The Cimitero Monumentale dei Frati Cappuccini—better known simply as the Capuchin Crypt—is one of the eeriest sites in Rome: a series of chapels mosaicked with the bones of long-dead monks
Depending how you look at it, the cappuccini are monks with either a death wish or a rather healthy attitude toward their own mortality.
They're a weird lot, very polite but with a penchant for making mosaics out of the bones of their deceased brethren.
The popular coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk, and a dollop of foam was named after the monastic order of Capuchins since the coffee's dun color matched that of the monk's robes. Given that, the Cappuccini's Rome church couldn't be in a better location: On the Via Veneto, famously lined with cafes eager to serve you their namesake drink.
These fantastic displays form morbid patterns and baroque decorative details, from rings of knucklebones and garlands of pelvises to walls made from stacked skulls and scapulae used to create butterflies or hourglasses in an all-too fitting memento morimotif.
A few bodies lean against the walls in varying states of advanced desiccated decay, and the full skeletons of two Barberini princelings adorn the last chamber, near a placard that drives home the ashes-to-ashes point, in several languages:
What you are, we used to be
What we are, you will become.
Yep. Creepy.
With so much to offer visually, Rome is a city in which music can often be neglected. Every place has its angle and it isn't easy competing with the Colosseum and the Vatican. Opera Omnia has taken a thought-provoking path in using the incredible spaces that Rome has to offer not just as a backdrop for concerts, but as a fundamental aspect in the creation and presentation of their programming.
This series of concerts take place in very distinctive locations: Chiesa Sant'Agnese in Agone, Galleria Doria Pamphilj and, occasionally, Villa Farnesina. And beginning in September 2012, the fabulous "Marble Hall" of Palazzo Barberini will be on display during a new program of Baroque musical treasures. In addition to the musical performance, the service includes a 30-minute guided explanation (approximate, in English) of the premises.
Each location is special in its own right and characterizes one of the many hidden jewels of the Eternal City. For the highlights of each location, click on the "Additional Information" link on the individual concert page.
After meeting your guide in Piazza Barberini, you will be guided through the underground world of Rome on a private 4-hour tour. See as many of the temples, homes, and cemeteries as possible in one half-day adventure.
Start at the 17th century Triton Fountain in Barberini Square, before continuing on to the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini and the Capuchin Crypt. See the five chambers of skeletal remains of almost 4,000 monks as well as the museum on site.
Next, head to the famed Basilica San Clemente a few blocks away. This church was reconstructed multiple times over the centuries and contains several layers. On top is the current basilica that dates to the 12th century. Beneath is a 4th century basilica that was built on the foundation of a noblemans house. At the bottom is a Mithraic (pagan) temple and warehouse dating to the 1st and 2nd centuries. See an ancient water spring, stunning mosaics, and amazing frescoes.
Then visit one of the Roman catacombs, the underground layered cemeteries that surround the city walls. Lined with unique, handmade memorials, they are a treasure trove of early Christian murals and sculptures. Your tour will end in the city center of Rome.
Meet your guides at the fountain on Piazza Barberini and allow them to walk you straight inside Capuchin Museum.Benefit from free 45 min guided tour in english language and learn about the immense spirituality that surrounds this unique place.
Continue towards the Crypt of the Three Skeletons and learn all about Vesica Piscis and internal dialogue with Capuchin friars.
Crypt of the Leg Bones will be the next one to visit .Admire the sumbol of the Capuchins made of human bones.Stroll the Crypt of the Pelvises, which contains 2 Capuchins arched position. Look at the crosses on the ground, which mark the graves of the 39 Capuchins.Visit through the Crypt of the Skulls and check out its famous hourglass with a shoulder blades attached to it.
Find out why there is a hart of an italian lafy inside the Mass Chapel and explore at the end the Crypt of the Resurection.
Itinerary
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Stop At: The Capuchin Museum and Crypt, Rome, Lazio
Explore both Museums and Crypt with english speaking tour guide.
Duration: 1 hour
In the wonderful Capuchins Church in Via Veneto, surrounded by the splendid sculptures, the frescoes and marbles, you will attend this special Baroque Christmas Concert. You will also visit the mysterious Capuchins Crypt.
The concert will be performed by the prestigious Schola Romana Ensemble, a highly professional group of singers and musicians specialized in Roman Baroque music.
A dinner option is avaliable at the Restaurant Terrazza Borromini at Palazzo Pamphilj
For one of the most unusual events in all of Rome join us in the Church of S. Maria Immacolata for a concert and a tour of the famous Capuchin Crypt.
The a cappella program consists of a Gregorian, Renaissance, and baroque music of the masters of the Sistine Chapel performed by the Schola Romana Ensemble, the most acclaimed group of the polyphonic music. This event begins with the tour of the Capuchins church and and moves into the bone-filled Crypt of the monks. The conclusion returns to the specially reserved Church of S. Maria Immacolata for the Christmas baroque concert.
The crypt is located just under the church. Cardinal Antonio Barberini, who was a member of the Capuchin order, in 1631 ordered the remains of thousands of Capuchin friars exhumed and transferred from the friary Via dei Lucchesi to the crypt. The bones were arranged along the walls, and the friars began to bury their own dead here, as well as the bodies of poor Romans, whose tomb was under the floor of the present Mass chapel.
Learn more about the history, and enjoy a great night of music during this Christmas concert experience.
From the central meeting point, a mini van will take you to the most strategically important roads of the Roman empire. These roads connected Rome with Brindisi in Southeast Italy to improve the movement of military supplies and eventually lead to Rome´s success in the Second Samnite War. As you wander through the extraordinary tunnels of either the Catacombs of San Sebastiano or the Catacombs of San Callisto, you'll get a feel for Rome's chilling past. You will be guided through the winding underground tunnels, as you are told tales of burial, ritual, and religion in ancient Rome.
Gain a unique insight into the Capuchin bone crypt--a truly chilling experience. See a breathtaking display of decorative motifs. Consecutive chambers are decorated using only human bones and mummified corpses. The bones of around 4,000 Capuchin monks were used to create patterns and vignettes in this chilling display. The spectacle was erected in the 1700s, and very little is known about the reasons behind it. It has been speculated that this unconventional display is a kind of memento mori--its purpose serving as a reminder that time on earth should be used wisely.
You will eventually be led to the Crypt of the Three Skeletons, where the theme of life and death is evident. Enclosed in an oval, a skeleton holds a scythe in its right hand and scales in its left hand. It is suspected that the oval is the symbol of life coming to birth with the scales symbolizing the good and evil deeds weighed when we are judged by God.
A true testament to Romes uniquely wonderful architecture, the church dedicated to Pope Clements I is not to be missed. Together with your expert guide, you will travel back in time to explore layers of history. Uncover the mysteries of ancient Roman religion and cults, such as the Mithraic, who would meet in underground temples.
Meet your guide at Piazza Barberini in central Rome, and stroll to the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione to discover the Capuchin Crypts. Start by entering the crypts museum to see an incredible Caravaggio painting St Francis in Meditation as well as other relics about St Francis (Italys patron saint), and then head into the jaw-dropping crypts. From its arched walls to the picture frames that hang upon them, the chapel is made entirely from human bones. The mesmerizing display was created by the Capuchin monks who used the remains of their departed brothers to decorative effect.
Hear the history and then head back above ground to stroll to the Appian Way. One of the worlds longest roads, its also known for being home to the catacombs nearly 186 miles (300km) of underground tunnels that were used as burial chambers by Romes early Christians. Skip past any entrance lines and go below ground with your guide to visit the largest one Domitilla Catacombs (Catacomb di Santa Domitilla) and marvel at the treasures that lie deep beneath the city. Christianity was once banned in Rome and so the catacombs provided a peaceful sanctuary where they could worship. Marvel at the Christian wall paintings and see an underground 12th-century church, too.
Head back above ground and walk to your tours final highlight, the Basilica of San Clemente. A one-of-a-kind church, the basilica actually comprises three buildings from the12th centuries each built on top of the other. Skip the lines outside and as you explore with your guide, youll see different slices of Romes history, noting how the architecture gets grander in each building. Admire magnificent Renaissance and 11th-century frescoes and pose for pictures under an eye-catching mosaic.
Your tour finishes inside the Basilica of San Clemente, and you can stay longer if you wish to soak up the splendor of the church at your own pace.
This private tour will give you the best experience ever for the entire family, but especially for curious kids that love stories of ancient rituals, mummies and all the history hidden in Romes underground! This tour lasts 2.5 hours and a highly experienced kid-friendly local tour guide will tell you all about the history and secrets of Rome's underground! You will visit the greatest sites such as the decorative Crypt of the Capuchins and the Church of St. Clement, featuring 3 subterranean levels.
Dont miss the chance and book in advance to get this terrific tour for the whole family!
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars, Rome, Lazio
Your kid-friendly local tour guide will explain the fascinating history of the Crypt of the Capuchins and you will admire more than 3 thousand skeletal remains believed to be the buried bodies of Capuchin Friars.
Duration: 50 minutes
Stop At: Basilica of San Clemente, Rome, Lazio
At St. Clements Church you will enjoy all the mosaics and frescoes and the magic feeling will come as you descend 3 underground layers, going through all the most amazing ancient buildings and the ruins of a pagan temple!
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Pass By: Ludus Magnus, Rome, Lazio
Take a look to the ruins of the original Gladiators' school in Rome!
With multimedia tools, games and quizzes, your top-rated kid-friendly guide wil lead you on an exciting visit to St. Clements Basilica and the Crypt of the Capuchins.
What are you waiting for? Join us and you will have a thrilling experience!
Itinerary
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Stop At: Basilica of San Clemente, Rome, Lazio
Starting from the current church built during the 12th century, you will be taken on a trip back into history.
Learn about the history of St. Clements Basilica by exploring its four levels where you can see how the church was rebuilt during the centuries.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Basilica of San Clemente, Rome, Lazio
Admire the impressive mosaics, frescoes, and the wooden ceiling of the medioeval church. Discover the early medioeval wall paintings and the marble statues of the Basilica.
Go back to 2000 years to admire the ruins of an old temple dedicated to Mithra, a private Roman house and a storehouse dating back to the 1st century.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Museum and Crypt of Capuchins, Rome, Lazio
Move to Santa Maria Immacolata Concezione where you can see the Crypt of the Capuchins. Five rooms decorated with the bones of monks, more than 4000 friars were buried here. Some of them are completely intact. A palque at the entrance of one of the chapels reads: What you are now, we once were, what we are now, you will be.
Duration: 1 hour
Your destination is the Capuchin Crypt. Capuchin monks used the bones of nearly 4,000 of their brothers to decorate this sombre space in intricate floor-to-ceiling designs, lending it the macabre nickname of "the Bone Chapel". Your guide will tell you the theories, but its up to you to draw your own conclusions about the meaning of the crypts robed skeletons and vertebrae chandeliers.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars, Rome, Lazio
The Capuchin Crypt. Here, an order of monks has festooned a burial-chamber-cum-chapel with the mummified remains of 4,000 of their brothers.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Fontana del Tritone, Rome, Lazio
Triton Fountain
Pass By: Piazza Barberini, Rome, Lazio
Piazza Barberini
Stop At: Museum and Crypt of Capuchins, Rome, Lazio
The tour starts in one of the citys most interesting catacombs. The catacomb contains miles of creepy tunnels and the worlds oldest collection of bones. Your expert, guide, hand-picked for knowledge of the catacombs, will lead your small group of 18 people or fewer through these wonderfully historic and atmospheric tunnels, while telling you the story of early Christianity. Large groups simply cant fit into these areas, so take advantage of this truly unique access.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Catacombe San Sebastiano, Rome, Lazio
Next, youll head to one of the most singular and spine-tingling sights in Rome, the Capuchin bone crypt. The cemetery festooned with the bones and remains of some 4,000 Capuchin friars is a jaw-dropping display of life and death. Although it might appear macabre, youll learn why the monks actually consider the display life-affirming.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Case Romane del Celio, Rome, Lazio
This tour ends by taking you down into the Case Romane to gape at the extraordinary frescoes that adorn the walls and see the relics of Roman life that were unearthed in these very rooms. With an expert guide to help you decipher everything you see, youll feel as if you have stepped back 2,000 years into the height of one of the greatest empires the world has ever known.
Duration: 40 minutes
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Fontana del Tritone, Rome, Lazio
Triton Fountain
Pass By: Piazza Barberini, Rome, Lazio
Piazza Barberini
Stop At: Museum and Crypt of Capuchins, Rome, Lazio
Your tour starts in the Capuchin Crypt, better known as the Bone Chapel, because it is festooned with the mortal remains of some 4,000 deceased monks. As you take it all in with your small group of 18 people or less, your expert guide will explain the monks interesting beliefs on life and death which have motivated the creation of such a macabre memorial.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Catacombe San Sebastiano, Rome, Lazio
Afterwards, youll hop on a private, air-conditioned minibus and head to the Catacombs of San Sebastiano. The bodies might be gone, but that doesnt mean you wont feel a thrill of excitement as you become one of the first people to descend into the Catacombs after closing since the era of Imperial Rome. Because youll be there after closing time, youll have the gloomy passageways to yourself and you wont have any trouble hearing your guide as they tell you the dark stories of the birth of Christianity.
Duration: 50 minutes
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Museum and Crypt of Capuchins, Rome, Lazio
After meeting your guide in Piazza Barberini, you will be guided through the underground world of Rome on a private 3-hour tour. See as many of the temples, homes, and cemeteries as possible in one half-day adventure.
Start at the 17th century Triton Fountain in Barberini Square, before continuing on to the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini and the Capuchin Crypt. See the five chambers of skeletal remains of almost 4,000 monks as well as the museum on site.
Next, head to the famed Basilica San Clemente a few blocks away. This church was reconstructed multiple times over the centuries and contains several layers. On top is the current basilica that dates to the 12th century. Beneath is a 4th century basilica that was built on the foundation of a noblemans house. At the bottom is a Mithraic (pagan) temple and warehouse dating to the 1st and 2nd centuries. See an ancient water spring, stunning mosaics, and amazing frescoes.
Your tour will end in the city center of Rome.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Basilica of San Clemente, Rome, Lazio
After meeting your guide in Piazza Barberini, you will be guided through the underground world of Rome on a private 3-hour tour. See as many of the temples, homes, and cemeteries as possible in one half-day adventure.
Start at the 17th century Triton Fountain in Barberini Square, before continuing on to the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini and the Capuchin Crypt. See the five chambers of skeletal remains of almost 4,000 monks as well as the museum on site.
Next, head to the famed Basilica San Clemente a few blocks away. This church was reconstructed multiple times over the centuries and contains several layers. On top is the current basilica that dates to the 12th century. Beneath is a 4th century basilica that was built on the foundation of a noblemans house. At the bottom is a Mithraic (pagan) temple and warehouse dating to the 1st and 2nd centuries. See an ancient water spring, stunning mosaics, and amazing frescoes.
Then visit one of the Roman catacombs, the underground layered cemeteries that surround the city walls. Lined with unique, handmade memorials, they are a treasure trove of early Christian murals and sculptures. Your tour will end in the city center of Rome.
Duration: 1 hour
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Museum and Crypt of Capuchins, Rome, Lazio
You will find your guide at 10AM or 2:30PM, depending on your choice for a morning or an afternoon tour, at the entrance of the Church of Immaculate Conception located on Via Veneto, holding a sign with your name. You will begin your tour visiting the Crypt of the bones, best known as Capuchin Crypt, containing the skeletal remains of 3,700 bodies believed to be Capuchin friars buried by their order. Their bones are arranged throughout six chapels/crypts in lamps, sculptures and mosaic-like displays of flowers, geometric shapes, an hourglass, and various religious symbols
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Vicus Caprarius the City of Water, Rome, Lazio
Accompanied by your private guide you will then proceed to the Vicus Caprarius, the City of Water. Everybody knows Trevis Fountain but very few people know that Vicus Caprarius is a part of Trevi Fountain's underground archaeological area.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Stadio di Domiziano - Navona Square Underground, Rome, Lazio
You will finally approach Domitian Stadium, commissioned by the Emperor Titus Flavius Domitianus as a gift to the people of Rome, mostly for athletic contests. Navona square sits now over the rests of the Stadium.
Duration: 1 hour
Pass By: Rome Private Guides, Rome, Lazio
Enjoy the city tour with Rome Private Guides, TripAdvisor Experience partner.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Basilica of San Clemente, Rome, Lazio
Our private guide will meet you directly at San Clemente Basilica on Via di San Giovanni in Laternao. The Basilica is not far from the Colosseum. First of all your friendly guide will tell you the story of the Basilica showing you the architecture and mosaics in the main floor.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, Rome, Lazio
Walking to Via Veneto, you will reach the Crypt of the bones. Located in the Church of Santa Maria of the Conception, it is a crypt made up by real human bones of the capuchin frari. Sure, it can be a little scary but it is a very unique place to visit! All stuffs are made by bones and each room has a different type of bone (leg, arm , etc).
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Vicus Caprarius the City of Water, Rome, Lazio
Last but not least, you are going to visit the Vicus Caprarius. Located under Trevi fountain, it is possible to look at the rests of the first roman aqueduct.
Duration: 30 minutes
Pass By: Rome Private Guides, Rome, Lazio
Enjoy the city with Rome Private Guides, TripAdvisor Experience partner
With our 3-hour Kids Tour of Rome's Underground, you will visit three of the sites less visited of the Italian capital.
The tour will start at 10.00 am or 2.30 pm, depending on your choice for a morning or an afternoon tour, at the entrance of the Church of Immaculate Conception located on Via Veneto, holding a sign with your name. Then, your Romes underground tour will start from the Crypt of the bones, passing from Vicus Caprarius, and arriving at Domitian Stadium.
During all the time of the tour, our child-friendly guide will be with you to give you all explanation in a fun and engaging way. At the end of the tour, all the family - from the youngest one to the eldest one - will not regret to have been with our guide! This is a tour that the entire family will enjoy!
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Museum and Crypt of Capuchins, Rome, Lazio
Your tour starts with the visit at the Crypt of the Bones, which is generally known as Capuchin Crypt. Here you can find the bones of 3700 bodies, believed to be Capuchin friars, arranged in six chapels and crypts. You will notice that all types of bones, from the skulls to the leg bones, are arranged in different objects designs.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Vicus Caprarius the City of Water, Rome, Lazio
Then, your private guide will take you to the City of Water, the Vicus Caprarius. It is located under the Trevi fountain and here you can see the rests of the aqueduct of the Aqua Virgo completed in 19 BC by Marcus Agrippa. Here, different ages of Roman history can be noted, from the Aqua Virgo to the Domus of the Imperial Era, to Nero's big fire.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Stadio di Domiziano - Navona Square Underground, Rome, Lazio
Finally, you will reach the first permanent stadium for athletic competitions in Rome. Located under Navona Square, the Domitian Stadium was commissioned by the Emperor Titus Flavius Domitianus as a gift to the Romans.
Duration: 1 hour
Pass By: Real Barcelona Tours, Barcelona, Catalonia
Enjoy our wonderful tour, TripAdvisor listing company.
Your tour will start in front of San Clemente Basilica, where you will meet the professional guide that will take you to the visit of this very particular attractions. The second stop will be in the Crypt of the Bones in Via Veneto; and the last one will be at the Vicus Caprarius, to admire the ruins of the ancient aqueduct. Take our tour and visit the less known places in Rome!
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Basilica of San Clemente, Rome, Lazio
Your tour will start after having met your guide in front of San Clementes Basilica. This very unique church is built on three different levels: in just one site you will be able to admire a 1st century Roman House, a 2nd century Mithraeum and a 4th century Early Roman Basilica. With the help of images and visual aids, our private guide will show you how it was and how it is. This visit will be like to travel through times!
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Museum and Crypt of Capuchins, Rome, Lazio
After having visited San Clemente's Basilica, you will walk with your guide to the Crypt of the bones (if you prefer you can take a taxi to be paid on site). This crypt, already known as the Capuchin crypt, is made by real human bones of the Capuchin friars, arranged in objects in six chapels and crypts.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Vicus Caprarius the City of Water, Rome, Lazio
Finally, the guide will take you to the Vicus Caprarius, the City of Water. Located under the Trevi Fountain, here you will admire the rests of the ancient aqueduct of Rome.
Duration: 1 hour
Pass By: Real Barcelona Tours, Barcelona, Catalonia
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Itinerary
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Stop At: Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini
Start by visiting the wonderful church of Our Lady of the Conception of the Capuchins. Your guide will introduce you to the church by visiting the masterpiece of Reni, the painter who created the St. Michael the Archangel in 1635. Not to be missed is the refined and unique painting od Stigmatization of St. Francis painted by Muziano in 1570. The Church holds many other paintings by other artists who contributed in the art history and, your guide, will highlight the most important pieces.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars, Rome, Lazio
step in to the museums of the Capuchin Monks that hold hundreds of portraits of the Capuchin Monks who lived inside the monastery. When the atmosphere gets darker, you will be getting down to the crypt where thousands of bones dominates walls, floors, ceilings arches and much more.
The crypt is located just under the church. Cardinal Antonio Barberini, who was a member of the Capuchin order, in 1631 ordered the remains of thousands of Capuchin friars exhumed and transferred from the friary Via dei Lucchesi to the crypt. The bones were arranged along the walls, and the friars began to bury their own dead here, as well as the bodies of poor Romans, whose tomb was under the floor of the present Mass chapel. Here the Capuchins would come to pray and reflect each evening before retiring for the night.
The crypt, or ossuary, now contains the remains of 4,000 friars buried between 1500 and 1870, during which time the Roman Catholic Church permitted burial in and under churches. The underground crypt is divided into five chapels, lit only by dim natural light seeping in through cracks, and small fluorescent lamps. The crypt walls are decorated with the remains in elaborate fashion, making this crypt a macabre work of art. Some of the skeletons are intact and draped with Franciscan habits, but for the most part, individual bones are used to create elaborate ornamental designs. The crypt originated at a period of a rich and creative cult for their dead; great spiritual masters meditated and preached with a skull in hand. A plaque in one of the chapels reads, in three languages, "What you are now, we once were; what we are now, you shall be." This is amemento mori."
Duration: 2 hours
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Catacombe di Santa Domitilla, Rome, Lazio
Your afternoon tour starts by meeting your guide and heading outside the city center to the Appian Way, an ancient road that was once an important thoroughfare leading in and out of Rome. When you arrive at the Domitilla Catacombs (Catacomb di Santa Domitilla), sail past the entrance queue with your skip-the-line ticket and descend into the tunnels with your guide.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Basilica of San Clemente, Rome, Lazio
As you explore this subterranean burial site, learn about the funeral customs of Romes early Christians and how they used these chambers to worship in secret when Christianity was prohibited. Then travel to the Basilica of San Clemente, where you again have skip-the-line access to explore this unique church made up of three structures built on top of one another.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Museum and Crypt of Capuchins, Rome, Lazio
Visit
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, Rome, Lazio
Your last destination is the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione, home to the Capuchin Crypts. Inside the crypt museum, you can see St Francis in Meditation, a painting by Caravaggio, as well as other artifacts related to Italy's patron saint, St Francis. Then enter the crypts themselves, where youll be perhaps awed, appalled, fascinated or revolted by a chapel made completely of human bones.
Your tour ends outside the chapel. At this point you have about three hours of free time to have dinner on your own and relax however you wish before the second half of your Super Saver begins.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Pass By: Piazza Navona, Rome, Lazio
Passing by during the walking tour
Stop At: Basilica di Sant'Andrea della Valle, Rome, Lazio
When the sun goes down on the city, start your evening tour of Romes ghostly sites at SantAndrea della Valle, a church near the Tiber River. Meet your guide and set off on foot to see the Eternal Citys famous landmarks under the enigmatic cover of night.
Follow your guide along the historical centers winding lanes, listening to spine-tingling tales about spirit sightings and eerie legends while you admire the illuminated cityscape. Walk by Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, through Campo de Fiori and past Palazzo Farnese, and stroll along Via Giulia and Via del Governo Vecchio on your way to Piazza Navona, one of the citys liveliest squares.
Duration: 20 minutes
Pass By: Campo de' Fiori, Rome, Lazio
Passing by during the walking tour
Pass By: Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome, Lazio
Passing by during the walking tour
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Museum and Crypt of Capuchins, Rome, Lazio
The Capuchin Crypt sets the tone for the tour. Capuchin monks used the bones of nearly 4,000 of their brothers to decorate this somber space in intricate floor-to-ceiling designs, earning it the macabre nickname of the Bone Chapel.
Fewer visitors brave the Bone Chapel after dark, so youll have space to examine every detail of this strange place of worship, from an actual skull-and-crossbones to chandeliers made of human vertebrae. Your guide will tell you the theories, but its up to you to draw your own conclusions about the meaning of the crypts skeletal furnishings.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Catacombe di Priscilla, Rome, Lazio
An air-conditioned coach will take you from here to your second site, the Catacombs of Priscilla. No other tour is permitted to enter these hallowed tunnels after-hours. Almost 2,000 years ago, early Christians took shelter here to bury their dead and practice their forbidden faith. With no other visitors around, and with your expert, English-speaking guide to relay the history of the tombs and tunnels, you can truly experience the atmosphere of this sacred spot.
Follow the setting sun down into Romes mysterious underworld and youll never see the city the same way again.
Duration: 1 hour
Dont worry, choosing this Tour you will have a maximum of fun for the whole family, listening to tales about underground sites of Rome and discovering hidden places.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: The Church of Immaculate Conception, Rome, Lazio
You can choose to start your Tour both in the morning and in the afternoon. The meeting point with your guide will be at the entrance of the Church of Immaculate Conception, that contains the Crypt of Bones, located along Via Veneto. The other name of the Crypt of Bones is Capuchin Crypt, due to the fact that contains the remains of 3700 bones of Capuchin friars bodies.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Vicus Caprarius the City of Water, Rome, Lazio
Your Underground Tour for kids will continue with the second stop, at Vicus Caprarius, the City of Water. What is Vicus Caprarius? This is the underground side of Trevi Fountain. Not everyone knows infact that just below the famous fountain there is an astonishing archeological roman area.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Piazza Navona, Rome, Lazio
The last stop of your at Domitian Stadium, whose name comes from Emperor Domitianus himself, who ordered to built it as a gift for roman citizens.
Duration: 30 minutes
Pass By: Colosseum and Vatican Tours by Italy Wonders, Rome, Lazio
Enjoy your city tour with Colosseum and Vatican Tours by Italy Wonders, TripAdvisor Experience Partner
Meet our private guide at the entrance of San Clemente Basilica on the side of Via di San Giovanni in Laterano. Your tour starts with the visit of this beautiful Basilica. Not only you will have the chance to admire its beauty, but with this tour, you will go downstairs to visit the other 3 levels of the underground. Different centuries are kept in the Basilica. It will be like a walk through centuries: your guide is your chaperon. You will see a Roman House dated 1st century, a Mithraeum dated back to the 2nd century and an early Christian Roman Basilica dated back to the 4th century.
Next stop of your tour is the Crypt of the Bones. Made by real bones of capuchin frari, the crypt is one of the most particular sites in Rome. It is located on Via Veneto and you can chose both to go there walking from San Clemente Basilica or taking a taxi (to be paid on site).
Last sites you are going to visit during your tour is the Vicus Caprarius that is located under Trevi fountain. It's a hidden place and with this tour you have the chance to visit it. Here there are the rests of the old roman acqueducts and also other rests of the ancient city.
What are you waiting for? Book our Underground Private Tour of the Hidden Sights of Rome!
Join this 2.5-hour tour and you will be involved in a trip back to the history thanks to a profesional kid-friendly guide who will make you breath the atmosphere of the time using multimedia tools, coloured books, games and many other activities. Your children will learn a lot having fun!
They will never forget this amazing experience!
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars, Rome, Lazio
Your top-rated family-friendly guide will lead during this thrilling journey with games, trivia sories, anedoctes, and multemedia tools.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Museum and Crypt of Capuchins, Rome, Lazio
Visit the creepy rooms of the Crypt of Capuchins completely adorned by human bones. The remains of 4000 friars were buried here from 1500 and 1870, some of the skeletons you can see are intact. The bones are put in a very decorative way making this crypt a real piece of art.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Basilica of San Clemente, Rome, Lazio
Discover the history of this church transformed many times over the centuries. Starting from the medioeval church built in the 12th century, you will cross the four levels discovering the old church, the ancient roman houses and buildings, and the ruins of a Mithraic Temple dating to 1st century.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Basilica of San Clemente, Rome, Lazio
Admire the richly decorated current Basilica built around 1100 A.D. with its apse mosaic, the carved wooden ceiling, frescoes, and marble statues. Admire tha large collection of early medioeval wall paintings. See the ruins of an old pagan temple devoted to the cult of Mithra, an ancient storehouse, and a private house of a roman aristocrat probably used as site of clandestin christian worship.
Duration: 30 minutes
The crypts are undergrounds (or partly undergrounds) chambers, usually located beneath the chancel, for holy relics and burials. Crypts could be extremely large and might contain one or more altars in separate chapels. Crypts might hold the shrine of a saint, and thus woulds have to be large enough to accommodate pilgrims coming to pray at the shrine. Most cathedrals have sizeable crypts
The catacombs are series of underground passages and rooms where bodies wereburied in the past.
The tour start from the city center and the Santa Maria Maggiore church where a short tour will operate showing the wonders of the Basilica. The travellers will be then driven by a personal bus to the Capuchin church and its wonderful crypt for a one hour guided tour.
At the end of the tour, you will then reach the catacombs of San Callisto for another one hour guided tour, after passing by the Aventino to see one of the hidden wonders of Rome.
The crypts and catacombs experience will finally reach the San Clemente church for another and last one hour guided tout.
crypts and the
catacombs sitted in the roman territor with a
private guide and a
private driver:
The crypts are undergrounds (or partly undergrounds) chambers, usually located beneath the chancel, for holy relics and burials. Crypts could be extremely large and might contain one or more altars in separate chapels. Crypts might hold the shrine of a saint, and thus woulds have to be large enough to accommodate pilgrims coming to pray at the shrine. Most cathedrals have sizeable crypts
The catacombs are series of underground passages and rooms where bodies wereburied in the past.
The tour start from the city center and the
Santa Maria Maggiore church where a short tour will operate showing the wonders of the Basilica.
The travellers will be then driven by a personal bus to the
Capuchin church and its wonderful crypt for a one hour guided tour.
At the end of the tour, you will then reach the
catacombs of San Callisto for another one hour guided tour, after passing by the Aventino to see one of the hidden wonders of Rome.
The crypts and catacombs experience will finally reach the
San Clemente church and its crypt for another and last one hour guided tour.
Visit the Capuchin Museum and Bone Crypt and get ready to discover an astonishingly rich collection of art made of human bones.
A fully licensed guide will take you on a journey through 500-year history of the Capuchin Order. They will tell you about its medieval origins and how it reach almost 34000 friars. Listen to fascinating stories about the sequence the Crypts are placed that have helped make it the most unique museum in the world.
From the "The Crypt of the Three Skeletons" to the "Crypt of the Resurrection" and the "Mass Chapel" the Bone Crupts collections are very unique. They include masterpieces made from the skulls,shoulder blades,leg bones and ribs from almost 4000 Capuchin friars.During this tour you will be sbble to enjoy Caravaggio's St.Francis in Meditation.To ensure you get the most from your english speaking tour guide we limited our groups 15 people or fewer. Your visit also includes skip-the-line priority access, guaranteeing that you make the most of your time.After the guided tour you will be abble to explore the Museum and Crypts on your own.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Museum and Crypt of Capuchins, Rome, Lazio
Meet with your guide at your hotel and travel to Piazza Barberini to begin this unique 3,5-hour travel though Romes underworld.
The tour heads first towards the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini and the Capuchin Crypt.
Here, housed in five chambers are the skeletal remains of almost 4,000 monks as well as a very interesting museum known as the Bone Chapel.
Admire the Crypt of the Pelvises, which contains 2 Capuchins serenely reclining in an arched position. Look at the crosses on the ground, which mark the graves of the 7 Capuchins. Not far away from here, start your journey to the Roman Catacombs, one of the several subterranean layered cemeteries that surround Romes city walls. The catacombs are lined with hand-crafted memorials and house unique treasures from early Christian life; murals and sculptures, learn about art depicting scenes from the Old and New Testament, along with the tombs of early popes and martyrs.
Led by an Archaeologist, explore the tunnels and be amazed by the fascinating history about these sacred places.
Your tour ends in the city centre. Time for a well-earned drink amongst the living!
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Catacombe San Sebastiano, Rome, Lazio
Meet with your guide at your hotel and travel to Piazza Barberini to begin this unique 3,5-hour travel though Romes underworld.
The tour heads first towards the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini and the Capuchin Crypt.
Here, housed in five chambers are the skeletal remains of almost 4,000 monks as well as a very interesting museum known as the Bone Chapel.
Admire the Crypt of the Pelvises, which contains 2 Capuchins serenely reclining in an arched position. Look at the crosses on the ground, which mark the graves of the 7 Capuchins. Not far away from here, start your journey to the Roman Catacombs, one of the several subterranean layered cemeteries that surround Romes city walls. The catacombs are lined with hand-crafted memorials and house unique treasures from early Christian life; murals and sculptures, learn about art depicting scenes from the Old and New Testament, along with the tombs of early popes and martyrs.
Led by an Archaeologist, explore the tunnels and be amazed by the fascinating history about these sacred places.
Your tour ends in the city centre. Time for a well-earned drink amongst the living!
Duration: 1 hour
Follow our expert guide through the labyrinthian Catacombs of Domitila, some 50ft underground, so you can see the necropolis where Ancient Romans pagans and Christians buried their dead.
Onwards to the Basilica of St. Clement a beautiful mediaeval church with a secret below.
Underground youll find a Christian basilica from the Roman period and lower still, The Temple of Mithras. Mithraism was a strange Roman mystery cult with unusual ritual sacrifices; our expert guide will enlighten you to the behaviors of this bizarre sect.
Finally, see the Capuchin Crypt. Here, Capuchin Friars decorated the walls with the skulls and bones of their dead brethren, in an evocative and eerie momento mori.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Catacombe di Domitilla
Journey 50ft under the earth to the labyrinthian Catacombs of Domitila. See the burial grounds of Ancient Rome where both the pagan and Christian dead were buried. Enjoy unusual examples of late pagan art, both Christian and Roman, cheek by jowl.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Basilica of San Clemente, Rome, Lazio
The Mediaeval Basilica of St. Clement is a delight in and of itself, but their underground is a revelation. Go below to find a 4th century Roman Basilica and, as if that wasnt impressive enough, a Temple of Mithras; home of a strange Roman mystery cult, who practised bizarre rituals
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Museum and Crypt of Capuchins, Rome, Lazio
Below the Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini is perhaps the most bizarrely decorated room in Italy: the Capuchin Crypt, decorated with the remains of 4,000 friars. See the creepy memento mori the Marquis de Sade loved.
Duration: 30 minutes
We will start the underground tour of Rome with a trip outside the Aurelian Walls and down the ancient Appian Way to the Catacombs of Rome.
Returning to the historic center, your chauffeur/guide will accompany you on a visit to the Capuchin Crypt, also known as the Bone Church. Few attractions in Rome rival this underground crypt created by the Capuchin Friars using thousands of bones of their fellow monks to decorate the walls and ceilings.
What youll see: Catacombs of St. Callixtus, ancient Basilica of San Clemente, Basilica of St. John in Lateran and Capuchin crypt.
Your English-speaking chauffeur/guide will welcome you at your hotel or any other place of your convenience.
We will start the underground tour of Rome with a trip outside the Aurelian Walls and down the ancient Appian Way to the Catacombs of Rome. Here you will explore ancient burial grounds and learn about early Christian worship and symbology.
From the catacombs, we will head back toward the center, visiting three of Romes important churches along the way. The Basilica of St. John in Lateran is the official cathedral of Rome, presided over by none other than Pope Benedict XVI, himself. Just across the way is the Scala Santa, or holy staircase, that led to Praetorium of Pilate in Jerusalem; it was therefore, sanctified by the footsteps of Jesus during his Passion. The stairs were later brought to Rome from Jerusalem, upon request of the mother of Constantine, St. Helena.
A short stroll away is the ancient Basilica of San Clemente. Three layers tell the fascinating story of this church, dating back to the first century when the structure was a temple to the pagan goddess, Mithras. A Christian church was erected on the site in the 4th century, and the basilica we see today was finished in 1120.
Returning to the historic center, your chauffeur/guide will accompany you on a visit to the Capuchin Crypt, also known as the Bone Church. Few attractions in Rome rival this underground crypt created by the Capuchin Friars using thousands of bones of their fellow monks to decorate the walls and ceilings.
At the end of the tour, your English-speaking chauffeur will drive you back to your hotel or other area of your convenience.
What youll see: Catacombs of St. Callixtus, ancient Basilica of San Clemente, Basilica of St. John in Lateran and Capuchin crypt.
*Upon request, a local official guide can be provided for this tour. The price of the guide will be determined based on your specific interests and needs.
This tour length is 4 hours in total and is conducted by an English-speaking driver/guide that will not enter sites but drive you around and show you places, pointing out things while explaining what they are, as well as stopping at the places that require a visit and helping you access them.
Let our driver guide you through narrow streets and tunnels to discover the heart of the eternal city. Walk in the dungeons created by the first Christians and discover places never imagined.
You will meet your driver at your hotel and from there he will take you to visit the Capuchin friars museum first and then the Domitilla catacombs.
The Capuchin Crypt, which is at once both shocking and fascinating. A series of small chapels beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini contain the bones and mummified remains of an estimated 4,000 individuals. The Capuchin order believes the ossuaries are far from being macabre, that these remains of former friars are a silent reminder of our mortality and the passage of life on Earth.
The Catacombs of Domitilla are the largest and oldest underground cemetery in Rome, part of the Flavia Domitilla estate and dating back to the year 120 d.c.
The preserved frescoes are an expression of the faith of the early Christians.
In the heart of the catacomb is the only semi-underground Basilica existing in Rome which is dedicated to the martyrs Nereo and Achilleo, and to the Santa Petronilla daughter of St. Peter.
Tips
You can see it in 10 minutes, but most people take 20 minutes or so. The details are as fascinating as they are gruesome.
Useful Italian for sightseeing
| English (inglese) | Italian (italiano) | Pro-nun-cee-YAY-shun |
| Where is?... | Dov'é | doh-VAY |
| ...the museum | il museo | eel moo-ZAY-yo |
| ...the church | la chiesa | lah key-YAY-zah |
| ...the cathedral | il duomo [or] la cattedrale | eel DUO-mo [or] lah cah-the-DRAH-leh |
| When is it open? | Quando é aperto? | KWAN-doh ay ah-PAIR-toh |
| When does it close? | Quando si chiude? | KWAN-doh see key-YOU-day |
| Closed day | giorno di riposo | JOR-no dee ree-PO-zo |
| Weekdays (Mon-Sat) | feriali | fair-ee-YA-lee |
| Sunday & holidays | festivi | fe-STEE-vee |
| ticket | biglietto | beel-YET-toh |
| two adults | due adulti | DOO-way ah-DOOL-tee |
| one child | un bambino | oon bahm-BEE-no |
| one student | uno studente | OO-noh stu-DENT-ay |
| one senior | un pensionato | oon pen-see-yo-NAH-toh |
Basic phrases in Italian
| English (inglese) | Italian (italiano) | pro-nun-see-YAY-shun |
| thank you | grazie | GRAT-tzee-yay |
| please | per favore | pair fa-VOHR-ray |
| yes | si | see |
| no | no | no |
| Do you speak English? | Parla Inglese? | PAR-la een-GLAY-zay |
| I don't understand | Non capisco | non ka-PEESK-koh |
| I'm sorry | Mi dispiace | mee dees-pee-YAT-chay |
| How much is it? | Quanto costa? | KWAN-toh COST-ah |
| That's too much | É troppo | ay TROH-po |
| Good day | Buon giorno | bwohn JOUR-noh |
| Good evening | Buona sera | BWOH-nah SAIR-rah |
| Good night | Buona notte | BWOH-nah NOTE-tay |
| Goodbye | Arrivederci | ah-ree-vah-DAIR-chee |
| Excuse me (to get attention) | Scusi | SKOO-zee |
| Excuse me (to get past someone) | Permesso | pair-MEH-so |
| Where is? | Dov'é | doh-VAY |
| ...the bathroom | il bagno | eel BHAN-yoh |
| ...train station | la ferroviaria | lah fair-o-vee-YAR-ree-yah |
| to the right | à destra | ah DEH-strah |
| to the left | à sinistra | ah see-NEEST-trah |
| straight ahead | avanti [or] diritto | ah-VAHN-tee [or] dee-REE-toh |
| information | informazione | in-for-ma-tzee-OH-nay |
Days, months, and other calendar items in Italian
| English (inglese) | Italian (italiano) | Pro-nun-cee-YAY-shun |
| When is it open? | Quando é aperto? | KWAN-doh ay ah-PAIR-toh |
| When does it close? | Quando si chiude? | KWAN-doh see key-YOU-day |
| At what time... | a che ora | a kay O-rah |
| Yesterday | ieri | ee-YAIR-ee |
| Today | oggi | OH-jee |
| Tomorrow | domani | doh-MAHN-nee |
| Day after tomorrow | dopo domani | DOH-poh doh-MAHN-nee |
| a day | un giorno | oon je-YOR-no |
| Monday | Lunedí | loo-nay-DEE |
| Tuesday | Martedí | mar-tay-DEE |
| Wednesday | Mercoledí | mair-coh-lay-DEE |
| Thursday | Giovedí | jo-vay-DEE |
| Friday | Venerdí | ven-nair-DEE |
| Saturday | Sabato | SAH-baa-toh |
| Sunday | Domenica | doh-MEN-nee-ka |
| Mon-Sat | Feriali | fair-ee-YAHL-ee |
| Sun & holidays | Festivi | feh-STEE-vee |
| Daily | Giornaliere | joor-nahl-ee-YAIR-eh |
| a month | una mese | oon-ah MAY-zay |
| January | gennaio | jen-NAI-yo |
| February | febbraio | feh-BRI-yo |
| March | marzo | MAR-tzoh |
| April | aprile | ah-PREEL-ay |
| May | maggio | MAH-jee-oh |
| June | giugno | JEW-nyoh |
| July | luglio | LOO-lyoh |
| August | agosto | ah-GO-sto |
| September | settembre | set-TEM-bray |
| October | ottobre | oh-TOE-bray |
| November | novembre | no-VEM-bray |
| December | dicembre | de-CHEM-bray |
Numbers in Italian
| English (inglese) | Italian (italiano) | Pro-nun-cee-YAY-shun |
| 1 | uno | OO-no |
| 2 | due | DOO-way |
| 3 | tre | tray |
| 4 | quattro | KWAH-troh |
| 5 | cinque | CHEEN-kway |
| 6 | sei | say |
| 7 | sette | SET-tay |
| 8 | otto | OH-toh |
| 9 | nove | NO-vay |
| 10 | dieci | dee-YAY-chee |
| 11 | undici | OON-dee-chee |
| 12 | dodici | DOH-dee-chee |
| 13 | tredici | TRAY-dee-chee |
| 14 | quattordici | kwa-TOR-dee-chee |
| 15 | quindici | KWEEN-dee-chee |
| 16 | sedici | SAY-dee-chee |
| 17 | diciasette | dee-chee-ya-SET-tay |
| 18 | diciotto | dee-CHO-toh |
| 19 | diciannove | dee-chee-ya-NO-vay |
| 20 | venti | VENT-tee |
| 21* | vent'uno* | vent-OO-no |
| 22* | venti due* | VENT-tee DOO-way |
| 23* | venti tre* | VENT-tee TRAY |
| 30 | trenta | TRAYN-tah |
| 40 | quaranta | kwa-RAHN-tah |
| 50 | cinquanta | cheen-KWAN-tah |
| 60 | sessanta | say-SAHN-tah |
| 70 | settanta | seh-TAHN-tah |
| 80 | ottanta | oh-TAHN-tah |
| 90 | novanta | no-VAHN-tah |
| 100 | cento | CHEN-toh |
| 1,000 | mille | MEEL-lay |
| 5,000 | cinque milla | CHEEN-kway MEEL-lah |
| 10,000 | dieci milla | dee-YAY-chee MEEL-lah |
* You can use this formula for all Italian ten-place numbers—so 31 is trent'uno, 32 is trenta due, 33 is trenta tre, etc. Note that—like uno (one), otto (eight) also starts with a vowel—all "-8" numbers are also abbreviated (vent'otto, trent'otto, etc.).
