Unraveling the Mysteries of the Catacombs of Rome

Outside the old city center are dozens of underground cemeteries and crypts, or the Catacombs of Rome. You can visit six catacombs, like the Catacombs of Saint Agnes, Saint Octavia, Domitilla and the Catacombe di Priscilla. The city of Rome has a lot of history and culture, including the famous Catacombs of Rome. More than 40 different complexes of catacombs and crypts are scattered beneath the surface of the ancient city of Rome. For many years, these Rome underground cemeteries have served as final resting places for Christians and other believers. The Rome catacombs can be described as a huge network of underground tunnels and burial chambers that were used for centuries to bury the deceased. Most of these cemeteries originally served as family tombs for wealthy Romans, but it was mainly the Christians who made the catacombs famous. The early Christians used the catacombs as sacred places. Today, the catacombs give us a special insight into how what people believed back then.

History of Rome catacombs

These Rome underground cemeteries go back about 1,800 years ago. At first, the catacombs were used to bury relatives, but later - when Christianity became more important - the catacombs were considered a special place for Christians. It was a place where Christians gathered to pray. On the inside of most catacombs there are beautiful paintings and texts that show what people believed and what life used to be like. In Rome, there are many, even more than 40 Rome catacombs. Each catacomb has its own story and history. Some catacombs originally functioned as family tombs, while others were later used by Christians as holy places.

Visit Catacombs of Rome

Only 6 catacombs in Rome are open to the public, always with a mandatory guided tour. Some Rome catacombs where travelers can go to learn more about the distant past are the Catacombs of Saint Agnes, the Catacombs of Saint Octavia, the Catacombs of Domitilla, the Catacombs of Priscilla and the Catacombs of Marcellinus and Peter. During this underground tour through the narrow tunnels and chambers you will see numerous drawings and symbols about the lives and beliefs of the people who were buried there.

Rome Catacomb Tours

Catacombs close to Via Appia

1. Catacombs of Saint Agnes

• Address: Via Nomentana, 349
• Tickets: from 15 euros, but can only be visited with a guided tour (book your tour)
• Tip: The catacombs of St. Agnes are an important pilgrimage site for Christians, offering insight into the early Christian faith and life.

2. Catacombs of Saint Octavia

• Address: Via Appia Antica, 136
• Tickets: from 15 euros, but can only be visited with a guided tour (book your tour)
• The Catacombs of Saint Octavia offer unique architectural features and a special significance in Roman history.

3. Catacombs of Domitilla

• Address: Via delle Sette Chiese, 282
• Tickets: from 15 euros, but can only be visited with a guided tour (book your tour)
• Rich in frescoes and sculptures, the Catacombs of Domitilla are known for their impressive art and history.

Other catacombs in Rome

4. Catacombs of Priscilla

• Address: Via Salaria, 430
• Tickets: from 15 euros, but can only be visited with a guided tour (book your tour)
• The Catacomb of Priscilla is known worldwide for its beautiful frescoes and rich history.

5. Catacombs of Marcellinus and Peter

• Address: Via Casilina
• Tickets: from 15 euros, but can only be visited with a guided tour (book your tour)
• Known for its well-preserved frescoes and biblical inscriptions, the Catacomb of Marcellinus and Peter offers a fascinating glimpse into early Christianity.

6. Catacombs of St. Agnes

• Address: Via Nomentana, 349
• Tickets: from 15 euros, but can only be visited with a guided tour (book your tour)
• The catacombs are named after Saint Agnes, a young Christian martyr who died in AD 304. Her tomb and the spaces around it in the Catacomb of St. Agnes are important pilgrimage sites for Christians.

Organized tours of underground Rome

You can choose to visit only one catacomb, but there are also several tours that visit several underground locations in Rome. A guide can share interesting stories, explain details and guide you through the tunnels and chambers. In this way, you ensure an unforgettable, more profound and fascinating experience.