- The Catacombs of Domitilla are a series of tunnels in Rome containing Christian burials covering 17 hectares.
- It was one of the Catacombs of Ancient Rome owned by Flavia Domitilla, as recorded by an inscription inside the Catacombs.
Getting There
- Location: Via della Sette Chiese, 282, Rome.
- Nearest Metro Station: Garbatella, Basilica San Paolo, Line B.
Description
- The galleries were dug out of the volcanic stone called ‘Tufa’ that Rome is built on.
- There are four levels of galleries laid one above the other, running for 17 km and down to a depth of 30 m.
- They contain Christian burials in stone Sarcophagi.
- The Catacombs became densely occupied because Christians wanted to be buried next or near to the Martyrs.
- Around 390 CE an underground Basilica was built in honour of St Nereus and St Achilleus.
The Tombs
- The body was wrapped in a sheet and deposited in the Tomb.
- The tomb was then sealed with tiles or a marble slab, which was then fixed against the wall using lime.
- Onto the Lime or marble would be written the name of the Deceased, date of death, a brief memorial and often one of the Early Christian Symbols.
Catacombs of Domitilla