While some of the people buried here were recognised as early saints or martyrs, the vast majority of the burials were ordinary Christians.īy the Middle Ages the catacombs were no longer in use, and had virtually been forgotten. Hundreds of thousands of Christians were buried in these catacombs, piled up on shelves with spaces for two or three bodies. The early Christians, of course, did not have the money to build such impressive tombs, so they were forced to bury their dead underground instead, beneath the land owned by Christians on the Appian Way. Walking along the Appian Way, you’ll see monumental tombs such as the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella – a 1st century BC tomb resembling a decorated fortress, which was built to commemorate the daughter of a Roman Consul. The Catacombs of St Sebastian (San Sebastiano) – once the burial place of Saints Peter and Paul, containing well-preserved Ancient Roman and Christian tombs. The Catacombs of St Callixtus (San Callisto) – the largest catacombs, particularly popular with tour groups, with some evocative examples of early Christian art The Catacombs of St Domitilla (Santa Domitilla) – the oldest and most extensive network of catacombs (though only a fraction is open to the public) and the only one with bones still on display There are three catacombs along the Appian Way which can be visited on a Rome catacomb tour: ![]() Miles of underground tunnels were built by digging through the soft tufa stone, providing burial space for saints and martyrs as well as countless ordinary Christians. While many Romans built elaborate tombs by the roadside, the Christians buried their dead in labyrinthine catacombs. As an important consular road connecting Rome with the south, the Appian Way was a popular spot for burials. Even as early as the 5th century BC, burials within the city walls were forbidden, so tombs were built on the outskirts of Rome. The catacombs of the Appian Way are essentially the underground graveyards of the first Christians in Rome, who had to bury their dead outside of the city. This is a side of Rome you’ve never seen before. Venture deep underground to explore the incredible tunnels that were dug out by hand nearly 2,000 years ago and learn all about the very beginning of Christianity. While a visit to the Appian Way is worthwhile in itself – as you walk along the ancient cobblestones past vast tombstones and spectacular countryside you feel as though you’ve been transported back in time – a tour of the catacombs is undoubtedly the main highlight. The catacombs are so extensive that you could easily get lost and never find your way out again – a good reason to go with a tour guide!įor many visitors to Rome, a trip to the catacombs is one of the most moving and memorable parts of their holiday. ![]() ![]() From martyrs to farmers, hundreds of thousands of early Christians ended up in the catacombs, buried close together in a maze of underground tunnels beside the Appian Way. The catacombs of Rome provided a resting place for the first generations of Christians, awaiting their resurrection and salvation in their tombs, deep beneath the ground on the outskirts of Rome. ![]() The word “cemetery” comes from an Ancient Greek word which meant “place of rest”.
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