Official Guided Tour of the Catacombs of St Callixtus, Rome

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.

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.

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

The cemeterial complex of St. Callixtus Catacomb is spread over 90 acres and has four levels that are more than 20 metres deep.

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.

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.

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.

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.