Catacombs are subterranean passages that have been used as burial sites for centuries. The word catacomb means ‘next to the quarry’ as the first excavations where only allowed to be outside the city walls near the quarry in Rome, as it was illegal to bury a body within the city walls. Because Christians did not follow the Pagan tradition of burning the deceased, rather they buried them, catacombs where a practical solution. The term seems to refer specifically to the first catacomb under the Basilica of San Sebastiano, on the Appian way near Rome. These underground cemeteries are composed of sets of passages and galleries, sometimes spanning kilometres. Many of the catacombs were beautifully decorated with frescoes, statues, ornaments, usually depicting imagery from the Old Testament.

Italian catacombs: a hidden world

The Italian catacombs are places of great historical and spiritual fascination. Rome, Naples, and Palermo have wonderful examples of these subterranean cemeteries, providing us with a wealth of insight into ancient rituals and customs. Join us on this underground journey through the most emblematic subterranean cemeteries, exploring the history hidden beneath the Italian streets.

Rome

There are more than 60 fascinating catacombs in Rome, hundreds of kilometres of underground passageways. However, there are only 5 that are open to the public.

Catacombs of San Sebastiano

Named after a soldier who became a martyr, the catacombs of San Sebastino span an incredible 12 kilometres and are some of the best examples of catacombs to visit in Italy.

Catacombs of San Callisto

Spanning an impressive 20 kilometres, these Italian catacombs are the burial place of 16 pontiffs and numerous Christian martyrs, making them one of the most important underground cemeteries in Rome.

Catacombs of Priscilla

This underground maze is the final resting place of 7 popes and dozens of Christian martyrs. A fascinating labyrinth of halls and galleries that are decorated with important frescoes depicting the Old Testament and date back to the second half of the 3rd century.

Catacombs of Domitilla

The only catacombs in Rome to boast an underground Basilica, and passages spanning 17 kilometres along the Via Ardeatina. Originally named after the Domitilla family, a noble family that ordered them to be dug and are home to over 15.000 bodies.

Catacombs of Sant’Agnese

An ancient labyrinth of tombs named after Saint Agnes, where the young virgin martyr is buried. Many of the relics and treasures inside have now been destroyed yet there remain important epigraphic testimonies, and the grave of Saint Agnes is still visible.

Naples

Naples is home to a haunting maze of underground paths and galleries that are well worth a visit while there, Mass is still held in some of them to this day.

San Gennaro

The original nucleus of these important burial ground’s dates to the 2nd century AD, most probably the tomb of a noble family, that centuries later expanded and divided on two levels in order to accommodate more people.  The lower vestibule has ceilings that reach almost 6 metres high, and the bishop’s seat is still intact.

San Gaudioso

These catacombs in Naples are home to the tomb of St. Gaudiosus, along with impressive frescoes and mosaics from the 5th and 6th centuries, depicting early Christian symbolism such as fish, lamb, grapes, and branches. Its use was resumed in the 17th century and part of it was used to bury local nobility.

Palermo

The capuchin catacombs of Palermo are widely considered one of the most fascinating things to do in the city. It is a macabre spectacle with countless exposed corpses lining the walls of the catacombs. Many of the skeletons are mummified and clothed, hanging from the walls, led down in graves, and divided into categories. It’s certainly a remarkable sight!

Shopping and transport at Fiumicino airport

The journey to any of these Italian catacombs often begins (or ends) at Rome Fiumicino airport. Here, the Shop & Fly service allows you to combine the pleasure of shopping with the convenience of collecting everything on departure. In addition, you can take advantage of a 10% discount on your online purchases, which cannot be combined with other offers. Because every detail of your trip counts.

Transport at Fiumicino airport

At Fiumicino airport you will also find excellent transport connections with the train station located near the arrivals and departure terminals, offering regular connections to Rome  for easy onward travel to the rest of Italy.

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