How to Visit the Catacombs Underground

The Catacombs Underground are among the most hauntingly beautiful and historically significant subterranean sites in the world. Originally created as ancient burial grounds, these vast networks of tunnels and chambers now serve as silent monuments to civilizations long past—offering visitors a rare, intimate glimpse into mortality, ritual, and memory. Whether you’re drawn to their eerie aesthetics, their deep historical roots, or their role in art and literature, visiting the Catacombs Underground is more than a tourist activity; it’s a pilgrimage through time.

Yet, accessing these sites is not as simple as showing up at an entrance. Due to their fragile state, legal restrictions, and safety concerns, planning a visit requires careful preparation. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you navigate the complexities of visiting the Catacombs Underground—whether in Paris, Rome, Naples, or elsewhere. You’ll learn how to secure access, what to expect underground, how to respect these sacred spaces, and how to prepare physically and mentally for the experience.

Understanding how to visit the Catacombs Underground isn’t just about logistics—it’s about honoring the dead, preserving history, and engaging responsibly with cultural heritage. This tutorial equips you with the knowledge to make your visit meaningful, safe, and unforgettable.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose Your Destination

The term “Catacombs Underground” refers to multiple sites across Europe and beyond, each with distinct histories, access rules, and experiences. The most famous include:

• Paris Catacombs – Located beneath the 14th arrondissement, these hold the remains of over six million people, transferred from overcrowded cemeteries in the late 18th century.
• Rome Catacombs – Early Christian burial sites dating back to the 2nd century AD, featuring frescoes, inscriptions, and crypts.
• Naples Catacombs of San Gennaro – A layered network of Christian and pagan burials, with remarkable mummified remains.
• Kiev Catacombs – A vast labyrinth beneath the city, used for both burial and wartime refuge.

Research each site’s historical context and cultural significance. Decide which aligns with your interests—archaeology, religious history, art, or macabre tourism. This choice will determine your next steps in planning.

Step 2: Verify Opening Hours and Seasonal Availability

Catacombs are not open year-round or daily. Many operate on limited schedules due to environmental controls, preservation needs, and visitor capacity limits. For example:

• The Paris Catacombs are open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM, but close on Mondays and certain holidays.
• Rome’s Catacombs of San Callisto and Domitilla are open daily but require advance booking during peak season (April–October).
• Some smaller catacombs, like those in Palermo, may only open on weekends or by guided tour.

Always check the official website of the site you intend to visit. Avoid third-party aggregators, as they may list outdated hours. Note that summer months often see extended hours, while winter may reduce access to just a few days per week.

Step 3: Book Tickets in Advance

Most major catacombs require pre-purchased tickets. Walk-up entry is rarely permitted, and queues can exceed two hours during peak season. Booking ahead ensures entry and often grants access to exclusive areas or guided tours.

For Paris:

• Visit catacombes.paris.fr to reserve tickets online.
• Select your date and time slot. Entry is strictly timed to manage crowd flow.
• Print your ticket or save it on your mobile device. Digital tickets are accepted.

For Rome:

• Go to catacombe.roma.it for official bookings.
• Choose between self-guided or guided tours. Guided tours are highly recommended for historical context.
• Book at least 7–10 days in advance during spring and summer.

Some sites offer timed entry every 15–30 minutes. Arriving even five minutes late may result in denied entry. Set a reminder on your phone to arrive 20 minutes before your slot.

Step 4: Prepare Physically for the Visit

Visiting the Catacombs Underground is not a casual stroll. These sites involve:

• Narrow, uneven passageways
• Steep, worn staircases
• Low ceilings in some sections
• Dim or no artificial lighting in parts
• High humidity and cool temperatures (typically 10–14°C / 50–57°F)

Prepare accordingly:

• Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip. Sandals, heels, or flip-flops are prohibited in most locations.
• Dress in layers. Even in summer, the underground is cold. Bring a light jacket or sweater.
• Carry a small backpack with water, a phone charger, and tissues. Backpacks are usually allowed but may be subject to inspection.
• Limit items. Large bags, tripods, and umbrellas are often banned for safety and preservation reasons.

If you have mobility issues, claustrophobia, or respiratory conditions, consult the site’s accessibility page. Many catacombs are not wheelchair accessible due to their ancient construction. Some offer virtual tours as alternatives.

Step 5: Arrive Early and Follow Entry Protocols

On the day of your visit:

• Arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled entry time.
• Locate the official entrance. Many catacombs have hidden or unmarked access points. Use GPS coordinates from the official website, not general map apps.
• Present your ticket and a valid photo ID. No exceptions.
• Store large items in lockers if available. Some sites charge a small fee.
• Listen carefully to the pre-entry briefing. Staff will explain rules, emergency exits, and behavior expectations.

Do not attempt to enter through unofficial entrances or side passages. These are often blocked, dangerous, or illegal. Violating entry protocols can result in fines or criminal charges.

Step 6: Navigate the Underground

Once inside, you’ll typically follow a one-way path. Do not deviate. Signage is minimal, and the layout is intentionally designed to prevent overcrowding and preserve structures.

In Paris:

• Descend 131 steps into the ossuary.
• Walk the 2-kilometer route past stacked skulls and femurs arranged in decorative patterns.
• Read the inscriptions: “Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la Mort” (“Stop! Here is the empire of Death”).

In Rome:

• Explore the labyrinthine corridors lined with loculi (burial niches).
• Observe early Christian symbols: the fish (ichthys), the Good Shepherd, and the anchor.
• Visit the cubicula (family burial chambers) with painted frescoes.

Use your phone’s flashlight only if permitted. Many sites prohibit flash photography to prevent damage to ancient pigments. Use natural light or the provided dim lamps.

Step 7: Respect the Site

The Catacombs Underground are not theme parks. They are sacred burial grounds. Your behavior directly impacts preservation efforts and the dignity of the deceased.

Observe these rules strictly:

• No touching the bones, walls, or inscriptions. Oils from skin accelerate deterioration.
• No loud noises. Whisper if necessary. Echoes carry far in stone corridors.
• No eating, drinking, or smoking.
• No selfies with skulls or in disrespectful poses. This is not a horror movie set.
• No flash photography unless explicitly allowed.
• No graffiti or marking surfaces in any way.

These rules are not suggestions—they are enforced by law in many countries. Violations can lead to expulsion, fines, or even arrest.

Step 8: Exit and Reflect

When you reach the exit:

• Follow the designated path. Do not linger or backtrack.
• Return any rented items (e.g., flashlights, audio guides).
• Take a moment to reflect. Many visitors feel a profound sense of awe or solemnity. Allow yourself space to process the experience.
• Consider leaving a written note or donation at the gift shop if you feel moved to do so. Proceeds often fund preservation.

After your visit, avoid sharing graphic photos on social media. Instead, share your reflections, historical insights, or the emotional impact. This promotes respectful tourism.

Best Practices

Plan for the Long Term

Visiting the Catacombs Underground is not a spontaneous decision. Start planning at least 6–8 weeks in advance, especially if you’re traveling internationally. Popular sites sell out months ahead during holidays and summer. Set calendar reminders for ticket release dates.

Travel During Off-Peak Seasons

Visiting in late autumn (November), early winter (December), or early spring (March) offers quieter experiences and better lighting conditions. Crowds are thinner, and staff can provide more personalized attention. Temperatures are still cool but manageable with proper clothing.

Learn the History Before You Go

Understanding the context transforms the visit from eerie spectacle to profound education. Read at least one book or watch a documentary before your trip. Recommended resources:

• The Paris Catacombs: History and Memory by Simon Garfield
• Roman Catacombs: A Guide to the Early Christian Burial Sites by Antonio Ferrua
• Documentary: “Secrets of the Catacombs” (BBC)

Knowing who was buried there, why, and how their beliefs shaped the architecture adds depth you won’t get from signage alone.

Travel with a Small Group

Group size matters. Larger groups (more than 8 people) can disrupt the environment and make navigation difficult. Travel in groups of 2–6 for the most respectful and immersive experience. If traveling solo, consider joining a small-group guided tour.

Document Responsibly

Photography is allowed in most catacombs, but always ask first. If permitted:

• Use natural light or a low-power LED.
• Avoid using filters that alter the appearance of bones or inscriptions.
• Do not post images that sensationalize death or reduce human remains to “spooky” content.

Instead, document the architecture, the craftsmanship of the burial niches, or the inscriptions. These reflect human ingenuity and devotion—not horror.

Support Preservation Efforts

Many catacombs are maintained by nonprofit organizations or religious institutions. When you purchase a ticket, a portion goes toward conservation. Consider donating extra funds or volunteering if you’re local. Even small contributions help stabilize crumbling walls and restore faded frescoes.

Teach Others Through Respect

If you’re sharing your experience with friends or online, emphasize the cultural and spiritual significance of the site. Correct misconceptions. For example, the Paris Catacombs were not built as tourist attractions—they were a public health solution to overflowing cemeteries. Framing them as “haunted” or “horror locations” diminishes their historical value.

Tools and Resources

Official Websites (Essential)

Always rely on official sources for accurate, up-to-date information:

• Paris Catacombs: catacombes.paris.fr
• Rome Catacombs: catacombe.roma.it
• Naples Catacombs of San Gennaro: catacombe.napoli.it
• Kiev Catacombs: kiev-catacombs.gov.ua
• Palermo Catacombs: catacombe.pa.it

These sites offer ticket booking, maps, accessibility info, and historical context in multiple languages.

Mobile Applications

Several apps enhance the experience:

• AudioGuide – Offers narrated tours in 12 languages for major catacombs. Download offline before entering.
• Google Arts & Culture – Features high-resolution 3D scans of catacomb interiors. Useful for pre-visit orientation.
• Maps.me – Works offline and has detailed location pins for hidden entrances.

Books for Deeper Understanding

• The Dead of Paris by Robert H. B. Brazier – A meticulous account of the 18th-century transfer of remains.
• Christian Burial and the Catacombs by John J. O’Connor – Explores the theological meaning behind early Christian burial practices.
• Underground Rome by Filippo Coarelli – A scholarly guide to Rome’s subterranean networks.

Virtual Tours (For Those Who Cannot Visit)

Not everyone can travel to these sites. Fortunately, many institutions offer high-quality virtual experiences:

• Paris Catacombs: 360° interactive tour on the official website
• Rome’s Catacombs of San Callisto: Google Arts & Culture immersive walkthrough
• Naples Catacombs: YouTube documentary series by RAI Cultura

These are excellent for educators, students, or those with physical limitations.

Language and Translation Tools

Many signs and audio guides are in the local language. Use:

• Google Translate (offline mode) – Download language packs for French, Italian, or Ukrainian.
• Microsoft Translator – Can translate spoken instructions in real time via your phone’s microphone.

Learn a few key phrases: “Where is the exit?” “Is photography allowed?” “Thank you.” Locals appreciate the effort.

Real Examples

Example 1: A Solo Traveler in Paris

Marie, a 32-year-old historian from Canada, visited the Paris Catacombs in November. She booked her ticket three months in advance and arrived at 9:45 AM for her 10:00 AM slot. She wore hiking boots, a wool coat, and carried only a small backpack with water and her phone.

She followed the path silently, reading every inscription. She took two photos—one of the “Here Rests the Remains” plaque and another of the stone archway leading into the ossuary. She did not pose for selfies. After exiting, she wrote a reflective journal entry and donated €10 to the preservation fund. She later shared her experience on a history blog, focusing on the 18th-century sanitation crisis that led to the catacombs’ creation.

Example 2: A Family Tour in Rome

The Rossi family from Australia visited the Catacombs of San Callisto with their two teenage children. They booked a 2-hour guided tour in English. The guide explained how early Christians used the catacombs not just for burial but for secret worship during Roman persecution.

The children were initially nervous but became fascinated by the frescoes of the Good Shepherd. The family followed all rules: no touching, no flash, no running. Afterward, they visited the adjacent museum and purchased a children’s activity book on early Christian symbols. Their guide noted that their respectful behavior stood out among the day’s visitors.

Example 3: A Researcher in Naples

Dr. Elena Martinez, a forensic anthropologist from Spain, gained special access to the Catacombs of San Gennaro for academic research. She applied through the Archdiocese of Naples with a letter from her university. Her visit was restricted to daylight hours, and she was accompanied by two custodians. She documented mummification techniques and compared them with Egyptian practices. Her findings were later published in the Journal of Archaeological Science.

Her experience underscores that while most visitors come as tourists, these sites remain active centers of scholarship and religious practice.

Example 4: A Virtual Visitor in Kiev

James, a high school teacher in Ohio, couldn’t travel to Ukraine due to geopolitical concerns. Instead, he used the official virtual tour of the Kiev Catacombs with his students. They explored the wartime tunnels where partisans hid during WWII and discussed how underground spaces serve as both burial grounds and sanctuaries.

James created a lesson plan around the theme of “Memory and Shelter,” using the catacombs as a case study. His students wrote essays comparing the Kiev Catacombs to the Holocaust memorials in Berlin and the Hiroshima Peace Park. The virtual tour enabled meaningful education without physical travel.

FAQs

Can children visit the Catacombs Underground?

Yes, but age restrictions vary. Paris requires visitors to be at least 10 years old due to the narrow passages and somber content. Rome and Naples allow younger children but recommend parental discretion. Always check the site’s policy. Consider whether your child can handle dim lighting, confined spaces, and the sight of human remains.

Are the Catacombs dangerous?

When visited through official channels, they are safe. The main risks are slips on wet or uneven steps, getting disoriented in dark tunnels, or exposure to mold spores in poorly ventilated areas. Never enter unauthorized sections. Stick to marked paths and follow staff instructions.

Can I take photos inside?

In most official sites, yes—but no flash, no tripods, and no selfies with remains. Some areas, especially in Rome, prohibit photography entirely to protect ancient pigments. Always ask before taking a photo.

How long does a visit take?

Typically 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the site and whether you take a guided tour. Paris requires about 1 hour for the main route. Rome’s larger catacombs may take up to 2.5 hours. Plan accordingly.

Is there an age limit?

There is no legal age limit in most places, but many sites recommend against bringing infants or toddlers due to environmental conditions. Children under 10 may find the experience frightening or overwhelming.

Do I need a guide?

Not always, but highly recommended. Guides provide context, answer questions, and help you avoid missing key areas. Self-guided tours often lack depth. For first-time visitors, a guided tour is the best way to understand what you’re seeing.

What if I get claustrophobic?

Some sections are narrow and low. If you have severe claustrophobia, consider skipping the visit or opting for a virtual tour. Inform staff upon arrival—they may be able to guide you through less confined areas or offer an early exit.

Are the Catacombs really full of bones?

Yes—in Paris, over six million skeletons are arranged in the walls. In Rome and Naples, bones are often left in loculi or buried beneath the floor. The display is intentional and historically accurate, not theatrical.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Animals are not permitted inside the catacombs for hygiene, safety, and preservation reasons. Service animals may be allowed with prior notification—contact the site directly.

What happens if I’m late for my ticket time?

You will be denied entry. Timed entry is strictly enforced to manage airflow, lighting, and crowd control. No exceptions. Book a later slot if you’re unsure of your schedule.

Conclusion

Visiting the Catacombs Underground is a powerful, sobering, and deeply human experience. It is not a thrill ride or a photo op—it is a confrontation with mortality, history, and the enduring ways societies honor the dead. To visit responsibly is to honor the memory of those who rest below.

This guide has walked you through every critical step: choosing the right site, securing tickets, preparing physically and mentally, navigating with respect, and understanding the broader context. You now know the tools, the rules, and the real stories behind these sacred spaces.

As you plan your journey, remember: the Catacombs Underground are not relics of the past—they are living testaments. They speak not of fear, but of faith; not of horror, but of remembrance. Your presence should reflect that truth.

When you descend, go quietly. When you leave, carry the weight of what you’ve seen—not as a souvenir, but as a responsibility. Let your visit be a quiet act of reverence.

And when you return home, share the story—not with sensationalism, but with sincerity. Because the true legacy of the Catacombs Underground lies not in their bones, but in the meaning we choose to give them.