Subterranean Rome Tour: Catacombs & Appian Way Discovery

Summary

Guided Catacombs and Appian Way Experience in Rome

You’ll walk through Roman gates few tourists see, descend into cool catacombs full of secret history, and stroll along ancient roads lined with stories. This tour blends expert guidance with real moments—like tasting pine-scented air or hearing old legends right where they happened.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed as we rolled up to Porta San Sebastiano was how quiet it felt compared to the city center. Our guide, Luca, pointed out the thick stone walls—built back when emperors worried about invasions more than traffic jams. You can still see marks from old hinges on the gate, and if you look up, there’s a faded carving that most folks miss. The air smelled faintly of pine needles from the trees lining Via Appia Antica. It’s wild to think this spot once guarded ancient Rome’s edge.

We hopped back in the van for a short drive down the Appian Way. The cobblestones are uneven—don’t wear your fanciest shoes. Alongside us, cyclists zipped by, and an older man sold cold water from a tiny cart (his name was Giorgio; he’s been there for years). The road itself is like a living museum: tombs, aqueduct ruins, and stretches where grass pokes through stones worn smooth by centuries of feet and wheels.

The real adventure started underground at the Catacombs of San Sebastiano. It’s cooler down there—almost chilly even in June—and you can hear your footsteps echo in the tunnels. Our guide handed out little flashlights before we descended. Down below, frescoes peeked out from rough walls: fish symbols, anchors, even some Latin inscriptions that Luca translated for us on the spot. He explained how early Christians hid here when burials above ground were banned. There’s something humbling about seeing those ancient messages scratched into stone by candlelight.

Back above ground, we stopped at the Circus of Maxentius—a massive oval where chariots once raced for crowds of thousands. Now it’s mostly birdsong and grass swaying in the breeze, but you can still trace the outline of the track with your eyes. Our last stop was Chiesa del Domine Quo Vadis: a tiny church with a big story. Inside is a slab said to show Christ’s footprints—a detail I’d never have noticed without our guide pointing it out.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Appian Way and Catacombs

• Visit Porta San Sebastiano
• Tour Catacombs of San Sebastiano
• Walk along the Appian Way
• See Villa of Maxentius ruins
• Visit Chiesa del Domine Quo Vadis

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes! The pace is relaxed and there aren’t any steep climbs—just some stairs in the catacombs. Guides adjust for all ages.

What should I wear or bring?

Comfortable shoes are best—the cobblestones are uneven. Bring a light jacket for the catacombs; it gets cool underground.

Are photos allowed inside the catacombs?

No photos inside for preservation reasons—but you can take plenty above ground along Via Appia Antica and at other stops.

How long does the tour last?

The whole experience usually takes around 3–4 hours including transport between sites.

What’s included

You get hotel pick-up in an air-conditioned vehicle with free Wi-Fi (handy for sharing pics later), bottled water and candies for snacking, all entry fees—including to San Sebastiano Catacombs—and an expert local guide who knows every shortcut and story along Rome’s oldest road.