A visit to the catacombs is a fascinating part of any trip to
Rome. The catacombs in Rome are a place where art meets history
and religion in a very powerful way. There are several catacombs
along via Appia Antica, but not all are open to the public.
The catacombs are located on the ancient way that connected Rome
to southern Italy - Via Appia Antica. This ancient road was
opened in 312 B.C. and went all the way to Brindisi on the
Adriatic sea.
At the time, there was a law against burying the dead inside the
city, so Via Appia Antica became the place of choice for
burials. The catacombs and fantastic burial monuments are
located along the way from Casale Rotondo to Cecilia Metella's
tomb.
If by now you imagine yourself spending your day in dark, gloomy
caves, staring at bones, you can forget about it. Via Appia
Antica has a great view. It is one of the most luxurious areas
in Rome. The rich people of modern Rome live nowadays next to
the burial location of their ancient ancestors, so while you
admire the art work of the tombs, don't forget to take a glimpse
at the houses and gardens of the area.
Inside the catacombs you will not see bones, but the work of art
that decorated the ancient tombs of the rich and important.
Entry to the catacombs is only possible with a guide, for safety
reasons. The guide, a priest or friar, will explain you all
about the history, art and symbolism of the place, and then walk
you through the catacombs.
The Catacombs of San Callisto (or Callixtus) - The burial
location of the Bishops and Popes, are named after Callisto who
restored and enlarged them.
Until the third century, Christians in Rome had no official
grave yards. At the beginning of that century, the Pope
nominated St. Callisto to be in charge of the burial lands on
Via Appia Antica. This was the beginning of the custom of
burying Christians in lands that belonged to the church. As time
passed, these underground grave yards that were dug in a soft
rock, evolved to a maze of canals, layer upon layer.
Whenever the room in one layer was exhausted, another layer was
dug, so the most ancient layer is at the top.
Santa Cecilia was buried in one of the graves here. Later, her
tomb was moved to the church of Santa Cecilia, and a copy of her
statue now stands in the place of the grave.
The tunnels here resemble a dark labyrinth, so stay close to
your guide. The guides walk rather quickly through the place to
make room for the next group. A tour takes about 40 minutes.
Continuing on Via l'Appia Antica, we find the catacombs and
church of San Sebastiano. There are four floors of catacombs
here, and a statue of St. Sebastian by Bernini. These were the
first to be named "catacombs" after the greek words "Kata
Kymbas" that mean "by the graves". These catacombs are the only
ones that are easily accessible to visitors. Of the four floors
only the second is usually open.
In the Tricila area of the catacombs there are hundreds of
graffiti writings on the walls, mentioning St. Peter and St.
Paul. Those are probably from the time their relics were kept
here, until they were transferred to the Vatican. Christians
used to gather here in order to commemorate them.
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