Catacombs of San Sebastiano

The Catacombs of San Sebastiano, located along the Via Appia Antica in Rome, represent one of the most fascinating examples of underground Christian necropolis. These catacombs are named after the martyr San Sebastiano, whose remains were deposited here in 350 AD and a basilica was erected on the site in the 4th century to honor him. Originally, the site was a place of pagan burial, but by the end of the 2nd century it became a Christian necropolis dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. During the persecutions of Christians under the emperor Valerian, the relics of the two apostles were temporarily transferred to this place, giving the area a particular sacredness. The name “catacombs” derives from the Latin term “ad catacumbas,” meaning “near the cavities,” referring to the nearby pozzolana quarries. The catacombs extend over four levels of galleries and underground passages, although today only the first level is accessible to the public. This intricate system of tunnels, about 12 kilometers long, houses numerous tombs and decorations, including frescoes and inscriptions. Particularly interesting are the mausoleums decorated with refined stuccoes and inscriptions in Greek and Latin. The Basilica of San Sebastiano, built by Constantine in the 4th century, is an important place of worship and pilgrimage. Initially called the Basilica Apostolorum, in honor of the apostles, it underwent significant renovations over the centuries. In the 17th century, Cardinal Scipione Borghese commissioned a major restoration of the basilica and the crypt, designed by Flaminio Ponzio and under the artistic direction of Guido Reni. This intervention included the creation of an imposing carved wooden ceiling, traditionally attributed to Giovanni Vasanzio, and the construction of the facade in 1612. Inside the basilica, there is the museum of sarcophagi and the chapel of relics, which houses an arrow from the martyrdom of San Sebastiano and the column to which he was tied. Also notable is the Albani chapel, built in 1706 by Pope Clement XI, decorated with polychrome marbles dedicated to San Fabiano. Furthermore, the basilica houses a famous relic related to the legend of “Quo Vadis?”, a stone with footprints attributed to Christ during his walk on the Via Appia. In addition to the religious and historical significance, the catacombs offer a unique glimpse into the life and funerary practices of early Christians in Rome. The galleries still contain traces of pictorial and architectural decorations, such as the mausoleum of the Innocentiores, known for its elaborate stuccoes and bilingual inscriptions. In one of the mausoleums, you can admire a vault decorated with the head of a gorgon, while another features motifs of creeping vines symbolizing eternal life.