The Catacombs of Rome - Unique Rome Adventures

Go off the beaten track and discover a hidden world in the catacombs of Rome

Rome is a beautiful place to bask in ancient architecture and strolling its streets never get old, however there’s an entirely different world waiting below its surface. This ancient city has an entire network of catacombs criss-crossing beneath the streets that taxis and buses now frequent, named for religious heroes and filled with the residents of a time gone by. With five different locations open to the public, you’ll definitely want to put your walking shoes on for these eerie expeditions. Here’s everything you need to know about the catacombs of Rome below...

San Sebastian Catacombs Rome

As one the most famed catacomb sites in Rome, this underground burial site spans over 11 kilometres - though you’ll thankfully only get to explore a small fraction of it. Covered in Christian paintings, they’re regarded as the best in Rome and were named for a martyr named Saint Sebastian. A former soldier, he was later clubbed to death after his Christian faith was discovered before he was laid to rest in these very catacombs. Open between Monday and Saturday, it’s a place of particular interest to those of the Christian faith as the graffiti that lines the wall references the apostles Peter and Paul. In fact, the reason the place became so closely tied to the two was because it was apparently impossible to visit their actual tombs - so this became a popular place to pay respects to them While you’re here, make sure to make time for the San Callixtus catacombs - they’re nearby and absolutely amazing so you have no excuse.

San Callixtus Catacombs

The sheer scale of these catacombs is more than enough reason to head over here. With four floors and nearly twenty kilometres worth of exploring to do, it’s a vitally important religious site as a number of saints and popes have been buried here. While it was originally both an above and below-ground structure, most of the bi For those of you who love a song and dance, you’ll want to stop by and pay your respects to St Cecilia - the patron saint of music buried here. It’s also a great shout for art lovers as it’s packed with small art galleries, filled with Christian art and frescoes to bask in. Open Thursday to Tuesday, it’s a popular destination and should be top of your list if you only have time for just the one.

Saint Priscilla Catacombs

This catacombs is widely regarded as the ‘regina catacumbarum’, or rather, the ‘queen of the catacombs’ when translated into English. Dating back to second century AD, it expanded monumentally over time and owes its name to a noblewoman called Priscila who is believed to have donated the field the catacombs lie under. With many martyrs buried here, one of the biggest highlights of the tour is an image of the Virgin Mary which is believed to be the oldest ever.

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Today’s outing was underground at the Catacombs!

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Catacombs of Domiitilia

This is apparently one of the oldest catacomb sites in Rome, if not the oldest in the capital. Although it’s absolutely massive, only a few of the tunnels are open to the public. While there aren’t as many out and out highlights as the others, there are some stunning artworks of biblical stories like the Last Supper. Two of the most famed martyrs to be buried in these catacombs are two people named Nereus and Achilleus, both ancient Roman soldiers.

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#italia #italy #travel #catacombes

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Where are the catacombs in Rome?

This is a little tricky to answer as there’s a number of catacombs dotted around the city. In fact, there’s sixty of them all over the Italian capital. However, you don’t have to worry about making time to see all of them as only five are open to the public. The most famous are the San Sebastian Catacombs Rome, named after San Sebastiano - a martyr who was buried there and who’s also the namesake for the Basilica of St. Sebastian. Located at Via Appia Antica, 136, you’ll also be able to knock out the Catacombs of San Callixtus nearby at Via Appia Antica, 126. Further afield, the Catacombs of Saint Priscilla are in Via Salaria, 430, the Catacombs of Domitilia in Via del Sette Chiese, 280 and the Catacombs of Sant’Agnese at Via Nomenata, 349.

Megan Hills
Rome Travel Expert

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The Shame of Art Vandalism in Rome

Rome is a city of great history, art and culture and any visit should include the stunning attractions, museums and monuments to witness great masterpieces like The Last Judgement at the Sistine Chapel, Bernini’s Alter at St Peter’s Basilica and the She Wolf at the Capitoline Museums. Despite this, there are some who think otherwise and would rather vandalise and deface these historic sites rather than appreciate them. We decided to look at why vandalism is such an issue in Rome and to champion Rome’s edifying heritage and its preservation so that its legacy will live on. Did you know the world Vandal actually stems from the sacking of ancient Rome in 455, when the Vandal Kingdom descended on Rome, ransacking the city and damaging the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus by removing the bronze roof tiles? So you’ll see, vandalism in Rome is, unfortunately, not a 21st century thing. Since the sack of Rome over 1,500 years ago, clearly the issue has been around for centuries – but that doesn’t make it any more acceptable. The mistreatment and disrespect of ancient monuments, landmarks and art around the city proves a continuous battle between the authorities and the criminals. It’s not just the aftermath and clean up which is the difficulty, but the catching them red handed despite best efforts. These vandals are stealthy and secretive and seem to work right under your nose, but strike when you’re not looking. There is a prevalent case of vandalism across the city of Rome. So much so that the Italian Carabinieri, or policemen, have a targeted anti-vandalism patrol to try to control the problem. Unfortunately, it seems that it is unmanageable. Pincio park, the viewpoint in Villa Borghese overlooking Piazza del Popolo, is one of the hot spots for art-crime in the city, where marble statues of famous Italians are defaced with grafitti, or suffer brutal attacks with their noses and other body parts knocked off with hammers. Despite a six-men-strong patrol squads, who were the go 24/7, tens of thousands of euros worth of damage were inflicted on statues and busts across this peaceful pocket of green in over the summer last year alone. It’s not only the Pincio that suffers at the hands of the vandals, the Trevi Fountain has experienced its fair share of damage, being a victim of red dye thrown into its clear waters. Another serious offence was a direct anti-Pope assault vandalising the Holy steps, Scala Sancta – one of the most significant places of pilgrimage in the world. Another violent act of vandalism occured in 2011 when a man attacked one of the 19th century Moor statues in Piazza Navona with a rock causing huge damage. Thankfully the pieces were recovered and it was later repared. If you’re wondering how anyone gets away with this under the recent efforts to crack-down-on-vandalism, increasing surveilance and CCTV; well, they don’t. Anyone caught vandalising will pay for it. Literally. In 2014 a Russian tourist was caught engraving his initial, ‘K’, into one of the Coliseum’s ancient walls, which at over 2000 years old, is undeniably a punishable offence. The tourist in question used a stone to carve a ‘K’ that measuerd 25cm in total, leading to his arrest and a hefty €20,000 fine! Another notorious vandal was Laszlo Toth who gained international recognition for the wrong reasons in 1972. A man of questionable mental stability, Toth was failed geologist who moved to Rome to become known as none other than Jesus Christ himself. He took his new calling so seriously that on the 21st May he visited St Peter’s Basilica and, weilding a hammer, struck Michelangelo’s Pietà with fifteen blows. Thankfully he was wrestled to the ground before he could cause any more damage after breaking Mary’s arm, knocking a chunk off her nose and chipping one of her eyelids. It’s ironic to think that while Rome has such a problem with grafitti now, once it was considered a thing of art. Interestingly a lot of the art that’s now preserved and considered historic art heritage, such as the engravings and paintings at the Coliseum, were actually hand-painted scenes of gladiator fights by the spectators themselves. But while it might have been acceptable over two thousand years ago, times have changed and the law enforcers are on the look out. We must protect all we can of the historic monuments, art works, statues and architecture around the city otherwise who knows what might be left if noone cared. From the second sacking of the city in 455 it’s sad to think not much has changed in terms of hitting Rome where it hurts the hardest. Leave Rome’s beautiful urban landscape and art history alone – everyone will thank them for it in the long run.
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Visiting the famous Trevi Fountain - Top Tips

An enduring icon of the Italian capital, the Trevi Fountain is a breathtaking piece of art that attracts millions to its waters every year. Learn more below... If you’re planning a visit to Rome, chances are you’ve been inspired by many Hollywood films set here: Roman Holiday, La Dolce Vita and even The Lizzie McGuire Film if you’re a millennial. One thing all these three films have in common is that they all feature the most famous fountain in Rome, the Trevi Fountain. Trevi Fountain Rome History Dating all the way back to 19BC, this Rome water fountain is known to locals as Fontana di Trevi and persists as one of the capital’s most photographed sights. As a stunning example of Baroque art and architecture, it actually was created with a pragmatic purpose in mind - to round off an aqueduct and bring water to the townspeople. Nowadays however, it’s one of Rome’s biggest tourist draws and is always surrounded by people throwing coins into its depths. Constructed by Roman architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini, this Rome fountain pays homage to ancient Roman mythology with the god of the sea Neptune at its centre. Standing astride a shell chariot led by sea horses and flanked by allegorical statues of Abundance and Salubrity, it took nearly three centuries to complete and has changed over the years. However, the Rome Trevi Fountain has never looked better following a recent €2.2 million restoration process. Trevi Fountain Location If all roads lead to Rome, then most roads in Rome lead to the Trevi Fountain. Located in the heart of the city nearby the Via Del Tritone, it sits proudly in the centre of Piazza di Trevi. Easily accessible from the Barberini Metro station, it’s also just a few steps from another famous Roman sight: the Spanish Steps. Best time to visit the Trevi Fountain As one of Rome’s most popular attractions, the Trevi Fountain is always packed with people daily. For budding photographers seeking an emptier shot and those leery of crowds, it’s best to head here early in the morning to see it in daylight. The Rome fountain completely changes at night, when lights are switched on to illuminate the ivory sculptures for a totally different and atmospheric experience. Wander here after dinner when the crowds have abated for a unique experience after the rest of the tourist pack have retired to their hotels for the night. Attractions nearby the Trevi Fountain As one of the most centrally located attractions in Rome, the Trevi Fountain is within walking distance of many iconic landmarks in the capital. The Spanish Steps are the closest by alongside Villa Borghese and its famous gallery a little further along in that direction, while the heading in the opposite direction will take you towards the Pantheon and even the Roman Forum if you’re up for a bit of a walk. Trevi Fountain Legend If you’re heading to Trevi Fountain, remember to bring some change. The most popular legend surrounding this famous fountain in Rome dates all the way back to ancient times, granting travellers to the city a safe return to the capital. It’s said that if you turn your back to the fountain and throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder, you will be certain to return to Rome in the future. Chances are you’ll spot lots of other tourists doing the same thing and to be honest, who doesn’t want to come back to Rome? Fans of the film Three Coins in the Trevi Fountain may already be aware of the other legend surrounding the fountain, which also builds on the coin-throwing practice. As the title of the film suggests, visitors should throw three coins into the fountain as the first guarantees safe passage, the second a new romance and the third a successful marriage. Even if you’re not particularly superstitious, participating in the harmless tradition of throwing a coin into the fountain actually helps the city. The money from the fountain is collected daily and it is said 3000 Euros are thrown in a day, with proceeds going towards charities that help people in need.
Megan Hills
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Top Things to Do in Rome this Easter

Visiting Rome at Easter is one of the best times to go to the Eternal City; not only because the weather is usually at its most pleasant with warmer days, longer evenings and lots of sun, but the city is awash with festive cheer for Easter. The city’s events centre around this religious celebration and Italy makes a week of it; from over-the-top flower displays, to emotional masses here’s a list of top things to do in Rome for the first weekend of April. Procession at the Coliseum If you’re in Rome for Good Friday make sure you head down to the Coliseum from 9.15pm. This is where it all kicks off! An unbeatable venue, the iconic Coliseum plays host to Pope Francis who will lead the Stations of the Cross, which involves burning huge torches, a crucifix whilst reading blessings. It's one of Rome's most important annual events and has been practiced since 1774 to honour the martyrs who were killed in ancient times. It’s a truly moving sight and one well worth a watch. Easter Mass at St Peter’s Basilica The Vatican City holds a series of masses from Palm Sunday until Easter Sunday, but if you can’t make the week before hold out for April 5th for Easter Sunday Mass. A hugely popular and ticketed event it’s free but you need to pre-book in advance. The whole of St Peter’s Square is filled with chairs and screens to broadcast this iconic mass to the masses. If you’re not involved, we recommend you avoid the area as it will be very busy with people heading to the event which will kick off at 10.15am and you won't be able to see much else! Pasquetta Pasquetta, meaning Little Easter, is a celebrated holiday on Easter Monday, or in Italian, Lunedi dell’Angelo. It’s a day when everyone has a feast, or usually a picnic, and heads out to the countryside or seaside to celebrate with their families. If you fancy doing the same, Ostia is just a train ride away from Piramide, where you can walk along Rome’s most popular beach; or the archeological site of Ostia Antica, included in the Roma Pass, is a great place to go for the ancient ruins that date back to 3rd century BC. Take a picnic with you and any leftover Easter eggs for a spontaneous hunt! Fireworks at Castel Sant’Angelo On Pasquetta, Easter Monday, you can also enjoy a magnificent and explosive display of fireworks at the iconic Castel Sant’Angelo on the banks of the River Tiber. Not many attractions in Rome have such an impressive and jaw-dropping background, with the dome of St Peter’s Basilica one side and the ancient bridge and city’s main river to another. This mausoleum to Emperor Hadrian was built in 136 AD and is one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. Enjoy a stunning display of fireworks to culminate the Holy Week – but check with your concierge for the exact start time. Flowers Rome comes alive with vibrant blooms in the spring; the parks are visited by picnickers and roller-bladers and before the heavy heat descends in the summer it’s wonderful season to be outside and enjoy everything the city has to offer. If you’re not too fussed about the religious side of the Easter period, it’s still a great time to visit Rome. The Spanish Steps are decorated by hundreds of lilies and rhododendrons (the big pink ones!) which makes for a beautiful selfie shot. If you’re staying a bit longer, make sure you visit Rome’s Rose Garden on the Aventine Hill, near Circus Maximus, which contains over 1100 varieties of roses from all around the world opening on the 21st April. Complement your visit to Rome with an OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass - the all-inclusive sightseeing pass including free, fast track and discounted entry into the top attractions, saving you time and money. Plus the Rome Pass covers all your transport needs with a three day travelcard.
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