About the Catacombs of Domitilla in Rome:
The Catacombs of Domitilla originated in the 2nd century AD on property owned by Flavia Domitilla, a noblewoman and convert to Christianity, connected to the Flavian dynasty and granddaughter of Emperor Vespasian. She was exiled for her faith, and donated her land for Christian burials. We celebrate her Feast on May 7.
The catacombs, extending 9-10 miles (15–17 km), with around 150,000 burials, are the largest and best-preserved in Rome, containing early Christian frescoes (e.g., a 2nd-century Last Supper, Christ as the Good Shepherd) and pagan imagery like Orpheus.
About the Basilica of Domitilla in Rome:
There is no stand-alone “Basilica of Domitilla,” but the basilica was built within the catacombs and is a significant feature. It is a semi-underground basilica dedicated to Saints Nereus and Achilleus, and Saint Petronilla.
The Basilica in the Catacombs of Domitilla was constructed towards the end of the 4th century, the exact date is unknown, but either during the pontificate of Pope Siricius (385–399) or possibly Pope Damasus I (366–384). Basilica of saints Nereus and Achilleus
The basilica is semi-underground, with its roof extending above ground, accessed via a modern staircase. It features three naves, a narthex, and an apse, separated by two rows of four columns with reused capitals.
The Basilica is dedicated to Saints Nereus and Achilleus, Roman soldiers martyred under Emperor Diocletian’s persecution (circa 304 AD), and Saint Petronilla, traditionally considered the daughter of Saint Peter.
The modern dedication of the complex is to Flavia Domitilla, though it’s also known as the Basilica dei Santi Nereo ed Achilleo or Basilica di Santa Petronilla.
A surviving column from the main altar depicts the beheading of Achilleus, a rare subject in Christian art. Behind the apse, a cubiculum contains a fresco of Saint Petronilla introducing the deceased Veneranda into heaven.
The basilica is unique as the only underground basilica in Rome’s catacombs open to the public, used exclusively for pilgrim liturgies with no fixed Mass schedule.
Traveling to The Catacombs of Domitilla and the Basilica of Domitilla in Rome:
The catacombs of Domitilla are along the ancient Via Ardeatina in the Ardeatino quarter. They are about 15 minutes from central Rome: take bus 714 from Termini to Navigatori stop, then a 10-minute walk, or bus 716 from Piazza Venezia, or 218 from San Giovanni metro.
Admission requires guided tours (no solo visits) and photography is prohibited. Not wheelchair-accessible and, is with the case of all of the catacombs, not recommended for claustrophobics. Since 2009, the Divine Word Missionaries (SVD) have been custodians, managing tours and liturgical celebrations under the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology.
The catacombs are normally closed from mid-December to mid-January.
Address: Catacombe S. Domitilla, Via delle Sette Chiese, 282 – 00147 Roma
email: info@domitilla.info
Click here for the official website of The Catacombs of Domitilla in Rome.