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Catacombs of Rome: Learn how to visit this unusual attraction
The Catacombs of Rome are a must-see attraction for both history buffs and curious tourists. Visiting them is synonymous with having the opportunity to travel back in time and discover the underground past of the Italian capital.
The Catacombs of Rome form a huge labyrinthine complex of underground tunnels that stretch for kilometers beneath Rome. Therefore, it is not possible to visit the attraction on your own; you must always be accompanied by an authorized guide.
Visits can be individual or in groups. To visit the attraction, you will need to book your tickets in advance, as it is not possible to visit the Catacombs of Rome without official tickets.
Some tourists prefer to visit the Catacombs of Rome on a guided group tour. In my opinion, this is the best way to enjoy the experience, as you will be able to count on a detailed explanation of the history of the attraction.
Guided tours usually include a visit to just one of the Catacombs of Rome, and if you want to visit the others, you will need to book other tours as well. There are over 60 catacombs in the capital of Italy, but only 5 are open to the public:
How much does a ticket to visit the Catacombs of Rome cost?
Tickets cost between €12 and €169.
As the Catacombs of Rome are becoming increasingly popular among tourists visiting Rome, there are several types of tickets to visit the attraction, which may impact your budget.
Ticket prices depend on several factors, such as where you buy them, whether you buy them separately or in combination with other attractions, whether you want to take a guided tour, etc.
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In addition to the official website, the most important catacombs have their own website where you can book guided tours for individuals or groups of up to 15 people. This is the case of the Catacombs of San Callisto, for example.
Tickets for the attraction are also sold on tourist attraction websites, such as GetYourGuide and Civitatis. The main advantage of this option is that you can compare several tour options and choose the best one for your goals. In addition, both platforms allow you to cancel your tour free of charge up to 24 hours before your visit.
Is a guided tour of the Catacombs of Rome worth it?
Yes, it is very much worth it.
In the underground tunnels, the number of informative plaques about the archaeological artifacts, drawings and symbols is very limited. Therefore, following all the details of the ancient history of these catacombs that extend for thousands of kilometers may not be an easy task.
What is the best catacomb in Rome to visit?
The Catacombs of San Callisto are considered the most interesting of the entire complex of underground tunnels in Rome.
During your visit, you will be able to walk through an underground space that is more than 20 kilometers long, where there are more than 500 thousand graves.
Airport Transfer in Rome – What to see in the Catacombs of Rome?
As we mentioned, there are dozens of catacombs in Rome, which run for several kilometers underground and house thousands of archaeological artifacts and tombs.
Below, check out more details about the attractions of each of the five Catacombs of Rome open to the public and decide which ones to include in your itinerary in Rome.
Catacombs of San Sebastiano
With more than 12 kilometers in length, the Catacombs of San Sebastiano are among the largest in Rome and are named after Saint Sebastian, who was martyred after converting to Christianity.
The Catacombs of San Sebastiano were built around the 1st century AD, on a territory known as the catacombs, or “near the cavities”. Later, this name would become synonymous with “underground cemetery” and would be used in relation to the other portions of the underground territory of Rome as well.
In the 2nd century, this catacomb was converted into a Christian mausoleum, as indicated by the graffiti dedicated to the apostles Peter and Paul, which date from the same period.
As you walk through the Catacombs of San Sebastiano, you will notice the great variety of decorations; each of the tombs is decorated with some kind of symbol, such as a cup, a coin, among others.
Catacombs of Saint Callixtus
The Catacombs of San Callixtus are located along the Appian Way, one of the main roads in ancient Rome. With more than five levels of underground galleries, the complex represents the oldest Christian cemetery in the city.
These catacombs, which are the largest in Rome today, were named after the deacon Callixtus, who expanded the tunnels and made the site the official cemetery of the Church in 217, when he became pope.
Highlights include the Crypt of the Popes, which houses the tombs of 16 popes, and the Crypt of Santa Cecilia, which has frescoes from the 7th and 8th centuries.
Catacombs of Priscilla
Known as the “Queen of the Catacombs,” the Catacombs of Priscilla are one of the oldest underground complexes in Rome, with origins dating back to an ancient quarry that was later transformed into a mausoleum by Christians.
In addition to the tombs of popes and saints, such as Pope Marcellinus and Saint Philomena, this catacomb is particularly popular for housing the first representation of the story of the Virgin Mary, which was created in the mid-3rd century.
The Catacombs of Priscilla also contain the frescoes of the Greek Chapel, which depict biblical scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
Catacombs of Domitilla
Named after Flavia Domitilla, granddaughter of Emperor Vespasian, the Catacombs of Domitilla extend for 15 kilometers and are divided into two main floors.
On one of the levels is the Hypogeum of the Flavians, of pagan origin, which houses the sarcophagi of the most important members of Domitilla’s family and is notable for its rich decoration. On the second floor, in turn, is the crypt, transformed into a sanctuary in the 4th century, where the tombs of the martyrs Nereus and Achilleus were placed.
Catacombs of Saint Agnes
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The Catacombs of Saint Agnes date back to the second half of the 3rd century and are part of a complex built in honor of Saint Agnes, which includes a basilica and a mausoleum.
Tunnels cover three floors and four different regions, which correspond to different historical periods. The first region is the oldest, while regions II and III were developed throughout the 4th century. Finally, the last region emerged after the reforms organized by Emperor Constantine I.
Discover the Catacombs of Rome
The Catacombs of Rome are underground tunnels excavated between the 2nd and 5th centuries, which served as burial places for Jews, pagans and the first Christians of Ancient Rome.
The word “catacomb” means “near the cavities” and derives from the fact that the first tunnels were excavated in volcanic quarries. They arose from the need for Christians to bury the bodies of their loved ones according to their own beliefs. In addition, the catacombs were the ideal place for Christians, persecuted at the time, to express their religion through symbols and drawings.
These cemeteries were created underground in the city, as Roman law prohibited burials within the city walls. With the Edict of Milan in 313, Christians began to build churches and acquire property, but they continued to use the catacombs as cemeteries and shrines for martyrs until the middle of the 5th century.
The Catacombs of Rome were forgotten for many centuries, until the first discoveries in 1578. Later, the publication of the first extensive study on the catacombs in the 19th century sparked the Italian government’s interest in these symbols of the Roman past.
How the Catacombs Open
The Catacombs of Rome can be visited from Monday to Saturday, with some exceptions. They are closed on December 25, January 1 and Easter.
What should you know before visiting the Catacombs of Rome?
Now that you know what to see in the Catacombs of Rome and how to buy tickets, check out the tips we have put together to make your visit unforgettable:
- Check the opening hours of the attraction in advance, as some catacombs are closed for up to a whole month during the winter;
- Remember to buy tickets in advance, as they are limited and very popular, especially during the high season (June to August);
During the tour, you will have to walk on uneven, slippery and steep ground. - Therefore, wear comfortable shoes and clothes to avoid getting hurt;
- Bring a coat or jacket, as temperatures are lower inside the catacombs.
I’m sure you’re now ready to visit the Catacombs of Rome, right? So, it’s time to book your ticket, pack your bags and get ready for this experience.
Buon viaggio!
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