Christian History Tour with Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Rome Catacombs

Located under the Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini Church, the Capuchin Crypts are the first stop on this tour. Here you will see the macabre aspect of catacombs as 3,700 Capuchin monks are buried here in elaborate bone structures. Many of these structures are built to represent Christian symbols, and as your guide will explain it has caused some controversy. The crypt is divided into 5 chapels; Crypt of the Resurrection, Crypt of the Skulls, Crypt of the Pelvises, Crypt of the Leg Bones and Thigh Bones and Crypt of the Three Skeletons. Many of these skeletons are found fully intact still in their Franciscan attire. The crypts provide a eery and exciting Catacombs experience.

The oldest network of Catacombs in Rome, the Catacombs of Domitilla date back to the Second Century CE. Located 50 feet below ground this nearly 10 mile long maze of tunnels acted as the burial grounds for early Christians. The Catacombs were constructed outside the city to maintain sanitary conditions in the city as early Christianity did not allow for the cremation of bodies. As the Catacombs were built during a time where Christians were looked down upon and persecuted, the tunnels acted as a safe haven where they could practice, pray and socialize in peace. The Catacombs also include incredible early Christian art including an intact fresco of the Last Supper which is nearly 2,000 years old.