Beneath Rome’s sunlit piazzas and grand basilicas lies a mysterious world of tombs, tunnels, and ancient rituals. If you want to explore a different side of the Eternal City — darker, quieter, and older — an underground tour is a must.
Here’s your complete guide to the best underground tours in Rome, covering catacombs, crypts, Mithraeums, and hidden passages — including how to book, what to expect, and which ones to choose.
🕯️ 1. Catacombs of Rome: Christian Burial Networks
Why visit: These ancient burial tunnels are a haunting and sacred glimpse into early Christian Rome.
Main sites:
- Catacombs of San Callisto (largest, most visited)
- San Sebastiano (on the Appian Way, beautiful structure)
- Domitilla (less crowded, frescoes and underground basilica)
Tour highlights:
- 2–3 levels of tombs
- Christian symbols and frescoes
- Early martyrs and saints’ resting places
Good to know:
- Guided tour required (no self-exploration)
- No photos allowed
- Cool underground temps (~15°C)
👉 Book a Rome Catacombs Tour with Appian Way Transfer →
💀 2. Capuchin Crypts: The Bone Church
Why visit: One of the eeriest yet most artistic places in Rome. The crypt is decorated with the bones of over 4,000 friars, forming chandeliers, altars, and wall designs.
What’s included:
- Capuchin Museum entry
- 6 crypt chambers with themed displays
- Audio guide or live guide depending on ticket
Tour length: ~1 hour
地点: Via Veneto (central Rome)
👉 Buy Capuchin Crypt Tickets or Book a Small-Group Tour →
🐂 3. Mithraeums: Pagan Temples Beneath the City
Why visit: Before Christianity, Roman soldiers and elites worshipped Mithras, a mysterious Eastern god. Secret temples (Mithraeums) still lie beneath today’s churches.
Top spots:
- Basilica of San Clemente — three layers of history, including a Mithraeum
- Mithraeum of Circus Maximus — rare, atmospheric, recently opened to the public
What you’ll see:
- Pagan altars and frescoes
- Subterranean springs
- Ancient graffiti and ritual spaces
👉 Join a Rome Underground Layers Tour with Mithraeum Entry →
🕳️ 4. Hidden Tunnels & Passages: Forgotten Rome
Why visit: Some tours include rare-access tunnels, medieval passages, or World War II shelters.
Example experiences:
- Underground Trevi: see the water systems beneath the fountain
- Navona Underground: explore the ruins of Domitian’s Stadium
- Vicus Caprarius: walk ancient apartment ruins hidden below a movie theater
Tips:
- Wear good shoes — slippery floors and stairs
- These tours often include museum-style walkthroughs, great for archaeology lovers
👉 Explore Rome’s Hidden Underground Passages →
⚖️ Comparison Table: Which Underground Rome Tour Should You Choose?
Tour Type | Duration | 最适合 | Must-Know |
---|---|---|---|
Catacombs | 2–3 hrs | Early Christianity, quiet walks | Guided only, no photos |
Capuchin Crypt | 1 hr | Art lovers, spooky vibes | Central location |
Mithraeum Tours | 1.5 hrs | Pagan history, deeper context | Limited entry |
Trevi/Navona Tunnels | 1 hr | Quick hidden gems | Museum-style |
🛎️ Book Underground Rome Experiences Now
- 🕳️ Rome Catacombs + Appian Way Small-Group Tour →
- 💀 Capuchin Crypt Entry + Guided Bone Church Walk →
- 🐂 San Clemente & Mithraeum Multi-Layer Tour →
- 🔦 Trevi Fountain Underground & Hidden Passages Tour →
⚠️ Safety Tips & What to Bring
- Good walking shoes: Cobblestones and wet steps are common
- Light layers: Underground sites are cool, even in summer
- Backpacks not allowed in most crypts
- Claustrophobic? Avoid deeper tunnels like Domitilla or Mithraeums
Rome’s beauty runs deep — literally. These underground tours reveal the layers of faith, fear, and ritual beneath the surface. Book one and discover the Eternal City’s hidden soul.