The idea of visiting the Roman Catacombs may not be your first thought when planning your Italian Vacation. 

The images that come to mind when you close your eyes and think of Rome are mostly likely of the iconic monuments and historic sites scattered throughout the city: The Vatican, the Wedding Cake, and the Colosseum are good examples.

But a little closer inspection will reveal that some of the most significant sights in the city are well beneath the surface.

Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II known by locals as “The Wedding Cake”

There are many reasons why this makes sense. Rome is often described as being like a lasagna, with many layers built upon each other. In ancient times, Rome was the center of economic and political life in the West.

After the fall of the empire, the city was abandoned for over 1000 years. When it was again inhabited, the old buildings were destroyed or were covered over by layers of silt from flooding.

Instead of digging out the structures, the far easier thing to do was to harvest building materials to build in a manner that more suited the times. You can find examples of this sort of recycling in many buildings if you look closely enough.

The Basilica de San Clemente

Modest exterior of the Basilica San Clemente, Rome

Photo Credit:  acameronhuff

The Basilica de San Clemente is a prime example of this phenomenon. The modest exterior of the building almost hides its story 2000 years in the making that comes to life when you walk through the doors.

Without knowing what was inside, I would have wandered by a bland building without giving it a second thought. And, I would have missed this astonishing view. (No photography is allowed within the Basilica, but there is an official virtual tour of the upper level of the church)

There’s more to this church, however. Below the ornate interior are three underground levels, first rediscovered during restoration efforts in the 1860s, and now more fully excavated. Each level reveals earlier uses, from a medieval church to a pre-Christian cult worshipping area, all built one upon the other. 

Some of the building has been damaged by flooding over time but still holds a wonderful glimpse at what life was like when the building below was in use. You can travel 60 feet underground, hear the water that is still rushing below, and see courtyards where clandestine rituals took place.

The Roman Catacombs of Domitilla

Outside the old city walls, the catacombs tell a different story of Rome underground. Christians in the first century buried their loved ones underground in common cemeteries.

This was mainly due to the belief that those who passed would need their bodies for resurrection.

The ground outside of the city is a volcanic rock that grave diggers would need to chip away to create a crevice for the body that would be sealed over with a material such as brick.

Roman Catacombs of St. Domitilla

There are 61 such catacombs throughout Rome. Many were abandoned and later discovered and raided, so that much of what remains are merely the broken seal of the chamber. In some cases, the scrawled name of the looter and year he was present marking the wall.

Today it’s possible to explore the catacombs. The underground is dark, filled with layers of narrow musty passageways.

In some places, you can still find the remnants of what was an ornate painting. There are other areas carved out with a bench and spots for oil lamps for families to spend time with their loved ones.

It is hard to imagine what it must have been like to spend time in these narrow caves and the dedication the families had to each other to make the journey, faithfully and often. 

Picnic areas are evident in front of an old entrance where you can imagine a social scene, both above and below ground.

We were fortunate to have an experienced guide to this site – an archeologist who has spent time excavating the far regions of the Domitilla Catacombs and is assisting with a project to electronically map the site.

Related Stories about things to do in Rome that you might enjoy: 

Roman Colosseum Tour

Rome – Behind The Keyhole

Rome Cooking Class

How To Beat The Crowds At The Vatican

Walks of Italy: Finding the Best Food in Rome

Rome Italy Hidden Gems