Catacombe di San Callisto

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The complex contains the graves of several third-century popes, earning it the nickname 'the Little Vatican'.

2. 2

   The labyrinth of tunnels reaches a total length of approximately 20 kilometers across multiple levels.

3. 3

   The burial site is named after Pope Callixtus I, who was appointed by Pope Zephyrinus to manage the cemetery.

4. 4

   Saint Cecilia's remains were originally placed in these catacombs before being moved to the Basilica of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere in the 9th century.

5. 5

   The site features some of the earliest examples of Christian symbolic art, such as the fish, the anchor, and the Good Shepherd.

6. 6

   Burial niches were stacked vertically along the walls, with the poorest individuals often placed in the simplest graves, while wealthy families commissioned private cubicles.

7. 7

   The catacombs are carved directly into the soft, volcanic tufa stone, which hardens upon exposure to air.

8. 8

   The site was largely abandoned during the Middle Ages after the relics were relocated to various churches within Rome's city walls.

9. 9

   The Catacombe di San Callisto was the first of the Roman catacombs to be scientifically surveyed and excavated in the modern era.

Overview

The Catacombe di San Callisto are the oldest and most significant Christian burial grounds in Rome, spanning over 15 hectares and 20 kilometers of tunnels. Established in the mid-second century, these galleries served as the official cemetery for the Church of Rome. The site houses the Crypt of the Popes, where nine early pontiffs were buried, and the Crypt of Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music. Visitors navigate three distinct levels, descending to depths of up to 20 meters underground. The walls contain thousands of loculi, or rectangular niches, used for burials of early Christians. Much of the original wall ornamentation and early Christian iconography, including frescoes and inscriptions, remains preserved in situ. The tunnels follow an intricate, multi-level layout designed to maximize space within the volcanic tufa rock. Excavations were conducted extensively during the 19th century by Giovanni Battista de Rossi.

Insider tips

• Bring a light jacket, as the underground temperature remains constant at approximately 15 degrees Celsius year-round.

• Wear shoes with good grip, as the ancient stone paths can be uneven and slightly slippery.

• Only enter with an official guide, as independent exploration is prohibited for safety and preservation reasons.