Catacombs of St. Callixtus — Attraction in Rome

BUILDING WITH FISHPOND (OR WINTER PALACE)

The structure, combining two different buildings, presents a western façade on three levels, of which the middle one, consisting of a series of passageways that were not connected directly to the "noble" floors, was related to the management and service facilities of the upper level. Once lavishly decorated, the large open spaces of the upper floor were clearly reserved for imperial usage. The provision of suspensurae bricks signifies that these rooms were heated (hence the name of Winter Pa Inter Palace). On the basis of recent research, it is believed that Hadrian's master bedroom was located here, featuring a cross vaulted ceiling, it was also equipped with two sleeping places and two individual latrines, which were originally inally panelled with luxurious marble. The room, together with those adjoining It was not only heated in winter, but also cooled in summer by means of an air conditioning system, which required fresh air to be drawn under the floor by a double draft furnace located far behind the Imperial suite. On the lower floor, a series of spacious rooms ov Stadium-Ga rooms overlooked the adium-Garden and were fumished with summer dining areas, manicured flowerbeda, fountains and water features.

To the rear of the residential area is the so-called Fishpond, a large rectangular pool with niches along its edge that was originally lined with marble and and at at a a lower lower level with respect to the surrounding portico. The space between the pool and the colonnade is a non-functional corridor, open to the elements and paved with mosaic, onto which forty windows open up, providing air and light to the underground passage that runs under the peristyle. This subterranean structure contains portions of preserved plaster that bear, in addition to traces of the ancient painted decoration, graffiti signatures of famous visitors and artists of the past, such as Giovanni Battista Piranesi.

Given the rich decoration of the building and its dominant and central position within the Villa, it is highly plausible that this was the Emperor's main residential complex, indeed, the structure Included reception spaces, a peristyle and cryptoporticus for walking around, as well as a large hall for hosting banquets or ceremonies during the winter, from which one could admire the green areas surrounding the Pecile pool and the countryside that stretched...

My visit to the Catacombs of San Callisto with my family in Rome was an extraordinary and humbling experience, offering a fascinating glimpse into early Christian history. Walking through the cool, dimly lit tunnels, I felt an overwhelming sense of reverence for the thousands of early Christians who were buried here, many of them martyrs.

The guided tour was excellent, providing insightful commentary on the history and significance of the catacombs. Our guide explained that these catacombs date back to the 2nd century and served as one of the earliest Christian cemeteries in Rome. It was amazing to learn about the importance of this site, which holds the remains of martyrs, popes, and ordinary Christians alike. The stories of persecution and the community's resilience resonated deeply.

As we descended into the labyrinth of narrow passageways lined with tombs carved into the rock, the atmosphere was both eerie and peaceful. Seeing the ancient inscriptions and simple symbols like the fish and the anchor—a hidden language of hope for the persecuted—helped bring the history to life. The frescoes and the small chapels built underground were particularly moving, showcasing both the art and faith of those who worshipped in secret.

One of the most striking parts of the visit was the quiet and solemn beauty of the crypts. The stillness was palpable, broken only by the quiet footsteps of our group as we moved through the chambers. The scale of the catacombs is impressive, and it's difficult to comprehend how such a vast network was created so long ago. It’s truly a testament to the devotion of the early Christian community.

The experience was powerful and unlike anything I’ve ever encountered before. Visiting the Catacombs of San Callisto wasn’t just a walk through ancient burial grounds; it felt like a pilgrimage into the heart of early Christian history. While it may not be for everyone due to the underground setting and the nature of the space, for those interested in history, religion, or archaeology, it’s a deeply moving and insightful journey.

Overall, my visit to the catacombs was an unforgettable experience. It gave me a profound appreciation for the courage and faith of the early Christians and added a meaningful layer to my exploration of...

This catacombs are so full of history and situated along the Appian Way. Lovely part of the country. English speaking tour guide was a pastor and very informative. I was in awe walking through the catacombs. About a 45-60 minute tour, less than 10 euro per person. No skeletons seen during the tour, they had been moved to a different level to protect them from vandalism, etc. Nice little gift shop and restrooms are available.

1. The Catacombs of St. Callixtus are first of all a Christian sanctuary, not just an archaeological site.
2. Most of those coming to these Catacombs are pilgrims who seek to strengthen their faith by visiting the place where some martyrs of the first centuries were buried together with thousands of early Christians. It wouldn’t be fair, although it might be politically correct, not to inspire them in order to avoid upsetting a ‘general audience.’
3. It is obvious that we have to tell the story of those who were buried here, standing in front of their tombs. Part of the information we have about those martyrs and saints is very well documented, and therefore, is history. Part is legend, but we tell it as well, saying that, though it is not historically grounded, it shaped the culture and the behaviour of generations of Christians.
4. The frescoes in the Catacombs mainly represent biblical characters and episodes. They are not just ‘decorations.’ Instead, they were intended by their authors to convey a message to the living visiting their beloved deceased. Therefore, in order to let people grasp this message today, during our tours we have to go through pages of the Bible, which is still one of the most important and most read books in the history of the world.
5. We, as Christians, are still called to announce the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every person, all around the world, being well aware that as our brothers were persecuted during the first centuries because of their beliefs, so we are 'persecuted' nowadays also by the many lobbies which are trying to push their theories and values in order to subvert the...