Are There Catacombs in Italy?
Yes, Italy is home to extensive networks of catacombs, with the most famous ones located in Rome. These ancient underground burial tunnels span hundreds of kilometers beneath the city, primarily dating back to the 2nd century CE. While Rome's catacombs are the most well-known, you can also find significant catacomb systems in other Italian cities like Naples, Syracuse, and Palermo.
Rome's ancient catacombs, otherwise known as underground burial places, were a response to overcrowding and shortage of land. Kilometres and kilometres of tunnels underneath the city of Rome represent history, art and sculpture, especially within the faiths of Christianity and Judaism. These incredible discoveries can be viewed and experienced in the present-day.
Want to explore Rome's hidden underground world? Our Private Rome in a Day Tour includes exclusive access to these fascinating burial sites.
Who Built the Catacombs?
Those with early faith in Christianity and Judaism believed in burying the dead, while the pagan custom was to incinerate corpses. The Christian Catacombs, therefore, were secretly carved through volcanic rock and formed into tunnels, where Christians and Jews could build burial places within city limits, something that was forbidden in Roman law. The Catacombs were a secret – a secret so important and so significant that any divulging of information could significantly impact Christianity in Rome.
Uncover the secret history of Rome's early Christians on our Private Catacombs and Underground Tour in Rome.
Catacombs of Rome History: From Active Use to Abandonment
In 380, Christianity became a state religion. The practice of catacomb burial declines, and the dead were increasingly buried within Church grounds. With the decline of catacomb burial, these ancient and historical sites were often robbed and sacked, as intruders sought valuables.
The Rediscovery of Rome's Ancient Catacombs
Until the 1500s the Christian catacombs were forgotten, and in 1578 they were accidentally rediscovered. Can you imagine the amazement these explorers must have experienced after finding themselves face-to-face with thousands upon thousands of 2nd century corpses? Over the next two-hundred years, catacombs continued to be discovered in and around Rome, and have since become an important monument in the early Christian Church.
Best Catacombs in Rome: The Historic San Sebastian Catacombs
It is widely believed that the San Sebastian Catacombs are the first of their kind in Rome, and were the home to the remains of Saint Peter and Saint Paul for forty years. You can experience the wonder of these catacombs yourself. With narrow corridors and warren-like structures, visitors to the Catacombs can learn all about the role that these underground burial places played during the times of religion persecution.
Travel back in time some two thousand years and descend three levels into the earth. Take part in history and experience the fascinating, groundbreaking discovery that was made in the 1500s. The catacombs in Rome were not only significant to Christians in the 2nd century, they continue to hold importance and significance for travelers today.
Which Catacombs to Visit in Rome: A Traveler's Guide
While Rome hosts over sixty ancient catacombs, only five are regularly open to visitors. The Catacombs of San Callisto, the largest and most popular, feature stunning frescoes and papal crypts spanning four levels. The San Sebastiano Catacombs hold special significance as the temporary resting place of Saints Peter and Paul. For a less crowded but equally fascinating experience, the Domitilla Catacombs offer the city's best-preserved underground basilica and remarkable 2nd-century frescoes. The Priscilla Catacombs, known as the "Queen of the Catacombs," houses the oldest known Marian painting, while the Sant'Agnese Catacombs combines beautiful mosaics with the fascinating story of its namesake martyr. Each site requires guided tours for entry, and most are closed on different days, so it's worth planning your visits in advance.
Learn more about our tours of the Catacombs in Rome.
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