An unusual private guided tour which explores the mysterious Appian Way and Catacombs of St. Callixtus.
On this Rome private tour with a catacombs tour, you will embark on a driving tour of some of Rome’s most important sights of this ancient city: Piazza Venezia, Marcellus Theatre, Aventine Hill, San Sebastiano Gate, Massenzio Circus, Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, You will drive on the first tract of Ancient Appian Way as far as Casal Rotondo Mausoleum.
The highlight of this Rome tour underground is a 45-minute guided tour of the Catacombs of either San Callixtus or San Sebastiano (Varies, depending on the day).
The “Callixtian Complex” spans nearly 90 acres, half of which are occupied by the famous catacombs. The multi-level galleries are 12 miles long; the tombs number as many as 500,000. The Catacombs of St. Callixtus, dating from the 2nd century AD, are the most important of Rome’s sixty catacombs. They are sometimes considered the archives of the early Christian church as the tombs illustrate the beliefs and customs of the early Christians.
As a beacon, Callixtus was charged with providing a tomb for each Christian, including slaves, so that all would have a worthy burial. Once Callixtus was elected pope, he enlarged the catacombs, which became the official cemetery of the Church of Rome.
The Catacombs of St. Sebastian in Rome is also a fascinating place to visit. From the reign of Valerian to that of Constantine, the bodies of Saints Peter and Paul were hidden in these catacombs. The basilica was built in the 4th century, where the tomb of St. Sebastian is now found. The miles of tunnels and mausoleums are lined with mosaics and paints, along with many other pagan and Christian objects from throughout the centuries.