The underground cemeteries were used as burial places by Christians and Jews from the 2nd to the 5th century. There were 60 catacombs, some of which reach up to 30 meters underground. There was never enough space in the above-ground cemeteries and burial cost too much. Thus, in the course of time, underground burial grounds were created.
Ancient burial tunnels
Five of the catacombs are open to the public. Since it was forbidden to bury the dead inside the city walls, the catacombs are located outside the Aurelian wall. If the eerily beautiful sight of ancient bones interests you, you can visit the following catacombs:
The Calixtus Catacombs, are located at 110 Via Appia antica and are one of the most famous underground burial sites in Rome. Covering 15 hectares and a subterranean network of passages of 20 kilometres, a huge underground labyrinth has been created. Several popes found their final resting place here.
Also located on the Via Appia antica are the Catacombs of Sebastian. According to legend, the bones of St. Peter and St. Paul were kept in the church of San Sebastian, built over the tombs.
Close to the Calixtus Catacombs are the Domitilla Catacombs, at Via delle Sette Chiese 280, with a particularly impressive system of tombs on four underground levels.
The Priscilla Catacombs at Via Salaria 430 are not as crowded as those at Via Appia antica. Particularly worth seeing are early Christian frescoes from the 2nd century. In addition, the oldest representation of a Madonna can be found here.
Also open to visitors are the catacombs at the church of Sant'Agnese fuori le mura at Via Momentana 349.
Note that the catacombs are usually closed during the months of January and February.
