Facts About the Ancient Catacombs of Rome

The catacombs of ancient Rome date back to the 2nd century AD, built during a time when Christians faced persecution and burials were banned within city walls. These underground cemeteries were carved into soft volcanic rock, creating a vast hidden world used for both burial and worship. This marked the beginning of what we now recognise as the Roman catacombs.

As Christianity spread, the need for discreet burial sites grew. These early cemeteries eventually formed an extensive system of tunnels known today as the Italy catacombs. Over time, symbolic decorations and small chapels were added, transforming the catacombs into sacred spaces. The Catacombs of San Callisto became one of the most important, serving as the burial place for several early Popes.

If you’re wondering about the catacombs length, Rome’s underground network stretches over 400 miles, across multiple levels. The Catacombs of Domitilla, for example, cover 15 kilometres and include a sunken 4th-century basilica. This sheer scale reveals how essential these spaces were to early Christian communities.

It’s estimated that over six million people were buried across the catacombs. Graves were often stacked vertically in niches called loculi. Wealthier families had private rooms decorated with paintings or inscriptions. The Catacombs of Priscilla is a prime example, famous for its richly adorned burial chambers and early Christian frescoes.

Throughout the catacombs, one finds remarkable religious art — frescoes of Biblical scenes, symbols like fish and doves, and inscriptions in Greek and Latin. These artworks preserved messages of hope and faith. The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian feature such symbolism carved into the walls and ceilings, making them a key site for studying early Christian identity.

While the catacombs of Rome are the most extensive and famous, they’re not unique to the capital. Are there catacombs in Italy outside Rome? Yes — notable examples exist in Naples, Palermo, and Syracuse. Still, what are the catacombs in Rome remains the more common search, thanks to the historical weight and artistic value of sites like Sant’Agnese and San Callisto.