Catacombs of St. Callixtus

The Catacombs of St. Callixtus extend along the ancient Appian Way, set within an atmosphere of silence and contemplation. Originally part of the property of the Christian Cecili family, over time this underground network of tunnels became an important burial site for tens of thousands of Christians, including many martyrs and sixteen popes. These catacombs provide a unique glimpse into the lives and funerary practices of early Christians in Rome, serving not only as a first-rate archaeological site, but also as a place of deep spiritual significance.

History of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus

The Catacombs of St. Callixtus hold a key place in the history of early Christianity, having been designated as the official cemetery of the Church of Rome under the papacy of Callistus I. Here we explore their intriguing historical evolution.

From Their Foundation to the Third Century

The origins of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus date back to the 2nd century AD, when they were established on the private estate of the Cecili family. Initially meant for burying the more humble members of the community, their significance rose significantly under Pope Callistus I, who transformed them into the principal cemetery of the Roman Church. In this period, the tunnels underwent various expansions and structural improvements, enabling the burial of growing numbers of the faithful, including numerous Christian martyrs whose tombs became pilgrimage sites for reverence.

Decline and Rediscovery

After their heyday between the 2nd and 4th centuries, the catacombs were gradually abandoned due to barbarian invasions and changes in burial customs. Their location and extensive layout faded into distant memory until rediscovery in the 16th century. The Renaissance fascination with classical and Christian antiquities spurred fresh explorations and research, revealing remarkable early Christian frescoes, funerary inscriptions, and burial architecture of important historical and artistic value.

The Twentieth Century and Beyond

The 20th century witnessed renewed interest in the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, with preservation and restoration work safeguarding vulnerable frescoes and structural elements. Today, the catacombs are open to the public and rank among the must-see destinations for anyone intrigued by Christian history, early Christian art, and ancient funerary customs. Under current management, the site is not only preserved but also provides educational opportunities through guided tours highlighting its intricate historical and spiritual dimensions.

Walking through the cool, silent galleries of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, visitors can reflect on life and death in ancient Rome, paying tribute to the early Christians whose faith led them to construct these extraordinary subterranean monuments.

What to See

The Catacombs of St. Callixtus offer an immersive look into the world of early Christianity, via a maze of passageways concealing art, architecture, and ancient expressions of faith. Below are the main areas of interest that visitors can explore.

Tours

Exploring the Catacombs of St. Callixtus means embarking on diverse itineraries that reveal crypts, cubicula, and historically or religiously significant sections. Each route provides a unique angle on the complexity and beauty of this remarkable archaeological site.

The Crypt of the Popes

The Crypt of the Popes is one of the holiest places in the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, serving as the resting place for nine pontiffs from the earliest centuries. Its walls bear original epitaphs commemorating these early Church leaders, including antipopes, who were buried here as a token of respect and veneration. Despite centuries of wear, the frescoes still attest to the faith and artistry of the early Christian community. Visitors can observe:

• The tombs of Papal Martyrs, including St. Callistus, martyred under Emperor Alexander Severus.
• Frescoes illustrating biblical scenes and Christian symbols such as the fish, emblematic of the Faith.
• Ancient inscriptions providing rare insights into these early popes and their era.

The Crypt of St. Cecilia

St. Cecilia, patroness of music, was martyred in Rome and initially interred in the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, though her relics were subsequently moved into the city. The original site of her burial remains a focal point of pilgrimage. Modest yet highly sacred, the crypt is characterized by:

• An ancient altar above the spot believed to be her resting place.
• Frescoes and mosaics celebrating her life and martyrdom.
• An atmosphere of meditative calm that invites spiritual reflection.

The Cubicula of the Sacraments

The Cubicula of the Sacraments are small burial chambers adorned with frescoes depicting scenes of Christian sacraments such as Baptism and the Eucharist. More than mere decoration, these frescoes represent the enduring faith of those interred. Of particular note:

• Striking scenes of baptism, captured with vivid detail and profound symbolism.
• Depictions of the Eucharist, linking the earthly lives of believers with the promise of eternal life.
• Inscriptions and symbols shedding light on the practices and beliefs of the early Christian faithful.

The Region Known as That of Pope Miltiades

This area of the catacombs is named after Pope Miltiades, the pontiff during whose reign Christianity was legalized via the Edict of Milan in AD 313. Notable features include:

• Tombs of numerous Christian martyrs, reflecting the turbulent transitional era for the Church.
• Frescoes telling stories of martyrdom and redemption, crucial to understanding the Church’s history.
• Architecture modified post-legalization to accommodate a place of public worship.

The Region of St. Gaius and St. Eusebius

This section is dedicated to two significant figures in Church history, St. Gaius and St. Eusebius, known for their spiritual zeal and martyrdom. Hallmarks of this region include:

• Crypts housing relics and memorials of these two saints.
• Frescoes and mosaics depicting Christian iconography, illuminating their lives and sacrifices.
• A deeply reverent atmosphere, tangible amidst the narrow tunnels and ancient tombs.

These tours not only enhance visitors’ historical and spiritual understanding but also provide a uniquely emotional and contemplative experience, immersed in the art and heritage of Rome’s earliest Christian communities.