Descend into the chill of Rome’s mysterious underworld with Skip-the-Line access to three of the city’s strangest discoveries. Unmask a new side to the Eternal City as you explore the eerie Bone Chapel, adorned with the bones of 4,000 Capuchin monks, and the Christian Catacombs, a series of hidden tunnels where early Christian’s practiced their forbidden faith. Then travel beneath Basilica of San Martino ai Monti, a hidden gem tucked away in the city’s historic core.
Exclusive Evening Tour Option: Choose this option for an exclusive tour at 5pm, after the public has left the Catacombs of Rome
Your first destination is the Capuchin Crypt. Capuchin monks used the bones of nearly 4,000 of their brothers to decorate this somber space in intricate floor-to-ceiling designs, lending it the macabre nickname of ‘the Bone Chapel’. Here you will be free to explore hearing all the interesting details and the reasons behind such an unusual practice with your audio guide. Open your eyes to the city’s hidden side – and you’ll never see Rome the same way again.
Your expert historian guide will explain how this network of sacred tunnels is associated with the first Christians in ancient Rome. You’ll descend into the labyrinthian corridors carved into the soft volcanic rock and discover the frescoes, strange iconography and burial places which doubled as places of worship when the Christians were persecuted.
Conclude your Roman adventure at the Basilica of San Martino ai Monti, a hidden gem tucked away in the city’s historic core. Originally founded in the 4th century, this lesser-known church sits atop ancient Roman ruins and unveils layers of religious history. Marvel at magnificent Baroque frescoes, early Christian mosaics, and the remains of a secretive titulus—an early site for underground Christian worship. Venture beneath the basilica to explore centuries-old ruins and witness Rome’s evolving spiritual story.
You will make your own way to the meeting points
• We kindly ask our guests be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure. • Our City Wonders coordinators will be wearing blue City Wonders polo shirts or jackets or flag to be easily recognizable at the meeting point. • Knees and shoulders must be covered to enter the venues. • This tour involves a fair amount of walking, hills, and stairs; comfortable shoes are recommended. • This service ends at Piazza Barberini [Day Tour] or Piazza della Republica [After Hours Tour] • Gratuities for your guide/driver that provided excellent service are appreciated! • City Wonders is not responsible for any personal belongings that are lost or damaged. Guests should ensure they keep track of their items throughout the entire duration of the tour. Please note that any additional shipping costs related to retrieved items will not be covered by City Wonders • Basilica of San Martino ai Monti is not visited in the exclusive after hours tour option. That option last 2.5 hours instead of 3.5 hrs for the day tour. • Please note, on Sundays the Church visits is not guaranteed due to liturgical activities.