Catacombs that are located in Rome are the most famous burial places in the world. This is largely due to the significance they held for Early Christians. For many Catholics who make the pilgrimage to Rome, the Catacombs represent an undeniable physical connection to their past. Starting in the Second Century, Catacombs were places where Catholics buried their dead and celebrated Mass (depending on circumstances, Mass was also celebrated in parishioners’ homes). Before the Roman persecution of Catholics ended in 313 AD, there were times when it was necessary to celebrate Mass in the Catacombs for fear of being caught and sentenced to death. Many Martyrs of the Early Catholic Church were buried in these underground chambers and the celebration of Mass reinforced the fact that there was a Communion of Saints. It is this history that makes the Catacombs such a Holy place which helps present-day pilgrims connect with our Brothers and Sisters that came before us.
Physically, the Catacombs are subterranean burial places just outside the city of Rome (when originally created, due to health concerns). They are made up of underground passageways and chambers. The forty or so catacombs (which only a handful are ever talked about) range greatly in size. Some containing only two for three crypts, while others are multi-level structures. The Catacombs of Domitilla is the largest and Catacombs of San Callisto is one of the most visited.
To learn more check out:
Catacombs of Domitilla (remember to click on img links throughout the page): http://www.domitilla.it/Catacombe/inglese.htm
Catacombs of San Callisto: http://www.catacombe.roma.it/en/dettaglio.html
Physically, the Catacombs are subterranean burial places just outside the city of Rome (when originally created, due to health concerns). They are made up of underground passageways and chambers. The forty or so catacombs (which only a handful are ever talked about) range greatly in size. Some containing only two for three crypts, while others are multi-level structures. The Catacombs of Domitilla is the largest and Catacombs of San Callisto is one of the most visited.
To learn more check out:
Catacombs of Domitilla (remember to click on img links throughout the page): http://www.domitilla.it/Catacombe/inglese.htm
Catacombs of San Callisto: http://www.catacombe.roma.it/en/dettaglio.html