Official Guided Tour of the Catacombs of St Callixtus, Rome
Guided Tour of the Catacombs of St Callixtus in Rome highlights
Discover the underground cemetery of St. Callixtus in the Catacombs, which were dug by the Christians of Rome.
Admire the marble slab that sealed the tomb on which some of ‘Pope Damasus' renowned verses have been engraved.
A friendly tour guide will be there with you as you explore the Catacombs of St Callixtus, offering insights and making your journey even more enjoyable.
Be amazed by Maderno's oldest Christian frescoes, revealing artwork dating back to before 400 AD and unearthed in Rome.
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Guided Tour of the Catacombs of St Callixtus in Rome cancellation_policy
- If cancellation is made 1 days or more before the date of travel, total booking cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
- If cancellation is made within 1 days before the date of travel, total booking cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
- In the event of unforeseen weather conditions, union issues, government restrictions, or any other circumstances beyond human control, certain trips or activities may be cancelled. In such cases, alternate feasible options will be provided. However, a cash refund will not be available.
Guided Tour of the Catacombs of St Callixtus in Rome overview
Meeting Location: Catacombe di S. Callisto, 00179 Roma RM, Italy
Activity Operational Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Activity Duration: 40 Minutes
About the Official Guided Tour of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, Rome:
Nestled beneath Rome's Appian Way lies a vast and expansive underground complex of corridors, chambers, chapels, and burial sites, known as the St. Callixtus Catacombs. These catacombs were earlier used to bury thousands of early Christians and popes. Frescoes, inscriptions, and artwork adorn the walls of the catacombs and gives us an insight into the life of early Christian community and stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of the believers.The best way to explore these historical burial sites in Italy is with the Catacombs of st Callixtus tour that also includes a professional guide and promises hassle-free tour experience.
About the Activity:
- Explore the mystical catacombs of Rome that date back to the mid second century AD.
- These 2000-years old structures give us an insight into the life of the early Christian people.
- Traverse through these tunnel-like structures that are constructed several meters under the ground and sprawling across 90 acres and make your way out!
- Check out the chambers where tens of martyrs, 16 popes and very many Christians were buried.
- Discover the symbols like the Good Shepherd, the Ornate, the monogram of Christ and the fish inscribed on the walls on the catacombs.
- Visit the crypt of the 3rd century popes where one can see five of the nine buries and preserved tombstones of Rome's bishops.
- Marvel at the crypt of St.Cecilia tells the visitors the tales of St.Cecilia.
- Guided tours let the visitors explain how these catacombs vanished and then were rediscovered in the modern era.
- Witness the astounding frescoes that adorn the walls of the catacomb and learn about the history of early Christianity, Roman society, and the cultural and religious context of the time.
How to Reach?
- By Car: Hire a cab and come via Ingresso Autobus Catacombe di S. Callisto to reach your destination within 25 minutes.
- By Train: From Termini take train no. 75 and reach at Colloseo within 8 minutes and then from Colloseo take train no. 118 and reach at Catacombe S.Callisto within 13 minutes. Then, walk for at least a minute to reach your destination.
Don't Miss:
- If you are in Rome, you should surely book Accademia Gallery Tickets and Uffizi Gallery Tickets.
Guided Tour of the Catacombs of St Callixtus in Rome faqs
What are the Catacombs of St. Callixtus?
The Catacombs of St Callixtus (also known as the Catacombs of Callixtus) are a series of underground complexes that were used as an official cemetery of the Church of Rome in the 3rd century AD. The catacombs usually consist of chambers, corridors, small rooms or chapels and galleries. Several early popes, including Pope Callixtus I himself, were buried in The Catacombs of St. Callixtus.
Where are the Catacombs of St. Callixtus located?
The Catacombs of St Callixtus are located on the Appian Way, one of the ancient roads in Rome, Italy. The address of the catacombs is Catacombe di San Callisto, Via Appia Antica, 110/126 00179 Rome, Italy. Being a popular tourist destination, one can easily reach the Catacombs of St Callixtus by private cabs and public transport from all parts of the city.
When were the Catacombs of St. Callixtus built?
The Catacombs of St. Callixtus that were used as burial ground for Christians in the 3rd century are believed to be constructed over a period of time. Starting from the 2nd century AD, these burial complexes were built, modified, and expanded with time.
Who was St. Callixtus, and why are the catacombs named after him?
St. Callixtus, also known as Pope Callixtus 1 served as the pope of the Roman Catholic Church from about 217 AM to 222 AD. He was born into a Roman slave family and finally became a deacon under Pope Zephyrinus. He was a prominent figure in early Christianity and played a huge role in the construction and development of these catacombs. The pope himself was rested in these catacombs and hence the name St. Callixtus Catacombs stands as a testament to the pope's sainthood, his service to Christianity, and his dedication towards the construction of these catacombs
How many levels do the Catacombs of St. Callixtus have?
The cemeterial complex of St. Callixtus Catacomb is spread over 90 acres and has four levels that are more than 20 metres deep.
What is the historical significance of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus?
The Catacombs of St. Callixtus once served as the primary burial place for early Christians and several popes including Pope Callixtus and hence holds immense historical significance. It also stands as a testament to the hardships and hostility that the early Christians suffered. The corridors and chambers of the catacombs are adorned with frescoes, inscriptions, and artworks that give an insight into the religious beliefs and symbolism of the early Christian community. Visitors can check out these frescoes with Catacombs of St Callixtus tour.
Are the Catacombs of St. Callixtus open to the public?
The Catacombs of St. Callixtus are open from 9.30 AM to 12.00 noon and from 2.00 Pm to 5.00 PM from Thursday to Tuesday. This historical structure remains closed for public visits on Wednesday.
How long do guided tours of the catacombs usually last?
Guided Tour of the Catacombs of St Callixtus lasts from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the areas covered by the tour, visitor's interest in exploring the attraction, and the depth of information provided by the guide. A typical Guided Tour of the Catacombs of St Callixtus covers the burial chambers, corridors, and prominent attractions within the catacomb.
What kind of artwork and inscriptions can be found within the Catacombs of St. Callixtus?
During the catacombs of St Callixtus tour, one can see the evocative Christian frescoes containing traditional symbols such as the fish, the dove and the phoenix, some Greek inscriptions and the crypt of St Cecilia on the walls and ceilings of the catacomb. These frescoes give us an insight into the religious beliefs and practices of the early Christian community.