Catacombs of Priscilla

The Catacombs of Priscilla lie beneath a park off Via Salaria, north of the old city, and are among the best-preserved of Rome's underground cemeteries. They were dug into the soft tufa from the late second century onward, and over several centuries became a vast network of galleries lined with burial niches. What sets them apart is the painting: frescoes of biblical scenes and early Christian symbols, including a famous image often described as one of the earliest known depictions of Mary with a child, cover the walls and ceilings of some of the chambers. The partner listing describes a live guided tour of about forty-five minutes with guides in English, Italian and Spanish, gives the address on Via Salaria and shows a strong set of reviews. There is also an after-hours tour combining the catacombs with the Capuchin Crypt, available in English and lasting about three hours. Visits are always guided, because the corridors are narrow and the site is fragile.

Expect a cool, quiet walk of roughly constant temperature, with steps down and a number of low passages. The guide leads you through galleries lined with open niches, past small chapels and into the frescoed rooms that the tour is built around. The tone is respectful rather than macabre, since these were places of burial and worship, and the guides generally give a clear, thoughtful account of early Christian practice and the history of the catacombs, including their rediscovery in the Renaissance. Photography is typically restricted, and you should check the rule for your visit.

Getting there takes a little planning because Via Salaria is outside the tourist core. A taxi or a bus from the centre is the simplest way, and the walk to the entrance is short from the stop. Because the tours are timed and run in fixed languages, book the language you need. The booking page does not state opening days or hours, so confirm on the booking page for your date, since catacombs typically close one day a week and for periods in the year. Dress for a cool interior and wear shoes that grip.

This is the better option for travelers who want a quieter catacomb than the Appian Way ones, which draw larger crowds, or who are already in the north of the city for the Borghese Gallery and Villa Borghese. It also suits visitors interested in early Christian art. Children who can handle dim light and quiet are fine, but very young ones may find it long.

Pair it with a visit to the Capuchin Crypt for a full day on the theme of death and memory in Rome, or with an afternoon in the gardens of Villa Borghese to lift the mood.