Museum Romeinse Katakomben

About the museum

The museum was founded in 1910 by Jan Diepen, the son of a wealthy textile industrialist, together with the architect Pierre Cuypers, with support from the Vatican and Roman authorities. It opened its doors on 12 July 1910; as early as 1912 a second wing was added because of the large number of visitors.

These are not genuine catacombs but faithful replicas of the Roman burial complexes, about 25 metres underground in Valkenburg. Visitors see the graves of ordinary Roman citizens as well as colourfully painted burial chambers of wealthy Romans from the 3rd and 4th centuries. Visiting archaeologists are said to have been so impressed that they exclaimed they were in Rome.

The Katakombenstichting owns the monument and the collection, while the Stichting Museum Romeinse Katakomben runs the operation. The offer includes tours on various themes – from everyday Roman life to the path of the martyrs and children's routes – as well as programmes for schools.

Highlights

• Replica Roman catacombs from 1910, about 25 m underground
• Graves of ordinary Romans and painted burial chambers
• Themed tours such as "Rome in 1 dag" and "De weg der martelaren"
• Children's tour "Op zoek naar Caecilia"
• Created with the involvement of Pierre Cuypers

Permanent exhibition

• Römische Katakomben von Valkenburg – Underground replica of Roman catacombs with graves of ordinary citizens and painted burial chambers, which can only be visited as part of guided tours.

Founded

1910

Operated by

Stichting Museum Romeinse Katakomben

Director

Ronald George

Admission & discounts

Free with the Museumkaart (Circle of Life €4). School groups: primary school €7.50, secondary school €9 per pupil, plus €25 per guide (max. 18 people per guide). Booking via the online ticket system.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: not available

The underground museum is wheelchair-accessible via an adapted route; please arrange your visit in advance by phone or email, as the historic ticket building has steps and wheelchair users are led through a different entrance. A reserved parking space is available on request with at least one day's notice; kiss-and-ride 5 m from the entrance. Private tours without other guests are possible, and there is neither bright light nor background music. Pets are not allowed, assistance dogs are.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Family experience "Circle of Life" with symbols and puzzles, and the children's tour "Op zoek naar Caecilia" for 5- to 12-year-olds.

Getting there & parking

The museum is about 250 m from the centre, opposite Par'Course.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit