The Catacombs of San Sebastiano, Italy

Unique attractions of the Christian world include not only ancient temples and monasteries, but also some historical areas, where archaeologists have found amazing Christian artifacts. An excellent example is the Via Appia, along which there are legendary Catacombs of San Callisto and San Sebastiano. Once, there was a pagan cemetery underground. Subsequently, it was used by the first Christians.

They built six underground chapels and adorned the walls of dungeons with religious paintings. Some of the elements of this painting survived to the present day. Catacombs owe their current name to the Basilica of St. Sebastian that is situated nearby. It is believed that relics of the saint were kept in these dungeons. Underground structures are of great interest not only for pilgrims, but also for researchers, who study the survived frescoes and murals.

Many of these works of art belong to the 3 century. Visitors can admire them only with a guide. The catacombs have a length of several hundred meters. The place is very confusing, so usual visitors can get lost easily. Nearby there’s the amazing San Callisto dungeon characterized by the impressive scale and a variety of great religious artifacts. There is a papal crypt, where 9 pontiffs have been buried. The tomb of St. Cecilia is situated nearby. Amazing catacombs are real storehouses of Christian historical artifacts. Next - Inkerman Cave Monastery of St. Clement