How to Get to the War Dead Catacombs: A Guide
The War Dead Catacombs, also known as the Catacombe dei Caduti in the Italian language, is a fascinating and historic underground repository located in the city of Rome, Italy. Comprising over 400 yards of tunnels and chambers, the Catacombs contains the remains of hundreds of thousands of Christian martyrs and early Christian followers.
Getting to the Catacombs: Directions
To get to the War Dead Catacombs, you’ll need to begin by planning your visit around Rome. Here’s what you need to do:
Get to the city center: The most convenient way to get to the Catacombs is to take a metro, bus, or tram that stops in the city center. The closest metro stops are Spagna, Barberini, or Colosseo.
Walk or taxi to the entrance: The Catacombs is about 2-3 km from the city center, so you’ll need to walk or take a short taxi ride. You can also take a hop-on hop-off bus that goes to the Catacombs.
- Look out for the signs: Before you arrive at the entrance, keep an eye out for signs pointing to Via delle Catacombe San Callisto or Catacombe dei Santissimi Ippolito e Andonimo. The signs may be in Italian only.
Opening Hours and Timetables
Before visiting the Catacombs, make sure you’re aware of the opening hours:
From March 1st to October 31st: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
From November 1st to February 28th: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Closes Mondays: The Catacombs is closed on Mondays during the year, so you’ll need to plan an alternative day.
Book Your Tickets Online
In order to minimize the crowd and ensure your spot:
- Buy your ticket online: Purchase your ticket online through the official Roma Pass website or at major tourist information centers.
What to Expect
Inside the Catacombs:
Stalactites and stalagmites: The walls of the Catacombs are formed by ancient stalactites and stalagmites, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
Frescoes and tombstones: As you journey through the Catacombs, you’ll come across frescoes depicting biblical scenes and numerous tombstones from the early Christian era.
- Mass ossuary: You’ll come across a massive ossuary, where thousands of decomposed bodies were stacked along the walls and then dispersed into the Catacombs.
Safety and Visitor Guidelines
To ensure your comfort and safety during the tour:
Dress modestly: Out of respect for the remains in the Catacombs, dress modestly.
No photography allowed inside: Unfortunately, flashlights and photography are strictly prohibited inside the Catacombs due to the fragile environment and darkness.
- Walk, but don’t run: Try to move at a steady pace, as the passageways can be narrow, and you may not wish to bump into others behind you.
Interesting Tips and Facts
Did you know that:
- The Catacombs of Priscilla and St. Callixtus 1 are located at the same location, creating a unique overlap between Catholic and Orthodox Christianity?
Table: War Dead Catacombs Timetables
Season | Opening Hours | Closing Hours |
---|---|---|
Low Season (Nov 1 to Feb 28) | 9:00 AM | 4:30 PM |
**Mid Season (March 1 to May 31) | 8:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
High Season (June 1 to Oct 31) | 7:30 AM | 8:00 PM |
Take your time, stay open-minded, and absorb the history and spiritual atmosphere during your visit to the War Dead Catacombs. Remember to appreciate the unique chance to stand among the remains of countless followers of Christ.