Inscriptions and names
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The Roman Catacombs are yet another must-see attraction in Rome. Rome is a hotspot for such sites but the Catacombs are definitely one of them that can’t be skipped. What’s better than seeing them in person? Going prepared by knowing quite a but about them in advance, so that you can appreciate them more once you get there. In that sense, here are 10 facts you may not know about the Roman Catacombs, one of the most visited attractions in Italy. In addition to the different niches and graves, the names of the people buried in these Roman catacombs can also be viewed. Often dark and damp, visitors are taken to centuries past on how the Romans bury and honor their dead. While many of them are hard to read due to deterioration and the passage of time, many are still quite clear. Click the next ARROWÂ to see the next image!
They are found hundreds of kilometers underground
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More than sixty catacombs can be found within hundreds of kilometers in underground passageways in Rome. These catacombs hold thousands of tombs but there are only 5 of them that are open to the public for now. Click the next ARROW to see the next image!
Catacombs of Domitilla – Via delle Sette Chiese, 280
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Spanning fifteen kms. Long, these catacombs were named after the granddaughter of Vespasian. They were discovered in 1593 and are open for tourists up to this day. Tourists can take a look from Monday to Wednesday from 9AM – 12Noon, with a short break and resuming at 2PM – 5PM. Click the next ARROW to see the next image!
Catacombs of Sant’Agnese – Via Nomentana, 349
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These catacombs owe its name to the martyr of the Christian faith, Sant’Agnese, who sacrificed a lot including her life. Visitors are welcome from Tuesdays and Saturdays with opening hours at 9AM – 6PM with a short noon break. Click the next ARROW to see the next image!
Catacombs of San Sebastiano – Via Appia Antica, 136
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One of the more popular catacombs in Rome, it is named as such to honor a great soldier who became a martyr because of his conversion to Christianity. His name was San Sebastiano, and the catacombs named after him span twelve kilometers long which can be visited from Mondays to Saturdays at 9AM – 5PM. Click the next ARROW to see the next image!
Catacombs of Priscilla – Via Salaria, 430
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It’s basically the same as the other Roman catacombs but its highlight include important frescoes that are part of the history of art. One notable work of art among the many first representations is the artwork depicting the Virgin Mary. Click the next ARROW to see the next image!
Catacombs of San Callisto – Via Appia Antica, 126
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The most visited among the Roman catacombs not only because it is the longest (spanning twenty kilometers of underground passageways), it is also where sixteen pontiffs are buried. Other than that, a lot of Christian martyrs can also be found in the San Callisto tombs. Visitors can view some of the greatest names in Christianity from Tuesdays to Thursdays with 9AM – 5PM as their opening hours. Click the next ARROW to see the next image!
Christians refer to them as cemeteries
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The Christians referred to their dead as asleep, so these catacombs were first called cemeteries, which means ‘places of sleep’. They believe that these asleep bodies will be awakened during the resurrection. Click the next ARROW to see the next image!
Christians owned catacombs
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Because Roman law treat places that are used as interment to be sacred, and should not be used for any other purpose, the Christians are granted ownership for these lands. Hence, many catacombs in Rome are owned by Christians to this day. Click the next ARROW to see the next image!
Special tombs for children
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A lot of children died during those old times so special places are created for them. These can be seen in large quantities as families allot spaces for them along with larger graves for adult family members.
