Catacombs of Saints Marcellinus and Peter & Mausoleum of Helena: Guided Tour
At a Glance
Highlights
- See where the martyrs of the persecution of Diocletian are buried in Rome
Tour Details
The two martyrs, St Marcellinus and St Peter, were slain in the persecution of 304 AD and lost their heads – quite literally – in Rome. It gets worse. Before they were killed, they were forced to dig their own tomb with their own hands. See the history of the ancient catacombs, which span an area of 18,000 m2.
Your guide will lead you through this underground graveyard, which spans three levels and was excavated between the 3rd and 5th centuries AD. Roughly 20,000 and 25,000 people will be resting in peace around you, along with numerous martyrs of the persecution of Diocletian. See the tombstones that cover the niches (known as loculi), and get a peek at early Christian inscriptions on the marble tombstones. A fascinating look into the history of Rome.
Visit the Mausoleum of Saint Helena, connected to the basilica by a rectangular atrium. Around 329 AD, Constantine the Great's mother Helena was buried here in a large red porphyry sarcophagus.
What Makes This Tour Special
- Expert guides provide detailed historical narratives, enriching the experience.
- The tour includes access to sections of the catacombs that are not available to the general public.
- Visitors can view some of the earliest Christian artifacts and inscriptions.
Historical Background
What's Included
- Entry to the Catacombs of Saints Marcellinus and Peter
- Entry to the Mausoleum of Saint Helena
- Live guide
- 40-minute guided tour
Not Included
- Audio guide
- Transfers
Is This Tour Worth It?
This museums & culture activity is well-reviewed at 4.2/5 across 27 reviews, priced from ~$20 per person.
Best For
Pros
- +Strong rating: 4.2/5
- +4 items included
- +Booked through Tiqets
Cons
- -Cancellation policy not specified
- -Requires moderate - the tour involves walking through narrow passageways and descending and ascending multiple levels, which may be challenging for some visitors. fitness level
