The Catacombs of Priscilla lie on the Via Salaria in northern Rome and are among the oldest and largest underground cemeteries in the city. Spread across three levels, the tunnel system runs about 13 kilometers and holds roughly 40,000 graves; because of its size and significance, it carries the nickname "Regina Catacumbarum," Queen of the Catacombs. The catacombs are especially known for their early Christian frescoes, including the oldest known image of the Madonna and Child.
History of the Catacombs of Priscilla
The oldest core of the catacombs dates to the end of the 2nd century, built as a private burial ground for the Roman senatorial family Acilius Glabrio. The site takes its name from Priscilla, a member of this family, who made the land available to the Christian community for burials. Numerous funerary inscriptions from this period bear the names Peter and Paul.
Over time, the private burial ground grew into a shared Christian cemetery. The complex is divided into three main sections: the Arenarium, a former tuff quarry, the Cryptoportico, a repurposed old water reservoir, and the Hypogeum of the Acilii Glabriones, holding the family's own tombs.
The Cappella Greca is especially significant art-historically, a room decorated with 3rd-century frescoes. Its Fractio Panis fresco is considered the oldest known depiction of the breaking of the Eucharistic bread. Another chamber holds a fresco of the Madonna and Child from the same period, the oldest known depiction of Mary anywhere.
During the Christian persecutions of the 3rd and 4th centuries, numerous martyrs and several early church leaders were laid to rest here, including Pope Marcellinus. In the 16th century, the catacombs were forgotten and partly looted, before systematic excavations in the 19th and 20th centuries brought their scale and artistic treasures back to light. Today, the entrance lies beneath the convent of the Benedictine Sisters of Priscilla, who still oversee the site.
Opening hours
The Catacombs of Priscilla are only accessible as part of a guided tour; independent exploration isn't possible. The site is open Tuesday through Sunday; Mondays it's closed all day. There are also individual closing days in summer and on holidays.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM & 2:00 – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM & 2:00 – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM & 2:00 – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM & 2:00 – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM & 2:00 – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM & 2:00 – 5:00 PM |
How long are the wait times at the Catacombs of Priscilla?
The Catacombs of Priscilla see far fewer visitors than the larger catacombs on the Via Appia Antica, so waits are rare. An online reservation is still a good idea, especially if you want a tour in a specific language.
Tickets & Prices
Adults pay €10.00 admission to the Catacombs of Priscilla; the reduced price is €7.00. Certain groups of visitors, such as children under a certain age, get in free. The ticket price includes the guided tour; an independent visit isn't possible.
| Adults | from €10.00 |
| Reduced | from €7.00 |
Where can you get tickets for the Catacombs of Priscilla?
Tickets are available at the on-site ticket counter. Booking online in advance secures you a fixed visit time and a tour in your preferred language, which is especially worth it on weekends and during high season.
Buy tickets online
Direct booking, flexible cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit.
Guided Tours
How long do the guided tours through the Catacombs of Priscilla take?
A tour lasts about 45 minutes on average. Tours run in several languages, and which language is offered at which time changes from day to day.
Can you explore the Catacombs of Priscilla on your own?
No. Access is only possible as part of a guided tour, led by the convent's Benedictine sisters or trained on-site staff.
Directions & Location
The Catacombs of Priscilla sit on the Via Salaria, a bit outside the historic center in the Trieste district, across from Villa Ada park. There's no metro station right at the site. By Metro Line B, you can reach the Sant'Agnese/Annibaliano or Libia stops, both about a 15-minute walk from there.
The bus gets you closer: lines 63 and 83 run from the city center, and lines 92 and 310 run from Roma Termini, both to Via Salaria.
| Metro | B | Sant'Agnese/Annibaliano |
| Bus | 63, 83 | Via Salaria |
| Bus | 92, 310 | Via Salaria |
Address: Via Salaria 430, 00199 Rome RM, Italy
Don't Miss These
Cappella Greca
The Greek Chapel holds the Fractio Panis fresco, the oldest known depiction of the breaking of the Eucharistic bread. This 3rd-century room is one of the most significant in the catacomb from an art-historical perspective.
The Oldest Depiction of the Madonna
An early 3rd-century fresco shows Mary with the infant Jesus and is considered the oldest known depiction of the Mother of God anywhere.
Hypogeum of the Acilii Glabriones
The underground burial complex of the senatorial Acilius Glabrio family forms the oldest core of the catacomb, dating to the end of the 2nd century.
Tomb of Pope Marcellinus
During the Christian persecutions of the 3rd and 4th centuries, Pope Marcellinus was among those laid to rest here.
What Should You Know Before Visiting the Catacombs of Priscilla?
As in all Roman catacombs, temperatures here stay cool year-round with high humidity, so warm, layered clothing is recommended. Sturdy, non-slip shoes are important too, since the ground in the tunnels is uneven. Photography and filming aren't allowed inside the catacombs.
Like most Roman catacombs, the site isn't wheelchair accessible. A visit isn't recommended for people with claustrophobia or significant mobility issues.
Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions About the Catacombs of Priscilla
No, access is only possible as part of a guided tour, led by Benedictine sisters and trained staff.
A tour lasts about 45 minutes on average.
Adults pay €10.00; the reduced price is €7.00. Certain groups of visitors get in free.
The catacombs are closed all day Monday. On all other days, tours run in the morning and afternoon.
Take Metro B to Sant'Agnese/Annibaliano or Libia, both about a 15-minute walk from there. Bus lines 63, 83, 92, or 310 get you closer, stopping at Via Salaria.
