Tour by coach with a guide · Piazza Barberini, Fontana del Tritone
Three underground sites in Rome: the crypt decorated with the bones of the friars, the galleries of the early Christians, and the underground of a 4th-century basilica. A coach takes you from one place to the next, and the guide tells the rest.
The tour starts in the center of Piazza Barberini, at the large Tritone Fountain, at the Barberini metro A stop. First stop: the Museum and the Capuchin Friars Crypt on Via Vittorio Veneto, with an audio guide. According to the Rome Capitale tourism portal, the museum has eight rooms on the history of the friars, and the crypt is a long corridor with five chapels opening onto it, containing the remains of almost 4,000 friars who lived between 1500 and 1800, arranged to form decorations. The museum also has a St. Francis in Meditation that the same portal says "may have been made by Caravaggio".
Then you board an air-conditioned coach and head to the catacombs, where an expert guide explains how early Christians used these tunnels to bury their dead and pray, almost 2,000 years ago. The last stop is the Basilica of San Martino ai Monti: according to the listing, it dates back to the 4th century, is built on Roman foundations, and preserves the remains of an ancient place of worship, with underground areas to visit. The tour ends in Piazza Barberini or at the San Nicola in Carcere exit. The price starts from $55 per person (GetYourGuide, October 2026), with free cancellation up to 24 hours before, and entry to the three sites is included.
A few rules to know beforehand. Forbidden are shorts, short skirts and sleeveless tops: these are sacred places, and the listing is clear. Strollers, prams and wheelchairs are not allowed, and the tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues. The guide speaks English or Spanish, depending on the option chosen, and on Sundays visits to churches are not guaranteed due to services. There is also an evening "After Hours" option of 2.5 hours instead of 3.5, without San Martino ai Monti.
Center of Piazza Barberini, at the Fontana del Tritone. You can get there by metro A, Barberini stop.
Museum and crypt with audio guide: the eight rooms on the history of the friars, then the five chapels decorated with bones.
You board the air-conditioned coach. No metro or taxi to look for.
The guide accompanies you through the galleries carved into the rock, among tombs and prayer places of the early Christians.
The 4th-century basilica and its underground areas. It is not included in the After Hours option.
The tour ends in Piazza Barberini or at the exit of San Nicola in Carcere.
★★★★★Our guide, Paula, was wonderful: her sense of humor and her knowledge made us have fun. The tour was well organized and the coach between the main sites was excellent.
★★★★★Barbara was an extraordinary guide: she explained everything in minute detail before starting, and so the tour was much more pleasant and easy to understand.
★★★★★A great history lesson on the pagan and Christian sides of Rome, very informative. And with three different places in one tour, a great experience.
★★★★★I really liked this unusual tour. Our guide Paula was nice, very knowledgeable, and you could see that her subjects are her passion.
Read:
Three: the Museum and Capuchin Crypt with audio guide, the catacombs with a guide, and the Basilica of San Martino ai Monti with its underground areas. The After Hours option does not include San Martino ai Monti.
No shorts, short skirts or sleeveless tops: the listing bans them. Comfortable shoes are required.
Yes, but without a stroller: strollers and prams are not allowed, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.
In English or Spanish, depending on the option you choose. In the crypt, there is an audio guide.
Ready to book
The Capuchin Crypt and the catacombs with a guide, and the coach between each place. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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