Spooky Rome: The Capuchin Crypt and the Catacombs

Rome is a city of ruins, but its strangest corners are underground and out of the sun. In one day you can see chapels decorated with the bones of thousands of friars and walk through early Christian burial tunnels beside an ancient Roman road. Here is how to fit both into a day without rushing.

For where to stay and more ideas, see all of our Rome guides.

Morning: the Capuchin Crypt

On Via Vittorio Veneto, a short walk from Piazza Barberini, the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars sits under the church of Santa Maria della Concezione. The visit starts in a museum about Capuchin life and ends in the crypt: a row of small chapels whose walls and ceilings are decorated with the bones of some 3,700 friars, arranged into arches, rosettes and chandeliers.

Each chapel is named after the bones used to decorate it. Turismo Roma describes the crypt as a Baroque memento mori, a reminder of death rather than a horror show. It is moving more than frightening.

• No photos: photography is not allowed inside the crypt.
• Dress as for a church: it is a religious site.
• Short visit: the crypt itself is small, so allow about an hour with the museum.

Barberini metro station (line A) is the closest stop.

Afternoon: the Catacombs of San Callisto

Head south to the Appia Antica, the ancient road out of Rome. At Via Appia Antica 110, the Catacombs of San Callisto are one of the city's great early Christian burial grounds, with tunnels on several levels and the Crypt of the Popes, where 16 popes were buried.

Visits are guided and run by the Salesians of Don Bosco. The official site says online reservations are required, so book before you go. It is cool underground, so bring a layer even on a warm day.

Afterwards, walk a stretch of the Appia Antica itself. Its old paving stones, pines and tombs are at their best in the late afternoon light.

Make it work

Time	Plan
Morning	Capuchin Crypt on Via Veneto
Lunch	Near Piazza Barberini or on the way south
Afternoon	Catacombs of San Callisto, then the Appia Antica

The two sites are far apart, so plan the bus or taxi between them and check ATAC's journey planner on the day. Keep the evening near your hotel; this is a long day on your feet.

For a classic first visit, pair it with three days in Rome.