Catacombs of Domitilla Archaeological Site

Address: Via delle Sette Chiese, 280/282, 00147 Roma RM, Italy

The Catacombs of Domitilla are an extensive early Christian burial complex on the ancient road system south of Rome, with galleries and tombs dating from the 2nd through the 5th centuries AD.

The site contains multi-level passageways, painted funerary chambers and numerous loculi and arcosolia carved into the rock; guided routes allow visitors to see frescoes and burial architecture that illustrate early Christian funerary practice. The complex is among the largest of Rome’s catacomb systems and is characterized by long, branching galleries.

The catacombs were used as Christian burial grounds during the Imperial period and were named for the Flavian family Domitilla; they were later rediscovered and studied by archaeologists and ecclesiastical authorities. Over time the site has been excavated, conserved and opened to the public for supervised visitation.

Located south of Rome’s historic centre along one of the ancient arterial roads, the complex sits on the outskirts of the city and is commonly reached from central Rome by road or public transport for organized visits.

• Guided-access only: Entry to the catacombs is by guided tour only, and tours can include narrow passages and steps so visitors should be prepared for uneven footing.
• Consistent underground temperature: The underground temperature is cool and stable year-round, so bring a light layer when visiting the galleries.

What to See#

• Underground galleries: Extensive underground burial galleries and passageways carved into tuff and volcanic rock, accessible by guided tour and containing loculi and arcosolia.
• Surface basilica and chapels: A surface-level complex with chapels and early Christian structures connected to the burial areas, historically associated with Christian devotion and burial rites.

The Domitilla catacombs are on the southern stretch of the Appian Way (Via Appia Antica). From Rome’s Colosseum, take bus 118 toward Capannelle/Ardeatina and get off at the Appia Antica/Sette Chiese stop; from there it’s a short walk along the Appian Way (about 1.5-2 km). Alternatively, a taxi from central Rome is about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.

• Book the guided tour in advance when possible - the catacombs are visited only with guides and groups can be limited.
• Bring a light sweater; underground passages stay cool year-round.
• Note the wall graffiti left by pilgrims over centuries - some inscriptions are medieval and worth hunting for with a guide.