THE CATACOMBS OF SIRACUSA

The Palaeo-Christian heritage of catacombs at Siracusa is the most important in Italy after Rome and includes the Catacombs of S. Giovanni, of Vigna Cassia, and of S. Lucia ( hypogeum still unknown to the systematic studies). It is a riches that goes through the subterranean city, precious document and evidence of the history of Christianity.
The catacomb of S. Giovanni was started by the end of the 4th century, following a pre-existing greek water system carved and enlarged in order to gain larger galleries and some rotundas with three different kinds of burial: loculi, arosoli and fosse terragne.
In the 5th century there have been several important findings, from the sarcophagus of Adelfia, a monument of rare beauty carved in the marble, to the inscription of Euskia “the shadowed” that records the cult of S. Lucia.
The catacomb of Vigna Cassia consists of a community cemetery and five private hypogeums decorated with frescos with entirely christian subject matter. This necropoli is aticulated in three parts, two of which originate in the 2nd - 3rd century while the third one in the 4th century.
The catacomb of S. Lucia is the oldest one and originate in the 2nd century a.C. This catacomb is articulated in different parts with loculi, cubicula and areas with special burial palces that during the Byzantine period were transformed into places for cult, under the church of S. Lucia al Sepolcro. The catacomb is not open to the public.

Visiting the catacombs is a religious experience that gives a start to the comprehension of art, culture, spirituality, life and death perception, during a crucial stage of western history.
The classic civilization drops into the christian civilization, which was able to receive the best from the ancient heritage.
Visiting the catacombs means to reach the roots of our history.

The catacombs of Siracusa are under the jurisdiction of the Papal Commission of Sacred Archaeology, the Vatican body responsible for the care and promotion of the catacombs. Following the restoration of several paintings in the catacomb of Vigna Cassia and S. Giovanni, plans for the catacomb of S. Giovanni include the opening of a small museum where visitors could see the objects discovered during the excavations done in the catacombs after the agreement in 1925 between th Holy See and the Italian State, to create this commission.

Opening times
Catacomb of S. Giovanni
Mornings: 9.30 – 12.30
Afternoons: 14.30 – 17.30 ( 16.30 winter time )

Your entry ticket entitles you to a guided tour.
Reductions are available for school groups who bring a letter of presentation from the headmaster of the school. Free entry is provided for teachers, professors or any other assistant to groups; parents will pay full price.
Soldiers or others belonging to the armed forces, in uniform or with an identity card, will have a reduction.

For Mass to be celebrated in the Crypt of S. Marciano, please book in advance via fax (+39 (0)931 66751).

Catacomb of Vigna Cassia
Open only on request.

FOR INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS

Kairós S.r.l.
Tourism – Culture – Events
Tel. + 39 (0)931.64694 – Fax: +39 (0)931.66751
www.kairos-web.com - info@kairos-web.com