Catacomb of Priscilla
Catacumba Priscillae | |
Isaiah (left) predicts the birth of the Messiah from the Virgin. Mary is shown nursing the Infant Jesus. Dated to the first half of the third century, likely 230-240 CE, Catacomb of Priscilla. | |
Catacombs of Priscilla Location in Rome, Italy | |
Click on the map to see marker. | |
| Location | Via Salaria, Rome, Italy |
|---|---|
| Region | Lazio |
| Coordinates | 41°55′47″N 12°30′31″E / 41.9297°N 12.5087°E |
| Type | Catacomb |
| History | |
| Builder | Early Christian community |
| Material | Tufa rock |
| Founded | Late 2nd century AD |
| Abandoned | After the 4th century AD |
| Periods | Late Roman Empire |
| Cultures | Early Christian |
| Site notes | |
| Discovered | Known continuously |
| Excavation dates | 19th century |
| Archaeologists | Giovanni Battista de Rossi; Josef Wilpert |
| Ownership | Holy See |
| Management | Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology |
| Public access | Yes |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural details | Loculi, cubicula, Greek Chapel, frescoed chambers |
The Catacomb of Priscilla is a large archaeological site on the Via Salaria in Rome, Italy, situated in what was a quarry in Roman times. The catacombs extend underground for over seven miles, making them one of Rome's most extensive catacombs. it was used for thousands of Christian burials from the late 2nd century through the 4th century. The origin of the catacomb's namesake is highly contested and theorized. In one theory, Priscilla belonged to the Acilii Glabriones family and was the woman patron who donated the site. The family name can be found etched into the hypogeum.
The walls also display some of the earliest known frescos of Biblical scenes. Many of these frescos are studied specifically for their portrayal of early Christian women.
The modern entrance to the catacombs are on the Via Salaria through the cloister of the monastery of the Benedictines of Priscilla. The Catacombs of Priscilla are divided into three notable areas: a Greek Chapel (Capella Greca), the cryptoporticus, and the tombs.