Catacombs of San Callisto: Tickets, Hours, Rules & How to Visit (Rome)

The Catacombs of San Callisto are one of the most powerful (and surprisingly practical) underground visits in Rome—set right on the Via Appia Antica. You’ll explore a vast early-Christian burial complex on a guided tour (about 40 minutes) through corridors, crypts, and frescoed chambers that reveal how Rome’s Christian community lived, mourned, and remembered.

Catacombs of San Callisto at a glance ✅

Why the Catacombs of San Callisto are special 🕯️

A “city of the dead” on multiple levels

Official information describes the Catacombs of San Callisto as one of the largest and most important in Rome: originating around the mid-2nd century, with multiple levels, deep underground galleries, and an immense burial network.

A major site for early Church history

The complex became the official cemetery of the Church of Rome in the early 3rd century, tied to the deacon Callixtus and Pope Zephyrinus’ administration.

What you’ll see on a Catacombs of San Callisto guided tour 📍

Every route can vary slightly, but these are the famous “core” highlights referenced in official descriptions:

The Crypt of the Popes 👑

Often called the “little Vatican,” it’s described as the official burial place of nine popes (and likely other Church dignitaries), with surviving Greek inscriptions on the walls.

The Crypt of St. Cecilia 🎼

St. Cecilia (patron saint of music) is a key figure here; official descriptions note her martyrdom and later translation of relics to Trastevere (in 821), plus important paintings in the crypt.

Cubicles of the Sacraments 🎨

These small family-chamber spaces are valued for early 3rd-century frescoes with symbolic scenes connected to Baptism and the Eucharist, and imagery like Jonah as a resurrection symbol.

Above-ground “Trichorae” basilicas ⛪

Before going underground, there are two small three-apse basilicas (“Trichorae”) in the open area.

How to get to the Catacombs of San Callisto 🚇🚌🚕

The Catacombs of San Callisto sit on Via Appia Antica and are clearly positioned between “Quo Vadis?” church and the Basilica of St. Sebastian.

By public transport (the simplest routes) 🚇🚌

Official directions list several easy combinations:

• Metro B → Bus 118: Take Metro B to Colosseo or Circo Massimo, then take bus 118 (direction Appia/Villa dei Quintili) to the stop “Catacombe di San Callisto”.
• Metro A → Bus 218: Take Metro A to San Giovanni, then bus 218 (direction Ardeatina) to “Fosse Ardeatine.”
• Bus 714 + walk: Bus 714 to Navigatori, then about 1 km on foot along Via delle Sette Chiese.

By taxi / ride-hailing 🚖

Ask for “Catacombe di San Callisto, Via Appia Antica 110”—it’s a well-known stop on the Appian Way corridor.

Driving note (important) ⚠️

The official directions warn that transit of private vehicles on the Appia Antica on public holidays is prohibited (with reserved groups allowed to pass if they have a reservation).

Catacombs of San Callisto hours and closures ⏱️

Opening hours

• Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun: 09:00–12:00 and 14:00–17:00
• Wednesday: Closed

Last entry / last tour

• Last guided tour in the morning begins at 12:00
• Last guided tour in the afternoon begins at 17:00
• Ticket office closes at 16:50

Other closure days

The official page lists closures including New Year’s Day, Easter, and Christmas, and notes that exceptional variations may be announced on their homepage/Facebook.

Catacombs of San Callisto tickets and prices 💳

Official ticket pricing:

• Standard admission: €10
• Reduced: €7 (including children 7–16; certain student categories up to 25 with proof; and other eligible groups)
• Free admission: children up to 6, certain disability categories, licensed guides, and other listed cases

Online tickets (avoid scams) ✅

The official ticket page states that online sales are handled via Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi (ORP) as the only officially authorized service.

Rules inside the Catacombs of San Callisto 📵⚠️

Key official rules that commonly surprise visitors:

• No photos or videos inside (staff may expel offenders)
• No food or drink inside
• No pets and no bulky items (luggage, strollers, etc.)
• Not suitable for some mobility limits: irregular steps, no elevator; wheelchairs not permitted
• Not recommended if you are claustrophobic

Tips and common mistakes ✅

✅ Do this for a smoother visit

• Arrive earlier than you think: the ticket office closes at 16:50, and the last afternoon tour begins at 17:00.
• Bring a light layer: underground Rome is typically cooler and more humid than the street level (even in summer).
• Wear stable shoes: you’ll be on uneven steps and sometimes damp stone.
• If you’re solo: remember tours require at least two people—arrive when other visitors are likely present so you can join a group.

⚠️ Don’t do this

• Don’t plan to “grab a quick photo set”—photos are forbidden inside.
• Don’t show up with a stroller or big luggage—bulky items are prohibited.
• Don’t schedule it as your final stop on a Wednesday—Wednesdays are closed.

FAQ ❓

Do I need a guide to visit the Catacombs of San Callisto?
Yes—official hours info says visits are only in groups accompanied by staff, with tours every ~30 minutes.

How long does the tour take?
About 40 minutes.

Can I take pictures inside?
No—photos and videos are forbidden inside.

What’s the easiest route from central Rome?
Official directions highlight Metro B (Colosseo/Circo Massimo) + bus 118 to the “Catacombe di San Callisto” stop.

Conclusion

If you want an authentic, moving slice of early Christian Rome, the Catacombs of San Callisto are one of the best choices: historically dense, clearly organized as a guided visit, and perfectly placed on the Appian Way for combining with nearby stops. Just plan around the split hours, respect the no-photo rule, and arrive with the right expectations (steps, cool air, guided-only).