The Dark Side of Rome: St Sebastiano and Callisto Catacombs

Beneath the bustling streets of Rome lies a somber testament to the turbulent past of early Christianity. The Catacombs of St. Sebastiano and Callisto, once sanctuaries for the faithful, now stand as haunting reminders of the sacrifices made during a time of great persecution. Guided tours lead visitors through these underground labyrinths, where religious symbols adorn the walls and the resting places of martyrs and popes evoke a profound sense of reverence. As one delves into this dark chapter of Roman history, they’ll uncover not only the resilience of the human spirit, but also the profound impact that these sacred spaces had on the evolution of one of the world’s most influential religions.

Key Points

• Explore the resting places of early Christian martyrs in the Catacombs of St. Sebastiano, where religious symbols reflect the beliefs of the first Christians.
• Discover the expansive underground labyrinth of the Catacombs of St. Callisto, which served as the burial site for popes and other prominent figures.
• Learn about the burial practices and religious symbols found within the catacombs, providing insight into the lives and sacrifices of the early Christian community.
• Experience the haunting atmosphere of the catacombs, which enhances the understanding of this pivotal era in the history of the Christian church.
• Benefit from the expertise of knowledgeable guides who offer an immersive exploration of the catacombs and the mysteries of early Christianity.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers visitors a captivating exploration of the darker aspects of Rome’s history.

For €4,508 per person, participants can embark on a 7-hour small-group journey to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus and St. Sebastiano.

The tour includes round-trip transportation from the Civitavecchia port, guided visits to both catacombs, and a lunch.

Travelers will learn about early Christianity and see the resting places of martyrs, popes, and other historical figures.

While photography isn’t permitted inside the catacombs, the experience promises to be both educational and immersive.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Rome’s dark side.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a 75-minute van transfer from the Civitavecchia port to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus. Participants will then embark on a 75-minute guided tour of this vast underground labyrinth. Next, the group will transfer to the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian, just 10 minutes away, for another 75-minute guided exploration. Finally, the tour returns to Civitavecchia in 75 minutes.

Itinerary	Duration
Van transfer to Catacombs of St. Callixtus	75 minutes
Guided tour of Catacombs of St. Callixtus	75 minutes
Van transfer to Catacombs of Saint Sebastian	10 minutes
Guided tour of Catacombs of Saint Sebastian	75 minutes
Return to Civitavecchia	75 minutes

Main Stops

The Catacombs of San Sebastiano and San Callisto stand as profound testaments to the early Christian faith, inviting visitors to uncover the mysteries and sacrifices that define this dark yet captivating chapter of Rome’s history.

At the San Sebastiano Catacombs, guests will discover the resting places of early Christian martyrs, their graves adorned with religious symbols that offer glimpses into the beliefs and practices of the nascent Church.

Nearby, the San Callisto Catacombs provide an even more expansive underground labyrinth, where popes and other prominent figures of the era were interred, their tombs serving as reminders of the church’s formative years and the price paid by its earliest adherents.

Experience Highlights

Knowledgeable guides lead visitors on an immersive exploration of the Catacombs of San Sebastiano and San Callisto, delving into the captivating history of early Christianity.

Travelers discover the resting places of martyrs, popes, and devout followers, learning about the burial practices and religious symbols that adorn the underground labyrinths.

The tour highlights the significance of these sacred sites, offering a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the first Christians.

Visitors are captivated by the haunting atmosphere and the wealth of knowledge shared by the expert guides, leaving with a deeper understanding of this pivotal era in the history of Rome.

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Inclusions

This tour includes a comprehensive pickup and drop-off service from the Civitavecchia port, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s adventure.

Round-trip transportation is provided, allowing travelers to sit back and enjoy the journey.

Entrance tickets to the Catacombs of St. Callisto and St. Sebastiano are included, granting access to these historic underground labyrinths.

A professional guide accompanies the group, sharing their expertise on the early Christian history and burial practices observed in these sacred sites.

Lunch is also provided, fueling the exploration.

Plus, gratuities are covered, eliminating the need for guests to worry about tipping.

With all these inclusions, this tour offers a truly immersive and hassle-free experience.

Requirements

Bringing one’s passport or ID card is a requirement for this tour, as it’s needed for identification purposes.

Plus, comfortable shoes are a must for navigating the uneven terrain of the catacombs.

Cameras, luggage, and large bags aren’t permitted inside, as they could potentially damage the delicate artifacts and structures.

This tour has a strict dress code as well – no shorts, miniskirts, or uncovered shoulders are allowed when visiting the churches.

These requirements ensure the safety and preservation of both the participants and the historic sites.

Important Information

For last-minute bookings, travelers should contact the emergency number provided for confirmation.

Photography isn’t permitted inside the catacombs. This is to preserve the sanctity and delicate nature of these ancient burial sites.

The overall rating for this tour is 4 out of 5 based on 3 reviews. Feedback highlights rave about the excellent guide and the fantastic experience of exploring the underground labyrinth of the Catacombs of St. Callisto and St. Sebastiano.

Visitors are advised to dress modestly, as shorts, mini-skirts, and uncovered shoulders aren’t allowed in the churches.

Customer Reviews

Travelers who’ve taken this tour overwhelmingly praise the experience, with an overall rating of 4 out of 5 based on 3 reviews.

Feedback highlights from customers include:

1. The guide’s extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling make the history and significance of the catacombs come alive.

2. Exploring the underground labyrinth of the Catacombs of St. Sebastiano and St. Callisto is described as a "fantastic experience" that offers a unique glimpse into early Christianity.

3. The combination of the guided tours and the peaceful garden setting after the tour is noted as a well-balanced and enriching way to spend the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do the Catacombs Maintain Their Temperature and Humidity Levels?

The catacombs maintain their temperature and humidity levels through their underground location. The constant, cool temperature and damp conditions underground help preserve the artifacts and remains within the catacombs’ extensive network of tunnels and burial chambers.

What Types of Artifacts Can Be Found in the Catacombs?

The catacombs contain a wealth of ancient artifacts, including carved sarcophagi, funerary inscriptions, wall paintings, and religious symbols like the chi-rho and anchor. These relics offer insights into the burial practices and beliefs of early Christians.

Are the Catacombs Wheelchair Accessible?

The catacombs are not wheelchair accessible due to the uneven terrain, narrow passageways, and steep steps within the underground tunnels. Visitors must be able to navigate the challenging environment on foot to fully explore the catacombs.

Does the Tour Provide Any Audio or Visual Aids?

The tour doesn’t provide any audio or visual aids during the guided exploration of the catacombs. Visitors must rely on the knowledge and explanations provided by the professional guide to learn about the catacombs’ history and features.

Can Visitors Take a Guided Tour of the Catacombs at Any Time?

Visitors can’t take a guided tour of the catacombs at any time. The tour runs on a set schedule, with pickup from Civitavecchia port and fixed tour times for the Catacombs of St. Callisto and St. Sebastiano.

Recap

The Catacombs of St. Sebastiano and Callisto offer a captivating glimpse into the early days of Christianity. Visitors can explore the intricate underground network, adorned with religious symbols, and learn about the sacrifices made by martyrs and popes during a tumultuous era. This immersive experience provides a haunting yet enlightening perspective on the resilience and faith of the early Christian community.

You can check if your dates are available here: