Catacombs of San Sebastiano, Early Christian burial site along Via Appia Antica, Rome, Italy
The Catacombs of San Sebastiano are an underground burial site along the Via Appia Antica with passages extending across multiple levels carved into volcanic rock. Both pagan and Christian tombs from the early centuries rest side by side within these chambers.
In the third century, the site took on new importance for Christian worship when the tombs of venerated figures were laid to rest here. This transformation made it a destination for pilgrims and believers seeking connection with early religious history.
Carved into the walls are ancient inscriptions where early Christians called upon holy figures and expressed their faith through written prayers. Visitors can still see how people of that era recorded their devotion and preserved their hopes for salvation.
Take time to explore with a guide who can explain the inscriptions and details of the burials you encounter. Wear sturdy shoes, as the ground is uneven and passages can be tight in places.
One particular chamber was originally an open quarry where workers extracted volcanic stone, but later it became a burial ground showing a mix of different social classes. Elaborate tombs sit alongside simple graves of slaves and freedmen.
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