While staying in Rome we took the bus to the Catacombs on the Appia Way. (Via Appia)
We took the # 714 bus which took about 20 minutes and then we had about a 15 minute walk to the catacombs.
Catacombs are underground burial chambers.
There are sixty known subterranean burial chambers in Rome. We visited the Catacombe di San Domitilla which are spread over 15 kilometers of underground caves.
The Domitilla Catacombs are unique in that they are the oldest of Rome’s underground burial networks. They are the best preserved and one of the most extensive and, the only ones to still contain bones.
They are the only catacombs that have a subterranean basilica; entrance to the catacombs is achieved through this sunken 4th-century church
The entry fee was 8€ for adults and 5€ for children, and included a guided tour of the catacombs which lasted about 30 mins. I found it to be fairly easy walking, although the passage ways are very narrow, and there are steps. It was quite an experience, to have a glimpse at the life (and death) of the early Christians, their burial rites and their first trials at religious art
They are open from 9 – 12 and then 2pm – 5 each day. However are closed on Tuesdays.
If you are interested in Roman/early Christian history this is worth a trip.
.
Very interesting post! Thanks for sharing!
And thank you Roberto for all your support
That would be sooo.. Interesting to see! Jd.
Yes it was interesting. You do not hear much about these so it was a great and unique experience
Lyn very interesting. I experienced the same sort of burial chmbr in France but our travelling guide did not include in our tour around France. So good to see what they might have looked like.
It’s great to have a guide to explain it all to you…..fascinating!
Do you remember what he said? It was super hey
Thanks for the great information, I visited catacombs when I first went to Rome 13 years ago but can’t remember which ones and these look really fascinating. We didn’t visit the catacombs at all on my last trip so I will put them on the list for the next visit.
I actually do not anyone who travels to Italy who has visited any catacombs. It was a great experience
How interesting, would have been fantastic to see.
Yvonne xx
Certainly a unique experience
Thanks so much Lyn, will definately be on my list for this September when we are in Rome. Are the caves claustrophobic or ok to go into. I dont like enclosed spaces.
Donna, I guess it depends on how claustrophobic you are. It is not that small and the rooms are all quite large.The hallways are small but tall and there were lots of people in our tour. If you do have the time, it would take the best part of a morning, go for it. We left about 9.30 and were back in Rome before lunch and we did not hurry
Fascinating! I haven’t seen these, just a glimpse of a small bone-filled chapel or grave in Rome years ago. This sounds really worth a visit. Loved the frescoes.
I suppose that’s the beauty of blogs. We pick up some interesting items