Rome: Apostles and Martyrs

3. Domitilla Catacombs

Roma, Lazio

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Initially, the secretive nature of Christian worship, and Roman law forbidding burial of the deceased, led to the creation of at least 60 hidden catacombs beneath the city of Rome. The soft volcanic rock was ideal, as it was easily excavated and dried rock hard when exposed to the air. When Christianity was made the state religion of the Roman Empire in 380AD, excavation and use of the catacombs declined. The Catacombs of St Domitilla cover an incredible 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) underground and are the oldest in Rome. They still contain bones of those originally interred there. During their construction, numerous galleries were built and decorated with frescoes, including a piece of 2nd century artwork depicting the "Last Supper". Their uniqueness continues, as they are the only catacombs with a sunken, 4th century basilica through which access to the cavernous complex is gained. For three hundred years, these narrow, dark passageways were lined with niches that contained the remains of departed Christians. Galleries and halls have been carved out of the tufa rock along the along the route encompassing the catacombs that house the remains of saints or family members. Some are brightly painted with frescoes, decorative patterns or portraits, but most are dark and spooky tunnels. It's likely that although the Roman soldiers knew about the catacombs, they wouldn't willingly wander through these claustrophobic passageways lit by flickering torches, and surrounded by human remains. Photo credit: Jere7my