Catacombe di San Sebastiano, Underground Christian necropolis along Via Appia Antica in Rome, Italy.
The Catacumbas de San Sebastián is an underground burial site beneath Rome's streets containing multiple levels of tunnels with carved tomb chambers. The site extends over considerable distances and shows the depth of historical structures carved into the rock beneath the city.
The site began as a burial ground for early Christians and was later associated with the name of a persecuted martyr. The chambers were expanded over several centuries as more people came to bury their dead here.
The site displays artwork from early Christian times that visitors can still see on the walls today. These religious images offer insight into the beliefs of the people who buried their dead here.
Visitors should prepare for narrow, dark corridors and wear sturdy shoes since the ground can be uneven. A guided tour is helpful for understanding the history and layout better.
The tunnel system was originally a stone quarry before being converted into a burial place. This repurposing shows how space in ancient Rome was creatively used and reused.
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