Visit the ancient Crypta Balbi and embark on a unique journey back in time that retraces over 2,000 years of Rome’s history.
Located between the present-day Piazza Venezia and Largo Argentina, the crypt was constructed in the 1st century B.C. by Lucius Cornelius Balbus and was a place where the public could relax and enjoy refreshments during the intervals of the shows at the nearby theatre.
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Opening times
Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm
last admission at 5pmFrom 30 May 2023
Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 7pm
last admission at 6pm -
Closing
Monday
25 December
Museo della Crypta Balbi will close for renovation starting from 9 January 2023 - Web Crypta Balbi
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Feature List
- Wheelchair accessible
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Accessibility
All sites at the National Roman Museum can be accessed by individuals with limited mobility thanks to our designated pathways that avoid structurally difficult routes.
More info
VISITING THE CRYPTA
Today the Crypta Balbi complex is home to a remarkable example of an urban archaeological museum.
The exhibition covers three levels, is designed for visitors and is open to all. The route winds past the various buildings giving you the chance to admire the materials recovered during excavations and some finds from the historical collections of the National Roman Museum, of which the Crypta Balbi forms part together with Palazzo Massimo, Palazzo Altemps and The Baths of Diocletian.
Recently the excavations of the exedra of the theatre and the cellars have been opened to the public and from here you can observe the structures of the crypt itself and of a monument used for the free distribution of grain.
Crypta Balbi is a fascinating place where learning becomes a pleasure. Don’t miss the chance to visit it and learn more about trips and workshops for schools and free Sunday guided tours.
Services
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Visits
for individuals with fixed departure
- ACCOMPANIED VISITS TO THE ESEDRA
- opening hours: Saturday and Sunday 10.45 - 11.45 - 12.45 - 14.45 - 15.45
- Italian language
- duration: 30 min
- cost: free
- booking: the same day at the ticket office
Visits are temporarily suspended - GUIDED TOURS TO THE UNDERGROUND
- opening hours: Saturday and Sunday at 12.00 and 16.00
- on the occasion of free Sundays, the hours of access to the underground are: 12.00, 13.00, 14.00, 15.00 and 16.00.
- Italian language
- duration: 30 minutes
- cost: free
- reservations required for groups and recommended for individuals, to the e-mail address [email protected] by the previous Thursday at 6.00 pm.
- ACCOMPANIED VISITS TO THE ESEDRA
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Visits
for groups by reservation
available in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish
[email protected] -
Didactics for schools
by reservation
available in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish
[email protected] - Audioguide
- Bookshop
- Wardrobe
Additional Info
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GROUPS
Group visits, with or without guide, are allowed up to a maximum of 30 participants, excluding the guide.
During the visit it is mandatory the use of own protective devices (masks to protect the mouth and nose that must be worn during the entire visit, also by the guide) and the respect of the safety distance.
In the case of heterogeneous groups, accompanied by a guide, the latter must enforce the safety distance
within the group. -
SCHOOLS
School visits, accompanied or not, are allowed in groups of up to 30 participants, excluding the tour leader/guide.
Access is free by presenting the list of students and accompanying teachers on the letterhead of the school they belong to.
Where
Via delle Botteghe Oscure 3, Roma (RM)
Transportation
Bus: nn. 70, 81, 87, 116,116T, 186, 492, 628
Visiting Rules
- Face masks strongly reccommended. Find out more
- Visitors will only be admitted to the museum sites if they are wearing masks covering nose and mouth and if they have tickets.
- The itinerary includes the ground floor, and the second floor of the museum.
The external archaeological area is currently closed to the public.
Entrance from the traditional access from via delle Botteghe Oscure, 31.
The exit will be from via delle Botteghe Oscure, 31.
Restrooms on the first floor will be available to visitors.
GEP 2022
For the European Heritage Days, Crypta will be open on 24 September 2022, from 20.00 to 22.30 (last admission at 21.45), with a special ticket at 1 euro.
Online purchase available soon