Catacombs of San Callisto

The San Callisto catacombs run about twenty kilometres of galleries on four levels beneath the Appian Way, holding an estimated half a million burials. Roman law required burial outside the city and the soft volcanic tufa here could be tunnelled easily and stayed stable, so Christian communities dug downward rather than buying scarce land. The Crypt of the Popes holds the tombs of nine third-century bishops of Rome, and the nearby crypt of Saint Cecilia carries early frescoes. The bodies were removed to churches in the city centuries ago. Tours are guided, in several languages, and the temperature stays cool year-round.

History

The catacomb is believed to have been created by the future Pope Callixtus I, then a deacon of Rome, under Pope Zephyrinus, by enlarging earlier Christian hypogea, and it holds the Crypt of the Popes (Wikipedia, Catacomb of Callixtus).

What to look for

• The Crypt of the Popes - tombs of nine third-century bishops of Rome.
• The gallery levels - four storeys of tunnels cut into soft tufa.
• The early Christian frescoes - painted decoration in the crypt of Saint Cecilia.
• The loculi - shelf graves cut into the tunnel walls in tiers.

When to go

Year-round; the catacombs are underground and unaffected by weather, and stay cool in summer. They close on Wednesdays and for parts of winter. Tours are guided only.

Things to know

The tombs are empty; remains were moved to city churches long ago. Access is by guided tour only on a fixed route. Photography is prohibited throughout.

Nearby

The Appian Way runs past the entrance; central Rome lies north.

Key facts