The catacombs are the ancient underground cemeteries, used by Jewish and Christian communities, especially in Rome from the second until the first half of the fifth century.
The tombs gave the idea of a large dormitory, called cemetery, a term of Greek origin that means place of rest. In this way the Christians wanted to affirm their belief in the resurrection of the body.
In ancient Rome the tombs and catacombs were often located on the outskirts.
An important part of the funerary complex north of Rome is certainly one of Santa Priscilla currently attached to a nunnery (Via Salaria No.430). Here you can admire some ancient Christian frescoes and a pair of hypogeous.
The Catacombs of Priscilla, however, are part of a broader funeral, also known as Villa Ada. Are close to the Santa Felicita (in Simeto). The entrance to the catacombs of Via Anapo and is placed between two residential condominiums. To visit and the 'must carry portable lamps.
More important catacombs of the north are those of Jewish Villa Torlonia, those of via Asmara and Santa Agnese.
Access to the catacombs of St. Agnes is possible from the homonymous Basilica Santa Agnes Outside the Walls. The church was built around 342 by Constance daughter of the Emperor Constantine to celebrate St. Agnes buried here.
St. Agnes is an important example of a Christian Basilica and it retains the splendid mosaics of the seventh century (to be classified among the most significant of Byzantine).
At the same religious complex of St. Agnes is located the relevant mausoleum of Santa Costanza built to house the remains of the daughters of Constantine (the already named Elena Costanza and then marry Giuliano l 'Apostate). The building - a central plan - is beautiful and all times are covered with mosaics (for reasons including ornamental), which generally date from the fourth century. The sarcophagus in porphyry Constance explained, however, is only a copy of the original is preserved in the Vatican.
 |
 |
|
