The Christian Catacombs during the Jubilee Year 2000

The Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology in Rome has confirmed several important events for the Jubilee Year 2000. The Christian catacombs are an official destination for holy year pilgrims, and in anticipation of an increase in mass pilgrimages, a new set of itineraries have been established at the catacombs of St. Sebastian, Domitilla, and St. Agnes, three of the five catacombs open on a regular basis to the public. Under this new system, two different sets of guided tours through the catacombs will be offered to visitors: a short visit for the larger groups which permits a larger flow of people through the limited space of the underground galleries, and a longer, more detailed exploration of galleries and chambers in the catacombs. In addition, chapels and lawns on the ground level above the catacombs have also been prepared for the celebration of masses and other religious gatherings for pilgrims.

The most exciting possibility for visitors to the Roman catacombs during the Jubilee Year will be a visit to the Catacomb of Sts. Peter and Marcellinus ad duos lauros on the via Casilina. This extensive catacomb has been much discussed for the richness of its repertoire of paintings and martyrs' shrines, including Sts. Peter, Marcellinus, and Tiburtius. Important paintings include The opening times of the Catacomb of Peter and Marcellinus will be listed on this page as soon as they become available.