Roman Catacombs
- Hours:Open daily 9am - noon and 2pm - 5pm
- Admission:€8 - 14 per adult
11:31 PM Sunday, May 27
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Catacombs are ancient underground cemeteries; the catacombs here in Rome were mainly used by Christians (and occasionally Jews) from the 2nd to the 5th centuries AD. At the time underground burial was popular due to the high price of land, and for the sense of community it gave. For persecuted Christians in pre-Christian Rome, underground burial meant they were free to worship their Biblical martyrs and prophets, and to display Biblical iconography (a big no-no in the Roman era).
Because burial within Rome's walls was forbidden by law, all of the city's catacombs are located on the outskirts of modern Rome, typically along major roadways (two ancient catacombs, for example, are located along the Appian Way).
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It was an absolute pleasure to have Shannon, an American student from Alabama as our guide. Her knowledge, enthusiasm, and love was evidenced in every word she spoke. My wife and I look for tours that are unique and the Crypts and Catacombs were amazing. Paraphrasing the quote as you were leaving the Crypts, what you are today, we were yesterday and what we are today you will be tomorrow, sums up how real the experience was. Highly recommend the tour!
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Small group (only had 16) so felt we had a personal experience. Guide very informative and upbeat. First visit for me to the catacombs since I was 5 (more than 60 years ago) so it was a special trip. Favorite part of the trip was standing on the Appian Way and under the aqueducts. Highly recommended tour.
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There are five major catacombs in Rome that are open to visitors. St Sebastian and St Callixtus catacombs are both on the Appian Way (via Appia Antica). The catacombs of St Agnes are on Via Nomentana, those of Priscilla are on via Salaria, and the catacombs of Domitilla are on via delle Sette Chiese.
