Navona Square and École Française Underground ticket

Exploring Rome can feel like flipping through a giant, open-air history book, but sometimes, you want to see the city’s stories from a different angle. This particular tour offers a unique way to peek beneath the surface—literally—by giving you access to the underground ruins of Piazza Navona’s ancient Roman stadium and the historic Catacombs of Saint Callixtus. It’s a solid choice for those interested in architecture, archaeology, and a bit of off-the-beaten-path discovery.

What we really like about this experience is its self-guided format, letting you explore at your own pace, combined with exclusive access to the ruins you can’t normally see. Plus, the inclusion of a multilingual audio/video guide makes it accessible for international visitors. But, a word of caution: if you’re expecting a full-on guided tour with a guide present, this might fall a little short. Some reviews mention that without a guide, the experience might feel somewhat basic or less engaging.

This experience should appeal most to history buffs, architecture lovers, or anyone curious to see Rome’s hidden layers. It’s a good pick if you enjoy exploring sites independently and are comfortable with a bit of walking and self-guided narration. If you’re traveling with kids or prefer guided storytelling, you’ll want to consider whether this format suits your style.

Key Points

• Exclusive access to underground ruins of Rome’s ancient stadium beneath Piazza Navona.
• Self-guided audio/video tour available in 7 languages, allowing flexible exploration.
• Includes tickets to both the underground site and the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus (if you select that option).
• Ideal for architecture and archaeology enthusiasts who enjoy independent exploration.
• Cost-effective at around $28.66, but consider if you’re getting enough guided interaction.
• Tour duration varies from 1 to 4 hours, depending on your pace.

What the Tour Covers

This tour is designed to give you access to two of Rome’s less visible but fascinating archaeological sites: the Stadio di Domiziano, buried beneath Piazza Navona, and the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus. The combination offers a glimpse into ancient Roman entertainment and early Christian history, all in one go.

The Underground Ruins of Piazza Navona

We loved how this part of the tour spruces up the usual postcard view of Piazza Navona. Instead of just admiring the baroque fountains and lively street life, you get to stand on top of what was once the Stadio di Domiziano—an ancient Roman sports arena capable of holding 30,000 spectators. Thanks to the ticketing setup, you start with hosted entry, which means you don’t have to worry about long lines. Once inside, you explore at your own pace, using your audio/video guide in your preferred language.

The ruins are roughly 15 feet underground, and the experience involves viewing well-preserved masonry and artifacts uncovered during excavations. It’s a rare chance to see a Roman sports venue in such detail, almost like stepping into a time capsule beneath a busy modern square. From the reviews, it seems that people generally find it interesting but brief—some wish it was longer or more detailed.

The Catacombs of Saint Callixtus

If you opt for the additional guided tour of the Catacombs, you’ll descend into tunnels carved into volcanic rock, built as early Christian burial sites. Expect to see frescoes, relics, and burial chambers that tell stories of the earliest followers of Christianity in Rome. Visitors note how this part of the tour offers a more vivid connection to history, especially with a guide explaining the significance of the iconography and the role these tunnels played during times of persecution.

One reviewer appreciated the organized, well-structured visit and mentioned that the staff was accommodating, rearranging timings so they could experience the full tour. The catacombs are a completely different vibe from the open-air piazza, offering a quiet, contemplative space underground.

Practical Details & What to Expect

Starting Point & Booking
The tour begins at the Touristation Ticket Redemption Point on Piazza Navona, which is near public transportation, making it convenient to access. Once you arrive, you’ll get your tickets and start with a hosted entry. The admission to the underground ruins and optionally the catacombs is included in the price.

Timing & Duration
The tour duration is flexible, ranging from 1 to 4 hours, depending on how long you want to spend exploring the ruins and whether you choose the guided catacomb visit. Some travelers have found the self-guided experience “perfect” for their family or personal pace, while others feel it could have been more engaging with a guide.

Cost & Value
At about $28.66 per person, this tour offers a decent value, especially considering the exclusive access and the inclusion of two sites. However, a few reviewers criticize the experience for feeling somewhat limited without a guide, especially at the ruins. If you’re a history enthusiast willing to read and explore independently, this price point is reasonable. If you prefer guided storytelling or more interactive experiences, you may find it lacking.

Accessibility & Suitability
Most travelers can participate, as the tour is not physically demanding, but be aware that exploring underground ruins and catacombs involves walking and some uneven surfaces. The tour’s format suits those comfortable with self-guided exploration and audio guides.

Authentic Feedback from Tour Participants

One traveler rated the experience 4 out of 5 and said, “It was a great experience, but my opinion is that with a tour guide with us it would have been better.” This highlights the value of guided narration for some visitors. Conversely, a review from Robert was quite critical, claiming that “the self-guided tour was interesting,” but that paying for a guide was unnecessary, and he planned to request a refund due to unmet expectations.

Other comments point out that the underground part is brief, with some feeling that the overall experience isn’t worth the price unless you’re particularly interested in archaeology or architecture. But on the positive side, several visitors appreciated the friendly staff and found the experience well-organized, with some noting how the underground sites reveal a hidden side of Rome that most travelers miss.

Final thoughts

This tour offers a distinctive peek into Rome’s layered history, combining the thrill of walking through ancient ruins with the convenience of self-guided exploration. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy independent discovery, archaeology, and architecture, and who are comfortable exploring at their own pace. The inclusion of audio guides in multiple languages makes it accessible, and the exclusive underground access ensures you’re seeing something few visitors get to experience.

However, if you’re someone who thrives on storytelling and live commentary, this might fall a little flat. Considering the price, it’s probably best suited for those with a genuine interest in the sites or those who have already seen the main attractions and want to uncover some of Rome’s secret history.

This tour could be a highlight of your trip if you’re looking to go beneath Rome’s surface—literally—and explore its ancient roots from a different perspective.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically designed as a family activity, children who enjoy history and exploring underground sites should find it interesting. Just keep in mind the walking involved and the dark, enclosed spaces in the catacombs.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, this tour is typically booked about 19 days in advance on average, and securing tickets ahead is recommended, especially during peak season.

What languages are available for the audio/video guide?
The guide is available in seven different languages, making it accessible for most international visitors.

Does the tour include transportation?
No, transportation is not included. The meeting point is near public transit, so plan your route accordingly.

Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which provides flexibility if your plans change.

Is the underground experience long enough?
The underground visit is relatively brief—many find it interesting but wish it was longer or more detailed. It’s designed to give a quick, impactful look at the ruins.

Exploring Rome’s hidden depths offers a different lens on the city, and this tour delivers a compact but meaningful experience. If you’re curious about what lies beneath the surface and enjoy independent exploration, it might just be worth the price.