Catacomb of Praetextatus, Underground burial chambers along Via Appia Pignatelli in Rome, Italy
The Catacomb of Praetextatus lies on the left of the Via Appia, entered from Via Appia Pignatelli. Its first level is a long gallery called the Spelunca Magna, originally a cistern, dug in the 2nd century and used for burials in the 3rd. A deeper level, with its own entrance, was added in the 4th century. Above ground are remains of two mausoleums, one round with six niches and one square with side exedras.
This site began in the 2nd century as a burial place for Roman aristocrats, including Emperor Balbinus. Later, Christians started burying their martyrs here, transforming its character.
The painted walls show biblical scenes from the 3rd century, such as the raising of Lazarus and Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman. These images reveal how early Christians expressed their faith in underground spaces.
A visit requires advance arrangements made by phone at +39 064465610 or +39 064467601, or by email at protocollo@arcsacra.va. It is wise to book ahead to secure a spot.
The crown-of-thorns painting is not in the Spelunca Magna but in a cubicle called the "coronatio", whose paintings date to the first decades of the 3rd century. On the left wall, three figures appear: a man crowned with branches, and a central figure holding a budding branch and touching his head, read as the crowning of Jesus with thorns.
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