The Catacomb of S. Callixtus extends between the Via Appia Antica and the Via Ardeatina and is, according to sources, the oldest official cemetery of the Christian community in Rome. The complex takes its name from the deacon Callisto who, under Pope Zephyrinus (199-217), was in charge of the administration of the cemetery and who, having become pope (217-222), greatly enlarged it.
The Lateran Complex includes several places of great interest: the Basilica with its Cloister, the Baptistery and the Holy Stairs which encloses the Papal Chapel of the Sancta Sanctorum. Wanted by the emperor Constantine after his conversion and the victory over Maxentius, it was consecrated in 324 AD. And it is for this reason that it is defined the mater et caput of all the churches of Rome and of the world. This Basilica is the Cathedral of the Diocese of Rome and the seat of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope.
The Catacomb of S. Callixtus develops in some points even on five floors and its galleries have a development of over 10 kilometers. In 1854 the archaeologist Giovanni Battista de Rossi discovered the crypt of the popes, which housed the burials of the popes who reigned between 230 and 283. Nine popes and three bishops were buried in this tomb. In a contiguous environment is the burial of St. Cecilia, a Roman matron who tradition remembers as the one who took care to give a worthy burial to so many Roman martyrs.
The Lateran Complex constitutes a unique testimony of the history of Christianity. At the center of the complex there is the Basilica dedicated to the SS. Salvatore and the SS. John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. In its heart was the Patriarch, the seat of the Popes until the early 1300s. Upon returning from exile in Avignon, the residence of the Popes then moved to the Vatican. Constantine's mother brought the Praetorium Stairway here from Jerusalem, which Jesus walked through during his trial. In one of her chapels, the Sancta Sanctorum, the most sacred relics of Christianity were kept.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Please be advised that, from November 20, 2024 until December 20, 2024, barring any further needs, entry to the basilica will be permitted exclusively from Piazza San Giovanni Paolo II (Obelisco side).
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IMPORTANT: Always start your visit from the Catacombs of San Callisto. If you don't have enough time you can visit the Lateran Complex also the following day.
From Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am - 16:30 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am - 16:30 pm
Opening hours of the Lateran Complex
Audio guide languages: Italian, English, French, Spanish, German
For the guided tour of the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus:
Available languages: Italian, English, French, Spanish, German.
Catacombs of Saint Callixtus
Address: Via Appia Antica, 110
Lateran complex
Address: Piazza San Giovanni In Laterano
Metro: line A, San Giovanni stop (5 minutes walk from the station)
Open Bus Vatican & Rome: Stop n ° 10 San Giovanni in Laterano
