Visit to the Catacombs: underground Rome, between Christian faith and mystery

Rome is not only the city of the Colosseum, the Vatican and its splendid squares. Beneath the feet of the millions of visitors who flock to the capital each year lies an underground world of history, faith and mystery. The catacombs of Rome represent one of the most striking testimonies to the origins of Christianity and a journey into the heart of a civilization that shaped Western culture. Amidst the tunnels of the eternal city, the catacombs of the Appian Way, including the famous Catacombs of St. Callistus, offer a unique experience capable of combining spirituality, art and timeless charm.

In this article we will guide you to discover the Roman catacombs and symbolic places of Christian Rome, proposing must-see tours to experience the Eternal City at its best.

The catacombs of Rome: a journey into the origins of Christianity

Catacombs are ancient underground tunnels used as cemeteries by early Christians and, to some extent, Jews. These places of collective burial represent a fundamental aspect of Rome’s history, bearing witness not only to the faith of the early Christians but also to the persecutions suffered during the Roman Empire. In addition to being spaces dedicated to worship, the catacombs were true sanctuaries, where Christian martyrs found eternal rest.

In Rome, there are more than sixty catacombs, distributed along the ancient consular roads. Of these, the most famous are along the Appian Way, once known as the Regina Viarum (“the queen of roads”) because of its importance in connecting Rome to the major cities of southern Italy.

The Catacombs of San Callisto: a must-visit

The Catacombs of St. Callistus are among the largest and most important in the capital, dating back to the second century AD. These underground tunnels stretch for about 20 kilometers and represent one of the symbols of the early Christian community. Several popes were buried here, including Pope Callistus, after whom the catacombs are named.

What to see at the Catacombs of San Callisto

• The Crypt of the Popes: known as the “little underground Vatican,” this crypt holds the tombs of several martyred popes.
• The Crypt of St. Cecilia: dedicated to the patron saint of music, the saint’s tomb, adorned with a statue depicting her, was located here.
• The labyrinthine galleries: a network of tunnels and niches that tell the story of the lives and deaths of early Christians.

These places evoke a sense of sacredness and mystery, making each visit an unforgettable experience. For anyone with a desire to explore the Appian Way catacombs in depth, the “Roman Basilicas and Secret Catacombs on the Appian Way” tour  by Forexchange is an excellent choice. The tour combines a visit to the catacombs with the discovery of some of Rome’s most important early Christian basilicas.

The Jubilee and the rediscovery of Christian Rome

The catacombs are not only a place of historical interest, but also an important spiritual destination for the faithful. On the occasion of the Jubilee, which attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the world, visiting the catacombs of Rome becomes a unique opportunity to rediscover the roots of Latin Christianity. To walk through these places is to relive the history of a faith that shaped European civilization, immersing oneself in an atmosphere of silence and reflection.

Tours to discover the best of Rome

In addition to the catacombs, Rome offers an extraordinary variety of attractions, from the grandeur of the Colosseum to the sanctity of Vatican City. For those wishing to fully explore the city, Forexchange offers “The Best of Rome in One Day: 2-in-1 Guided Tour with Reserved Access to Vatican and Colosseum” . This tour provides a unique experience by visiting Rome’s most important monuments with expert guides and priority access.

Among the sites included in the tour

• The Colosseum: a symbol of ancient Rome, famous for its gladiator fights.
• The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel: treasures of world art.
• St. Peter’s Basilica: one of the most impressive and famous churches in the world.

In addition, with Forexchange you can access different experiences that will let you discover all the best of Rome selected for you.

Explore Rome on your own with Forexchange audio guide

If, on the other hand, you prefer to visit the city at your own pace, Forexchange offers you an audio guide of Rome in seven different languages to discover the Capital in a totally independent way. You’ll also be able to download it to your smartphone, so you can listen to it later even in the absence of an internet connection. The audio guide will provide you with detailed information about the main monuments and lesser-known corners of the city, making every walk a journey through history.

The Eternal City awaits you with its thousand-year history, ready to reveal all its secrets. For more information, visit one of the Forexchange branches in Rome. In our branches, in addition to the currency exchange service you can take advantage of many travel services designed precisely to make your trip to Rome an unforgettable experience.

Photo Credits:
Mister No, Wikimedia