Brief history of the Catacombs of Domitilla
Early 2nd century AD: Construction begins on the premises of Flavia Domitilla, highlighting the connection between early Christian communities and influential Roman families.
The catacombs expand over centuries, featuring elaborate frescoes and inscriptions that reveal the faith and art of the era. They become a significant site for early Christian rituals, including burials and memorials.
4th century AD: Pope Damasus commissions a semi-underground basilica dedicated to Saints Nereus and Achilleus, who were martyred under the emperor Diocletian.
1593: Rediscovered by archaeologist Antonio Bosio, known as the ‘Columbus of the Catacombs’. However, they are once again abandoned over the years as simply a morbid quirk of the ancient city.
1873: Rediscovered once again by Giovanni Batista de Rossi. This time around, work begins on restoring paintings and the underground basilica.
Today, they serve as a poignant reminder of the city's rich spiritual history and its underground world.
History of Roman Catacombs explained