Private Tour: Rome’s Jewish Catacombs

Sightseeing  :  Italy  :  Latium And Rome  :  Rome  :  Private Sightseeing Tours

Delve beneath street level for a look at Rome's mysterious underground catacombs. On this 1.5-hour private tour, discover the Vigna Randanini catacombs, one of just two Jewish catacombs in Rome that are open to the public. As you explore the vaults, mortuaries and narrow walkways, listen as your guide explains Vigna Randanini’s history and translates the ancient Latin and Greek inscriptions on the marble tombs, and learn the differences between the Jewish catacombs and those of the Christians and pagans. Meet your private guide on Via Appia Pignatelli and begin your discovery of the Vigna Randanini catacombs. Located under Appian Way, one of the earliest known roads through ancient Rome, these Jewish catacombs were unearthed in the 19th century and are believed to date back to the 2nd century.

Head below ground and explore the catacombs with your guide, a knowledgeable archaeologist and historian. Creep down narrow shafts past vaults and mortuaries, noticing their remarkable state of preservation, and examine the intricate Latin and Greek epitaphs still visible on the marble tombs that line the burial chambers. You'll also learn the many differences between the Jewish catacombs and the Christian and pagan ones elsewhere in the city.

After 1.5 hours exploring the catacombs, head back up to street level to conclude your tour.