Discover Rome’s most famous catacombs for free

Have you ever wanted to visit Rome’s famous catacombs, but weren’t sure which one to choose, or if you’d feel weird or claustrophobic in those underground passages? Of course, considerations like the above have prevented you from booking your visit altogether because you didn’t want to throw your money away…

Well, there are some good news for you! In an effort to make this part of their heritage more widely known, the Vatican has set up La giornata delle catacombe (“The Day of the Catacombs”). The event, now in its sixth year, has a somewhat eerie name, but it is a lovely idea! At From Home to Rome, we think of it as a different way to discover the great history of the Eternal City, one that combines culture and spirituality.

Which landmarks are participating in this event?

The event is due on March 18th. Starting at 930AM and ending with the last visits for the day, which all start at around 5PM, visitors will be able to enter freely seven of the main catacombs that are directly managed by the Vatican Authorities:

• Catacomba di San Sebastiano on Via Appia Antica, 136
• Catacomba di San Pancrazio on Piazza San Pancrazio, 5D
• Catacomba dei Santi Marcellino e Pietro on Via Casilina, 641
• Catacomba di San Callisto on Via Appia Antica, 78
• Catacomba di Domitilla on Via delle Sette Chiese, 282
• Catacomba di Sant’Agnese on Via di Sant’Agnese, 3 (Via Nomentana)
• Catacomba di Priscilla on Via Salaria, 43

Therefore, to be clear, sites such as the underground levels at San Clemente, the Scavi under St. Peter’s Basilica or the Capuchin Crypt on Via Veneto will not be participating in this event.

In addition to the regular visits, the various attractions will also host conferences, art workshops for children, and concerts, while the day will culminate in a special Mass celebrated by Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi in the Church of San Pancrazio (on the Janiculum Hill).

How to visit Rome’s catacombs for free

While the Giornata delle Catacombe is a free event, the Vatican authorities require a mandatory booking for each visitor. This can be done by email, with different addresses to be used depending on the site one wishes to visit. The full list of participating catacombs and their respective contacts can be found at this address, and on the same website it is possible to download a PDF containing the full program for the day.

No luck? Try again!

And for those who won’t be able to make it because they are still too far away from Rome, fear not: the Giornata delle Catacombe will be back in the fall. In the meantime, check out our other recommendations for more unmissable underground attractions!