Best Roman Catacombs? Is the Appian Way a Worthwhile Half Day?

A friendly bump - I, too, am curious about the Appian Way!

We spent half a day there, visited one catacombe and walked along the way. We regretted not having done enough research to rent a bike and be able to explore more. Just by walking it can get very tiring and you don't get very far. Especially if you spent already a good chunk of your time lining up to get into the catacombs.

Which catacombs are the best? Can't tell because we only saw one of them (can't remember which one). We chose it simply because it was the one that was open on the particular day we were able to visit. The catacombs are not open every day and each has a different opening schedule.

I've only been to one-San Callisto, but I think they are all pretty much alike-rooms dug out underground with slabs (now empty of course) where the remains were placed. San Callisto did have some larger rooms for richer families and Popes.

We visited San Sebastiano catacombs and really enjoyed the tour. We took the bus from Termini and it dropped us off right out front. Spent the next couple hours walking the Appian Way, very enjoyable as it was a sunny day and not crowded at all - a refreshing change from the city! We had lunch at a restaurant situated between San Sebastiano and Cecilia Metella - and sat on the outside patio for our meal. The bus back into Rome stops just across the street from the restaurant so it was very convenient. I would definitely recommend the outing if you have the time.

Laurie - What were your thoughts on San Callisto? Did you experience any more of the Appian Way or was it just the catacomb and then you were out of there?

Terry - That sounds nice. Are you able to compare it to a Tivoli day trip (Villa D'Este and Hadrian's Villa)? Or no? I'm trying to decide which I should do.

We went to the Via Appia in 2004. It is a wonderful place and perfect for picknicking. You enter the Via at a point just off another road. The sign read - whenn we were there- that the Appian Way was to the left and a set of catacombs to the right. Instructions on how to get to it are either in ETBD or Rick's Italy book

bump for some more opinions. :-)

Ben: I visited the San Callisto catacombs. Generally ok and worthwhile, but not on my "must do" list. Also walked a portion of the Appian Way just to experience the bumpy cobblestones. I'd do the catacombs only as time permits and only after doing other more impressive but sometimes overlooked sites, like the ancient underground of San Clemente, Terme de Caracala or the Vatican scavi (if you can get a reservation). Have a great trip.

Dick,

San Clemente is on my "must visit" list for this trip, but actually I had not planned on seeing the Baths of Caracalla. This is only due to Rick Steves opinion in the "Palatine Hill Tour" section of his ROME book. He says, "From this viewpoint, looking to the left, you can see the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla (not worth touring if you've seen the Palatine) rising above the trees a half-mile away." Obviously, you disagree with him though.

About the Scavi Tour, my interest is pretty high on that, but working it into our schedule could be tough (assuming there are even any openings). How would you rate the Scavi Tour compared to San Clemente's underground areas?

I have a reservation for the scavi tour in two weeks, but based on everything I have heard, the excavations at St. Peter's are in class alone. Still, San Clemente is really quite amazing. The church itself has some beautiful frescoes, but what lies beneath is fascinating. And yes, I found a close-up view of Terme di Caracalla to be very worthwhile. So much to see, Rome is worth more time than most people have!