The Balbi Crypt or in Italian Crypta Balbi is a museum exhibiting mostly archeological artifacts. Beneath the museum there is also an underground crypt, which is the most interesting aspect of the museum. These underground passages can be visited and can be an interesting tour for those that are not claustrophobic and afraid of the dark.
The museum Balbi crypt is a national museum that was connected to the theatre Balbi, the smallest of the three theatres of the Ancient Rome. It was built by Conelio Balbo in the 13th century BC honoring his victory over the Garamantim. The crypt was located behind the theatre and was used as a gathering place and a place for rest by those that participated in the plays. The theatre was connected to the building (porticus municia) used for the free distribution of grain during the reign of Imperators. The remains of this building are visible inside the crypt.
In the late ancient period, when there were no more plays and when the distribution of grain stopped, the building lost its purpose. The slow process of the building’s transformation started, so it was transformed into a fortress and a religious convent, and later into a street of the small shops and homes (le botteghe oscure – dark shops). During the tour of the crypt it is possible to notice the transformation of the southern part of the Field of Mars, from the ancient Roman period till the excavations that started in the 80s which revealed the whole complex. Exhibited In the crypt you can see ceramic and glass objects, coins, lead stamps and objects made from metal and ivory.
(!) The tour of the crypt is organized almost every hour and upon entering the museum you will be informed when the next guided tour is. The guided tour is the only way of visiting the underground crypt and it is FREE of charge.
Ticket prices for the Balbi Crypt in Rome
(!) The ticket is valid for 3 days and with it you can visit 4 museums: Palazzo Massimo, The Baths of Diocletian, Palazzo Altemps and Balbi Crypt.
Regular ticket price is: 7 Euros (€).
Reduced ticket prices is: 3.5 Euros (€), (for EU citizens between 18 and 24 years).
Free entrance: for EU citizens younger than 18 and older than 65 years.
We advise you to check ticket prices and working hours before visiting – check the official website of the Balbi Crypt in Rome.
Working hours of the Balbi Crypt in Rome
From Tuesday to Sunday working hours are: 09:00 – 19:45h (last entrance one hour before the closing time).
