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The Catacombs of St. Callixtus

110/126 Via Appia Antica, Roma, Lazio

Description

The Catacomb(s) of Callixtus is one of several catacombs along the ancient Appian Way in the south of Rome. Many popes and martyrs were buried there in the 1st to 4th centuries AD, including Pope S. Callisto after which the site is named. The funerary complex consists of cemetery areas above ground complemented by Christian hypogea (underground tombs). It spreads over 30ha and goes as much as 5-level deep. The most ancient parts are the Crypt of Lucina and the Crypt of the Popes (9 of them were buried there).

Access & Transport

The catacombs are located along the Via Appia, near the intersection of Via delle Sette Chiese and Via Ardeatina. Bus 118 alights at "Appia Antica/Scuola Agraria" and number 218 at "Appia Antica/Scuola Agraria" The site is 4km west of the "Basilica San Paolo" train station (Roma Lido) and the Garbatella metro station (B, B1). Additional info and options here: https://www.catacombesancallisto.it/en/dove-siamo.php There are 50 steps on the way down and up so the catacombs are not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility

Instructions & Recommendations

Note that the tours start every 30mins and that the catacombs are closed on Wednesday. The temperature in the catacombs is about 16 ° C with high humidity so dress accordingly (take a jacket or sweater). This activity is best combined with a walk or bike ride along the Via Appia Antica

Meta review

Reviews are mostly good but there is an obvious strong skew in the interests of those visiting the catacombs. The positive aspects include knowledgeable guides and the impressive scale of the complex and, the negative, the touristic aspect of those catacombs and the lack of English proficiency of some guides.

Environmental & Social

Low carbon footprint and preserves the city's historical heritage

Conclusion

The various catacombs along the Appian Way are an interesting insight on funerary practice, Christian martyrdom, and the rise of the religion within the Empire but it may not be of interest to everybody. Best done as a combination with a walk along the Appian Way and its various monuments.

Key positive

Culturally interesting

Key negative

Too commercial

A little time consuming to get to by public transport

Suitability

Not recommended for younger children and those suffering from claustrophobia. Not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

April 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
The final guided tour (40mins) begins at 12:00 in the morning and at 17h00 in the afternoon.

av. transport time:0h 40m

est. visit time:1h

Regulated hours
Period 1

MONDAY09:00 - 12:40

TUESDAY09:00 - 12:40

WEDNESDAY -

THURSDAY09:00 - 12:40

FRIDAY09:00 - 12:40

SATURDAY09:00 - 12:40

SUNDAY09:00 - 12:40

Period 2

MONDAY14:00 - 17:40

TUESDAY14:00 - 17:40

WEDNESDAY -

THURSDAY14:00 - 17:40

FRIDAY14:00 - 17:40

SATURDAY14:00 - 17:40

SUNDAY14:00 - 17:40

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€10
Adult
18 - 64
€10
Child
7 - 17
€7
Infant
0 - 6
€0

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