Hello World! <BR>Does anyone know if to see the catacombs in Rome in detail, must one join a tour? I read from somewhere that without a guide there a certain areas you can't see. <BR> <BR>Thanks <BR>Judy <BR>

When I went back in 1992, I'm pretty sure we had to follow a tour guide into the catacombs. I don't remember it being very expensive, and they have different language guides. I think you'd miss a lot without some explanation, and you might even get lost down there. <BR> <BR>We were able to take public transport (bus) out to the catacombs, though.

Judy, in 1995, we visited the catacombs on the Appian Way. We took a bus there and caught one coming back. There are two major catacomb sites very near to each other, so if one isn't open, the other is. I think ours was Saint Sebastian. The entrance to the catacombs is a church, and the priests who serve the church serve as guides. We were the only ones on our tour. Our guide was a Roman priest who had actually attended college in our city in the Midwest! I can't even remember what it cost, but I know that we gave him an extra tip because it he was so knowledgeable and our visit was so interesting. Plus, I wouldn't want to be down there alone. We moved frequently in near dark, the priest switching on and off the lightbulbs. Also walk a little down the Appian Way and see the ruins of Roman walls out in the fields, and also the tomb of the wife of ????? The name escapes me now, Melida, Calenda, no that's not it, you'll find it in the tour books.

Judy, here's another thought. Underneath St. Peter's at the Vatican is the grotto, where saints and popes are buried. Everyone has access to that site. But underneath the grotto are ancient ruins that were just discovered in the 1950's. The only way to see these ruins is to apply to the Vatican for one of their tours. They are called the "Scavi Tours", they take about 2 hours. We tried to do it in March when we were in Rome, but they prohibit children under the age of 16, and we were with the kids. Anyway, you get the application form from the Vatican, send it back, then the Vatican contacts you when you arrive in Rome and tells you when you are scheduled to tour, so you need to be flexible. There is a charge, but I have been told it is well worth the cost.

How do you get an application for the Scavi Tours?

I went to see the ones at Appian Way last summer. The tour was compulsory - i.e. you could not see anything at all of the catacombs without joining one. But yes, they were inexpensive. My tour was rather full but still, worthwhile for the commentary. Also remember that each of the catacombs is closed one day a week. <BR>

Howard, FAX 011-39-06-679-1448. This is the office of the administrator (Bishop) who handles requests from Americans. Good luck getting a tour, and please post something here or email me to tell me your opinion.

At S. Agnese fuori Mura on the Via <BR>Nomentana you can go to a set of <BR>catacombs. They are not as large as the <BR>Via Appia catacombs. However, they are <BR>in very good shape, and both the church <BR>and the ajoining S. Constanza are <BR>beautiful. I would also add my recc to <BR>see the Scavi at S. Peter's.