Highlights
- Discover the Capuchin Crypts, a series of six chapels decorated with bones
- Learn about the history of the Capuchin order and the Franciscan Order
- See the art of Caravaggio, a master Baroque artist and a bad boy of Rome
- Look and admire the altars and symbols of Christianity made from human remains
- Hear about the secret rituals of the Capuchin order from your guide
Description
Step into the darker, fascinating side of Rome with this must-do experience at the legendary Capuchin Crypts. With skip-the-line entry and an intimate small group, you’ll journey beneath the city alongside an English mother-tongue guide who brings Rome’s hidden history, art, and spirituality to life in a truly captivating way.
Your experience begins at Piazza Barberini, then we will walk to the Capuchin Museum, where the story of the Franciscan and Capuchin Orders unfolds, revealing the powerful beliefs that shaped this extraordinary site. As the crypt is a sacred burial ground, sections of the visit are enhanced with an audio guide, creating a respectful, immersive, and deeply reflective atmosphere.
Then, descend into the unforgettable underground crypts—six haunting chapels decorated with the bones of nearly 4,000 Capuchin monks. Each room leaves a lasting impression: the striking Crypt of the Three Skeletons, the eerie Crypt of the Leg Bones and Thigh Bones, the solemn Crypt of Pelvises with friars arranged in peaceful arches, and the iconic Crypt of the Skulls, crowned by its symbolic hourglass. Crosses embedded in the floor quietly mark the final resting places of seven monks, inviting reflection on the meaning of life and death.
You’ll also uncover the dramatic history behind the relocation of the monks’ remains from the old friary near the Trevi Fountain, and how Capuchin burial laws led to the creation of this unique underground cemetery.
The journey doesn’t stop there—dive into ancient burial traditions, uncover the secret rituals of the order, and connect with Rome’s artistic soul through stories of Caravaggio, the rebellious genius of the Baroque era.
Both haunting and inspiring, this experience is a powerful meditation on mortality, faith, and eternity—and one of the most unforgettable tours Rome has to offer.
Includes
Expert English mother-tongue-speaking guide
Exclusive skip-the-line ticket access to the Capuchin Crypts
Insights into Caravaggio's art
Visit to six crypts decorated with bones
Excludes
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Audio-guide
Food and beverages
Gratuities (optional)
Important Information
- Strong English level recommended
- Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the holy site
- Cargo shorts are acceptable
- The meeting point is easily accessible in central Rome
- This is a one-hour express tour
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
