Catacombe di Priscilla

About

The Catacombe di Priscilla, situated on Via Salaria in Rome, is one of the city’s most evocative underground cemeteries. First excavated in the 2nd to 5th centuries, it was named after the landowner Priscilla and later came under the care of the Benedictine sisters. The extensive network of tombs, crypts and architectural layers offers visitors a direct link to early Christianity and Roman funerary customs. Guided tours provide insight into the unique artistic styles—from frescoes and carved sarcophagi to early Christian symbols—while highlighting the site’s role as the final resting place for martyrs, saints and members of the Acilius Glabrio family. Today, the catacombs are open to the public for a modest entrance fee and are managed by the Benedictine nuns. Visitors can explore the Arenarium, the Cryptoporticus, and the hypogeum, observe detailed frescoes and contemplate the spiritual and historical significance of Rome’s most celebrated underground tombs. A visit to the Catacombe di Priscilla offers a contemplative experience for history enthusiasts and those interested in early Christian art, with guided tours available in multiple languages and the site remaining an important stop for cultural tourists exploring Rome’s rich subterranean heritage.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 30 minutes