with a guide. The galleries are dim and branch off in many directions, so keep up with your group.

Dress Comfortably and Respectfully: Wear shoes with good grip and bring a light layer, as it's cooler underground. Both sites are places of Christian worship, so dress accordingly.

Travel Light: The passages are narrow, and large bags or backpacks get in the way.

Keep It Quiet: These are burial sites. Keep your voice down, and don't touch the walls, tombs or paintings.

Good to Know Before Your Visit to Catacombs of Rome

Facilities
Rules
Dining
Store
Hotels

Facilities at the Catacombs of Rome

Domitilla has a shop and gardens at the entrance, and your visit includes its small museum.

At Saints Marcellinus and Peter, the Mausoleum of Saint Helena houses an antiquarium with finds from the site, including tactile displays for visitors with visual impairments.

Catacombs of Rome: Location

The Catacombs of Domitilla are at Via delle Sette Chiese, 282, close to the Appian Way. The Catacombs of Saints Marcellinus and Peter are at Via Casilina, 641, on the ancient Via Labicana in eastern Rome.

Catacombs of Domitilla, Rome: Entrance Ticket + Guided Tour

Highlights

Discover some of the most significant catacombs beneath Rome.

Enjoy a guided experience that sheds light on early Christian history.

Benefit from skip-the-line access to the site.

Learn about controversies relating to women’s roles in the Church.

Hear intriguing stories, including legends and early explorers’ beliefs.

Catacombs of Saints Marcellinus and Peter: Guided Tour

Highlights

Venture into the ancient underground necropolis linked to early Christian martyrs.

Experience a detailed 40-minute guided exploration led by a knowledgeable live guide.

Enjoy expedited entry that avoids long queues.

Learn about the Mausoleum of Saint Helena, resting place of Constantine’s mother.

Observe authentic early Christian inscriptions and tombstones in a multilayered catacomb complex.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the Catacombs of Rome

Can you explore the catacombs without a guide?

No. Both catacombs can only be visited on a guided tour. You can see the Mausoleum of Saint Helena on your own.

How long does a typical visit to the catacombs take?

The tour at Saints Marcellinus and Peter lasts about 40 to 45 minutes. Allow extra time for the mausoleum there, or for the museum and shop at Domitilla.

Are the catacombs suitable for people with claustrophobia?

Possibly not. The tunnels are narrow and dimly lit, so if enclosed spaces bother you, think carefully before booking.

Can children visit the catacombs?

Yes. Saints Marcellinus and Peter even runs workshops for children aged 3 and up, booked a week ahead.

Are the catacombs wheelchair accessible?

Access can't be guaranteed. Both sites are underground, and Saints Marcellinus and Peter states it can't ensure access for visitors with reduced mobility.

What languages are guided tours available in?

At Domitilla, tours run in Italian, English, German, Spanish and French, with Polish and Portuguese on request. At Saints Marcellinus and Peter, tours are in Italian and English, with French, Spanish, German and Polish on request. The languages for your ticket are shown when you book.