Embark on a journey through the captivating depths of Rome’s history with our comprehensive guide to the best catacombs in Rome. These subterranean marvels, steeped in ancient tales, offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. Delve into intricate underground passageways and unearth the preserved remnants of a bygone era, as we navigate through these intriguing burial sites.
History of Catacombs in Rome
The origins of Roman catacombs date back to the 2nd century AD. Early Christians began digging underground burial places to inter their dead outside the walls of the city. Given that Christian rituals like burial were banned within Rome at the time, these underground crypts allowed early Christian communities to bury their dead while also worshipping in secret safety away from persecution.
The catacombs served both as burial and worship places. While most held tombs and grave goods, some chambers were specifically dedicated as places for Christians to gather, celebrate their faith, and commemorate the dead through Eucharistic feasts and funerary banquets.
There were several types of Roman catacombs, including smaller hypogea that held single families and larger, more elaborate networks that sheltered entire Christian communities. The largest catacombs wound extensively underneath the city with multiple stacked galleries interconnected by staircases.
Catacombs of San Callisto
The Catacombs of San Callisto are the largest and most famous in Rome. Located on the Appian Way, they were founded by Pope Saint Callixtus himself in the late 2nd century. The complex expanded over the years and holds the tombs of several 3rd century popes and martyrs.
Spanning 12 miles with multiple levels, the Catacombs of San Callisto feature ornate crypts, carved tombs, and inscriptions that provide insight into life in Rome’s early Christian communities. Unique sights include the Crypt of the Popes and the Crypt of Saint Cecilia.
Open Tuesday-Sunday from 9am-12pm and 2pm-5pm.
Catacomb of Priscilla
The Catacomb of Priscilla on the Via Salaria contains over 40,000 burial chambers within 8 miles of tunnels. Founded in the late 2nd century, it holds the earliest known depiction of the Virgin Mary nursing Jesus, dating back to the early 3rd century. This image provides rare insights into early Christian art and worship.
In addition to early Christian tombs and chambers, the Catacomb of Priscilla also has sections holding the graves of elite noble Roman families who were drawn to the Christian faith. Unique frescoes and inscriptions abound.
Open Tuesday-Sunday 8:30am-12pm and 2pm-5:30pm.
Catacombs of Domitilla
The Catacombs of Domitilla contain over 15 miles of passages and more than 150,000 graves, making them the longest network in Rome. Constructed in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, these catacombs hold ornate tombs and carvings alongside rare paintings of stars, flowers, vines, and other nature motifs unlike typical Christian imagery.
A guide brings the sprawling catacombs alive, providing context on the nobles, martyrs, and early popes interred here across 17 centuries of Roman history. Don’t miss the 2nd century Flavian Amphitheater and perfectly preserved burial chambers.
Open Wednesday-Monday 9am-5pm.
Catacombs of San Sebastiano
The Catacombs of San Sebastiano, also called the Catacombs of San Sebastian, contain unique mausoleums and the earliest-known Roman catacomb chambers dating from the mid-3rd century. Extending over 4 miles on 4 levels, they hold the remains of saints and Christian martyrs killed under Roman persecution.
Tombs line the narrow, winding passageways, including those of Saints Sebastian, Paul, and Peter. The Crypt of the Nine Martyrs houses nine early popes and the Crypt of Saint Lucina is adorned with rare paintings. Don’t miss the plaster-lined tomb of Saint Sebastian.
Open Monday-Saturday 10am-4:30pm. . Private tours also available.
Catacombs of Marcellinus and Peter
The small Catacombs of Marcellinus and Peter offer an intimate, less crowded catacomb experience. Located on the Via Labicana, they were built in the 4th century beside a Roman burial ground. Saints Marcellinus and Peter were martyred and entombed here.
These compact catacombs allow visitors to take in ornate crypts and rare medieval frescoes without massive crowds. Their chambers contain both pagan and Christian tombs, illustrating the new faith integrating into old beliefs.
Open daily except Wednesday 9am-12pm and 2:30pm-5:30pm.
Catacombs of Agnes
Legend says that Saint Agnes, a 13-year-old martyr, was buried in the Catacombs of Agnes located just outside the Nomentana Gate. These small catacombs date back to the late 4th century and include Saint Agnes’ tomb along with early Christian frescoes and inscriptions.
While less extensive than larger catacomb complexes, the intimate Catacombs of Agnes let visitors connect to the past via Saint Agnes’ sacrificial history and the touching inscription poetry left by her grieving parents after her death.
Open daily 9am-noon and 3:30pm-5pm. guided tours available certain days – call (06) 8620 6272 to confirm.
Catacombs of St. Sebastian
Located on the ancient Appian Way, the Catacombs of St. Sebastian contain the remains of early Christian saints and martyrs. The complex was built in the third century AD and holds the tomb of St. Sebastian as well as numerous other saints.
Spanning over 4 miles, the catacombs have elaborate chambers with carved gravestones and inscriptions honoring those buried there. Unique sights include the Crypt of the Popes and the Crypt of St. Cecilia. Guided tours provide fascinating details on centuries of Roman and Christian history.
Open Monday-Saturday from 9am-4:30pm.
Catacombs of St. Domitilla
The Catacombs of St. Domitilla contain over 17 miles of passages holding 150,000 tombs. Built in the second and third centuries AD, they are the largest and longest catacomb complex in Rome. Named after Saint Domitilla, members of her noble Roman family are buried here.
The sprawling catacombs feature ornate mausoleums, carved statues, and dazzling frescoes unlike other Roman catacombs. Highlights include a second century amphitheater, perfectly intact burial chambers, and an enchanting sun and stars painting.
Open Wednesday-Monday from 9am-5pm.
Catacombs of Comodilla
The Catacombs of Comodilla are smaller, lesser-known catacombs located on the Via Ostiense. They were built in the 4th century AD and contain the tombs of Saint Felix and Saint Adauctus along with other early Christian martyrs.
The intimate catacombs feature unique brickwork patterns in arched doorways and passages leading to decorated tombs. Visitors can see rare frescoes, an antique baptismal font, and inscriptions inside this hidden gem not crowded with tourists.
Open only one morning per month by guided tour.
Jewish Catacombs in Rome
Alongside the Christian catacombs, there are two Jewish catacomb systems beneath Rome dating back over 2000 years. The Catacombs of Vigna Randanini and the Villa Torlonia Catacombs preserve a crucial glimpse into the lives and funerary customs of ancient Roman Jews.
The Jewish catacombs contain carved sarcophagi, engraved lamps, symbols like the seven-branched menorah, and inscriptions in Hebrew and Greek. While not currently open to the public, scholars continue to study these rare archaeological sites for insight into Roman Jewish history.
Conclusion
For travelers looking to step back in time and glimpse Rome’s centuries-old foundations, a catacomb tour offers an unforgettable experience. As final resting places filled with elaborate art, architecture, and artifacts of everyday residents and cultural icons who shaped the landscape of Western civilization and religion, Rome’s catacombs provide an invaluable historical record.
While all the major catacombs listed above deliver fascinating looks at life and death through the ages, prime picks like San Callisto, Domitilla, and Priscilla offer main highlights. A catacomb visit undoubtedly ranks among the top activities for understanding ancient Roman and early Christian culture.
FAQs About Visiting the Catacombs
What are catacombs?
Catacombs are underground burial places consisting of networks of galleries and chambers containing graves, tombs, and sarcophagi.
How were catacombs used in ancient Rome?
In ancient Rome, catacombs provided burial spaces mostly for Jewish and Christian communities. They were dug outside city walls where burial was not allowed.
How many catacombs are there in Rome?
There are over 60 catacomb networks beneath Rome spanning hundreds of miles and holding between one to six million tombs. Only a fraction are open to the public today.
Which catacombs are open to the public?
Major catacombs like St. Callixtus, St.Sebastian, Domitilla, Priscilla, St. Marcellinus and Peter, and St. Agnes are open for guided tours. Tickets must be booked in advance.
What is the significance of catacombs in Rome?
Rome’s catacombs provide invaluable archeological insights into the funeral practices, cultures, religions, and daily lives of ancient Romans, early Christians, and Jews.
