Rome Catacombs: Tickets

Rome Catacombs Interesting Facts‍

• Early Christian Burial Sites: The Catacombs of Rome were primarily used as burial sites by early Christians from the 2nd to 5th centuries AD. Christians preferred burial over cremation due to their belief in the resurrection of the body.
• Extensive Network: The catacombs form an extensive underground network that stretches for nearly 150 miles (about 240 kilometres) beneath Rome! There are over 60 known catacombs, with more still potentially undiscovered.
• Thousands of Tombs: The catacombs contain hundreds of thousands of tombs. Some estimates suggest that around 500,000 to 750,000 individuals, including many martyrs, were buried in the underground chambers.
• Symbolic Art: The walls of the catacombs are covered with early Christian art, including frescoes, symbols, and inscriptions. Common symbols include the fish (Ichthys), the anchor, and the Good Shepherd, which represent Christian faith and hope.
• Martyrs’ Resting Place: The Catacombs of San Callisto house the remains of several popes and martyrs, making it an important pilgrimage site.
• Secret Worship Sites: During periods of persecution, Christians are believed to have used the catacombs not only for burials but also as places of worship and refuge, though evidence of regular worship is limited.
• Rediscovery in the 16th Century: The catacombs were largely forgotten after the 9th century. It was only in the 16th century that they were rediscovered by Antonio Bosio, an Italian archaeologist, who earned the title "Columbus of the Catacombs."!
• San Sebastiano and San Callisto: The Catacombs of San Sebastiano and San Callisto are among the most famous. San Callisto is known for the "Crypt of the Popes," while San Sebastiano is associated with the early Christian martyr, Saint Sebastian.
• Not Just Christian: While most famous for their Christian burials, some catacombs were also used by Jews and pagans. The Catacombs of Vigna Randanini, for example, were used by the Jewish community in ancient Rome.