Rome Catacombs Guide Underground in Rome

Far beneath the city of Rome lies another city; a city of the dead. An elaborate system of tunnels, known as catacombs, were originally built by the ancient Etruscans in soft rock just outside of the city limits. These chambers were built directly underneath Roman roads and were named after the martyrs who were buried there. After the Etruscans, the practice of burying bodies in catacombs was taken up by ancient Christians and Jews living around Rome.

Narrow staircases descending 20-60 feet underground lead to the long, narrow tunnels of the catacombs. The tunnels are lined on either side by niches into the walls in which the dead were placed in stone sarcophagi. Each hole was covered with a slab of stone on which the name of the entombed was written. Entrances to the catacombs usually lie within churches, often placed above their namesake saint. The catacombs themselves were believed to be places of worship and, later, hiding places for Christians. In reality, though, these tunnels were most likely uninhabitable due to the toxins released from the decaying dead.

The catacombs were emptied of their treasures in 800’s when Barbarians ransacked them for their treasures, and Christians salvaged what was left for safe-keeping in Roman churches. In the 1800’s the catacombs were uncovered and have been a tourist destination ever since. While emptied of bodies and treasures, the catacombs are still home to many ancient pieces of art, rich in Christian symbolism. Like cave paintings, these preserved original artworks provide visitors with a taste of ancient Christianity.

Tours of the more popular tombs, such as San Callisto and San Sebastian, are abundant and affordable. English speaking tour guides will lead you on a quick tour for a good price. Organized tours from the city may bring you to some of the less popular areas of the catacombs along with some ancient Roman roads and aqueducts. The catacombs make up a fascinating underground world which is a keyhole into the roots of Christianity and should not be missed on your next trip to Rome.