Catacombs of Priscilla
One of Rome’s most significant early Christian burial sites, the Catacombs of Priscilla honour a noblewoman whose gift of land established this underground cemetery, known in antiquity as the “queen of catacombs.”
At a glance
Accessed through the cloister of an ancient Benedictine convent, the Catacombs of Priscilla extend beneath the Via Salaria. The cemetery was named for Priscilla, an Acilii Glabrioni family member who likely donated the land that initiated the catacomb’s development.
History
Excavated over three centuries—from the 2nd through 5th centuries—the catacombs began with pre-existing underground structures. These included a sandstone chamber, a cryptoporticus corridor, and the hypogeum containing the tombs of the Acilii Glabrioni, an aristocratic Roman family.
The designation “queen of catacombs” reflects the large number of martyrs interred here, making Priscilla one of the most venerated burial grounds in early Christian Rome. By the 4th century at latest, the cemetery bore Priscilla’s name, honouring her as the benefactor whose generosity enabled the site’s foundation.
What you see
The catacomb preserves its original layout of hypogeal (underground) chambers constructed from tufa and sandstone. The cryptoporticus—a vaulted corridor typical of Roman construction—connects passages that once led pilgrims through galleries of loculi (burial niches) and larger tomb chambers.
The most significant chamber is the hypogeum of the Acilii Glabrioni family, which served as the nucleus around which the cemetery subsequently expanded during the early Christian period.
Cultural significance
The Catacombs of Priscilla hold exceptional importance for understanding early Christian practices, iconography, and community life in Imperial Rome. The concentration of martyrs’ graves elevated its spiritual status among pilgrims and made it a destination for veneration throughout late antiquity.
Named in ancient topographical and liturgical documents, it remains a primary source for studying the religious beliefs and burial customs of early Christians before Constantine’s legalization of Christianity.
Key facts
- Address: Via Salaria, 430, Rome
- Coordinates: 41.929660785779916, 12.508728504180908
- Period of excavation: 2nd–5th centuries
- Website: catacombepriscilla.com
Practical information
The catacombs are accessed through the cloister of the ancient Benedictine convent of Priscilla. Opening hours and admission fees are available on the official website.
Getting there
The site is located on Via Salaria in northern Rome. Public transport connections and parking details are best confirmed through the official website or by contacting the site directly.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
See this place and what’s around it →📷 Diventa un fotografo di Cultural Heritage Online
Condividi le tue foto dei luoghi: restano pubblicate con la tua firma come autore. Più vengono viste, più ti fai conoscere — e presto un concorso premierà le foto più apprezzate.
Accedi o registrati gratis per aggiungere una foto