About Catacombs of San Callisto
The Catacombs of San Callisto are just one of the many catacombs of Rome, five of which are regularly open to the public. These Catacombs were used by Christians as subterranean burial places.
Built in around 150 AD, the Catacombs of San Callisto span five floors and hold over half a million bodies, making them the largest of their kind in Rome. Whilst some believe that the practice of underground burials derived from the persecution of the Christians and thus the need to keep the graves safe, others think that this was just the custom at the time and due to the fact that they owned little land.
The most famous residents of the Catacombs of San Callisto are a number of popes of the third century, but not Pope St. Callixtus after whom the catacombs are named. Instead, this pope was responsible for part of the construction and expansion of the Catacombs of San Callisto.
Featured In
Italy Historic Sites
Discover the best Historic sites in Italy, from Ostia Antica to The Trevi Fountain and more, includes an interactive map of Italian cultural places, landmarks and monuments.
Rome Top 10
Discover the best places to visit in Rome with an expert guide to Rome’s top tourist attractions. Includes the top ten places to visit with an interactive map and guide.
Roman Sites in Italy
Discover the top Roman ruins in Italy, from the famous Pantheon to the Aquileia Basilica and more, includes an interactive map of Ancient Roman sites to visit.
Rome Historic Sites
Discover the best historic places in Rome, from the Colosseum to the Capuchin Crypt and more, includes an interactive map of Rome's cultural landmarks, monuments and museums.
Catacombs
Discover the most famous catacombs in the world, from the catacombs of Paris to Petrovaradin Fortress and more, includes interactive underground burial chambers map.
Royal Palace of Caserta
The Regia
Nora Archaeological Site
Tharros
Palace of the Elders Ancona
Castello di San Michele
Selinunte
