In short, a catacomb is a collection of underground passageways or tunnels. These intersect at points and often stretch for quite a few kilometres.
According to some archaeologists (it’s still a bit of a guesstimation), there are about 60 catacombs underneath Rome.
The Jewish and Christian communities faced significant persecution in Rome – particularly between the 1st century AD and 4th century AD. Living in communities distinct from the mainstream pagan society, they also buried their dead separately too.
Considered the first catacombs used by Christians, they stretch for an astounding 20 kilometres. Within, you’ll find the burial sites of 16 Popes alongside many Christian martyrs.
Originally called ‘Regina catacumbarum’, which translates to ‘the queen of catacombs’, this is where roughly 40 thousand burials took place.
These catacombs are the oldest of Rome’s underground burial tunnels, which is why they have seen significant restorations.