We really appreciated the mix of history, art, and a bit of mystery. The guide was respectful, informative, and explained everything in a way that was easy to understand
Tour Description
Explore Rome’s hidden underground world on this fascinating tour, uncovering ancient crypts, forgotten cemeteries, secret temples, and more, revealing the city’s mysterious, rich history beneath the surface.
Key Information
- Experience Private, Walking
- Guided by Licensed national tour guide
- Duration 3 hours
- Starting times (Customizable) Morning, Afternoon
- Languages English, Italian, Spanish, French, German
- Pickup available Upon request
Highlights
- Discover Rome's Undergrounds
Itinerary
- 1 1
Crypt of the Capuchins
Your journey begins at Piazza Barberini, home to Bernini’s Triton Fountain, a stunning example of Baroque artistry. From there, your guide will lead you to the eerie Crypt of the Capuchins, where the remains of over 3,000 Capuchin friars are arranged in intricate, haunting displays. The bones—skulls, pelvises, and more—form a chilling, yet fascinating tribute to the monks' belief in the transience of life. As you wander through this unsettling site, your guide will reveal the rich history and deeper significance behind this unique monument to mortality.
- 2 2
Church of St. Clement
Next, you'll explore the Church of St. Clement, built over a 4th-century basilica, which itself stands atop a Roman house and a Mithraic temple. Venture beneath the church to discover its underground layers, where ancient frescoes, mosaics, and remnants of early Roman life offer a captivating insight into the city's deep historical layers.
Tour Gallery
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Full Description
This guided tour of the Capuchin Crypt and the undergrounds of the Basilica of St. Clemente offers a captivating journey through Rome’s hidden history. The tour begins with a walk through the eerie Capuchin Crypt, located beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione. Here, the walls and ceilings are adorned with the bones of over 4,000 Capuchin monks, arranged in intricate patterns and designs. The crypt serves as a powerful meditation on mortality, with each chamber conveying a poignant message about life’s transience. The somber atmosphere is juxtaposed with the crypt’s artistic arrangements, creating an unforgettable and thought-provoking experience.
Next, our tour takes you to the Basilica of St. Clemente, a church layered with centuries of history. Beneath its ornate surface, guests descend into its underground levels, exploring ancient frescoes and mosaics that date back to early Christian times. The atmospheric lower levels reveal a Roman house, a 4th-century Christian basilica, and even older pagan sanctuaries, providing a fascinating glimpse into the city’s religious evolution.
This tour connects guests to the past in an intimate, reflective way, offering unique insights into Rome’s religious, cultural, and historical landscape—highlighting the city’s rich layers beneath the surface.
What is included
Included
- Expert local guide
Not included
- Gratuities
- Catacombs
Recommendations
Tips and Tricks
- Required: shorts and skirts below the knee, shoulders covered
- You can visit the catacombs by adding another hour to your tour.
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
Meeting Point
Meeting point may vary according to the season and customer requirements. It will always be communicated multiple times in advance.Reviews
Really fascinating! We discovered a different side of Rome, and the guide’s stories were really interesting
Book Capuchins' Crypt and St. Clemente's Undergrounds Tour in Rome
Capuchins' Crypt and St. Clemente's Undergrounds Tour in Rome
Starting at
59 €
69 $
51 £
96 CA$
103 A$
per person Your tour guides in Rome
Expert guide
Bruno
Guides in Italian, English
Bruno is a walking history book with a spark—his deep knowledge and lively stories make the past come alive in a fun, unforgettable way!
Credentials
- University Degree in Management of Cultural Heritage
Expert guide
Donato
Guides in Italian, English
Donato is an archaeologist at heart and a natural storyteller—he makes ancient sites fascinating for both adults and kids, mixing knowledge with humour.
Credentials
- Phd in Archeology
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