Catacombs of San Sebastiano Rome
Explore ancient underground burial tunnels named after St. Sebastian, a significant site on the historic Via Appia Antica.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Catacombs of San Sebastiano Rome
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient underground burial tunnels named after St. Sebastian, a significant site on the historic Via Appia Antica.
"Discover Rome's ancient past in the atmospheric tunnels of San Sebastiano."
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven surfaces underground.
🚌 Consider Bus 118
It stops directly at San Sebastiano on the Appian Way.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Basilica of San Sebastiano
Above the Catacombs
Discover the historic basilica that gives the catacombs their name, a significant pilgrimage site.
Underground Burial Chambers
Beneath the Basilica
Explore the ancient subterranean tunnels and learn about early Christian burial practices.
Via Appia Antica Proximity
Adjacent to the Catacombs
Experience a section of the ancient Roman road, the Appian Way, right outside the catacombs.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to San Sebastiano
Navigating to the Catacombs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven surfaces underground.
🚌 Consider Bus 118
It stops directly at San Sebastiano on the Appian Way.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Factor in travel and tour duration for a relaxed visit.
💧 It Can Be Damp
The underground environment can be cool and humid.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven surfaces underground.
🚌 Consider Bus 118
It stops directly at San Sebastiano on the Appian Way.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Factor in travel and tour duration for a relaxed visit.
💧 It Can Be Damp
The underground environment can be cool and humid.
Combine with Other Sites
San Callisto catacombs are nearby for a dual visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Catacombs of San Sebastiano for their historical depth and the engaging guided tours provided by knowledgeable staff. The proximity to the Via Appia Antica adds to the appeal, offering a dual historical experience. Some find the journey there via public transport a bit time-consuming. +2
"An unexpected, unbelievable breathtaking tour into the early Christian burial sites just outside Ancient Rome.
Dig by hand for centuries, the guide explained how the tunnels were dig by hand and families would be buried together. Very comfortable escape from the heat (50 - 60 degrees Fahrenheit) on a hot summer day in Rome.
You cannot take pictures in the tunnels (only at the entrance), but the tour will leave lasting memories!"
Cory Miller
"The guide was great. Told us the story by facts less by the Christian way.. was truly. And admitted the are pagan built tombs there the where covered up by building. The tour was interesting . It is less toured than the main catacombs, but fewer tourists give it a longer tour and more intense experience"
Yuval Tutka
"Great experience visiting the underground catacombs of San Sebastián.
It was nice to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city. It is was very peaceful and not busy at all. We visited on a Sunday.
We got there by uber/taxi for about 24 euros from the downtown core. Dropped us right out front. We did reserve ahead of time online. However, we arrived very early and they bumped us up to an earlier slot. So don’t worry too much if you reserve or forget too. They are very flexible to accommodate the customers.
The tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. The tour lasted around 40 minutes. We visited in July and did not find it necessary to bring extra clothing. We were fine in shorts and t-shirts as it was a nice break from the heat outside!
We saw concerns of claustrophobia, but it was not that bad at all. We suffer a little from this but found it find. Perhaps if you have serve concerns, may be avoid. The tunnels are not that closed in.
The tour ends at the church. Very beautiful tour and we highly recommend as something different to the regular Rome experiences."
D & S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most direct public transport option is Bus 118, which stops right at San Sebastiano on the Appian Way. Some travelers suggest taxis or ride-sharing for a quicker journey, as public transport can involve significant waiting times.
+1
While Bus 118 serves the area, some visitors find the wait times for buses can be lengthy, impacting efficiency. Planning your route and checking schedules in advance is advisable.
From the Vatican, a taxi might be the most convenient option. Alternatively, the 118 bus is a popular choice, often picked up near Circus Maximus.
The catacombs are located outside the city walls, so walking from central Rome is not practical. However, once you arrive via bus or taxi, you can explore the surrounding Via Appia Antica on foot.
Information on specific parking facilities is limited, but it's generally recommended to use public transport or taxis due to the location along the historic Appian Way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees are typically around €10 for a guided tour provided by the staff.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is often recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, as tours can fill up.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check the official website or local listings closer to your visit. Tours are usually conducted by staff.
Yes, guided tours are typically included with the admission fee and are led by knowledgeable staff.
Yes, San Sebastiano and San Callisto catacombs are located close to each other, making it feasible to visit both in a single day.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The underground environment is consistently cool and can be damp. It's advisable to wear layers.
The catacombs involve walking through narrow, uneven tunnels, which may pose challenges for individuals with significant mobility issues.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the uneven terrain. Given the cool and damp environment, bringing a light jacket or sweater is also a good idea.
Photography policies can vary, but it's generally best to check on-site regulations. Flash photography is often prohibited to protect the ancient structures.
A guided tour usually lasts around 45-60 minutes, but allow extra time for travel and exploring the basilica above.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can change, but it's common for flash photography to be prohibited to preserve the delicate environment. Always check for signage or ask your guide.
The dimly lit tunnels themselves offer a unique, atmospheric backdrop. The Basilica of San Sebastiano above also provides opportunities for architectural shots.
Given the low light, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod (if permitted) can be helpful. Many visitors use their smartphones effectively.
Drone usage is generally restricted in historical and archaeological sites in Rome. It's best to avoid bringing drones to the area.
Searching for 'Catacombs of San Sebastiano Rome' on image search engines or social media platforms will yield many visual examples.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families:
* Ensure children are comfortable in enclosed, dimly lit spaces.
* Wear comfortable shoes, as there's a fair amount of walking on uneven ground.
* Consider the tour duration to keep younger attention spans in mind.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, utilize public transport like the 118 bus, which is a cost-effective way to reach the site from the city center.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Via Appia Antica
Walking along the Via Appia Antica allows you to see ancient tombs, ruins, and the original paving stones.
Many travelers recommend using the 118 bus to access this area, as it conveniently stops near the Basilica of San Sebastiano.
The Significance of San Sebastiano
These catacombs are unique because they were continuously used for burials, unlike some others that were abandoned.
Visiting San Sebastiano provides a different perspective compared to other Roman catacombs, often described as less crowded and offering a more intimate historical experience.
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