Private Underground Rome: Cults & Mysteries - For Experienced Travelers

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1

   Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)

   Pass by

   We'll leave Rome's city center by passing by the Coliseum and the Therms of Caracalla - the main ancient Roman baths. Leaving the city you will see the ancient Aurigal Walls and gate of St. Sebastian, used as check-point during Roman Empire's era. Appian road was built by order of censor Appius Claudius Caecus in 312 B.C. and it had important military, cultural and commercial significance, that's why in antiquity it was called «the queen of all roads ». The oldest stretch of the road is paved with tightly wrapped stones, which lay on a layer of pebbles and cement. Soon the Romans began to build along the road monumental tombs, aqueducts and magnificent monuments, the decoration of which became a matter of prestige.

2. 2

   Chiesa del Domine Quo Vadis

   30min

   During our first stop we'll visit the Quo Vadis Church, built on the spot where a landmark meeting for Christianity took place. Legend says while Apostle Peter was escaping from Rome from persecutions, Jesus Christ appeared to him on the Appian road. «Where do you go, Lord?» asked the apostle. The answer was: «I'm going to Rome to be crucified again.» Ashamed of his escape, St Peter then decided to come back to the city. In the very center of the church called «Domine Quo Vadis» we will see Jesus' footprints.

3. 3

   Catacombe San Sebastiano

   40min

   We'll then proceed to the church of St. Sebastian, where the relics of this Roman saint are hosted. And finally we will descend to the Catacombs of St. Sebastian, where frescoes of Christian themes are well preserved: Oranta, Jesus in nursery, Moses, a cycle of frescoes about Ion.

4. 4

   Catacombe di San Callisto

   1h

   Our next destination are the huge catacombs of St. Callisto. This complex was formed during the 2nd-4th centuries on the basis of several previously existing burial zones, which gradually expanded and merged into a single complex by the end of the 4th century. Going underground we can admire many frescoes and inscriptions related to life and death of the Christian community's members of that era.

5. 5

   Basilica of San Clemente

   1h

   Back in downtown Rome, let your guide introduce you to the Basilica of St. Clemente, a unique archaeological complex that includes the upper level (a medieval basilica built in the 12th century AD), the middle level (an early Christian basilica built in the 4th century AD), and the lower level (two structures dated 1st century AD). In the early Christian basilica, unique frescoes of the 9th century were preserved, including the first known inscriptions in the common Italian language. At the end of the tour you'll be dropped off at your hotel or at a place of your choice in Rome.

Before you go

Location

Via Appia Antica 42, 00178, Italy