The "Queen of the catacombs"

The Catacombs of Priscilla, on the Via Salaria, rank among the oldest and most revered in Rome, so much so that antiquity itself named them the "Queen of the catacombs" (Regina catacumbarum). Carved out from the 2nd century onward, they hold extraordinary witnesses to early Christianity, including what is considered the oldest image of the Virgin Mary with the Child. They are cared for by a community of Benedictine nuns and can only be visited on a guided tour.

The history

The name most likely comes from Priscilla, a noble Roman matron tied to the senatorial family that donated the land for these burials. The galleries, cut on several levels into the tuff, received thousands of Christians, popes and martyrs of the first centuries. Unlike so many monuments standing in full daylight, here you descend into the heart of underground Rome, where the faith of the first Christians left marks that still move visitors today.

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What makes these catacombs unique

  • The oldest image of the Virgin Mary with the Child, of extraordinary value.
  • The Cappella Greca (Greek Chapel), with strikingly beautiful early Christian frescoes.
  • The Velatio fresco (the "veiling"), one of the most celebrated scenes here.
  • The authentic atmosphere of Rome's earliest Christian age.

We go deeper in our guides on what to see at the Catacombs of Priscilla and on the oldest image of the Virgin Mary.

The guided visit

The catacombs can be seen only on a guided tour, both to protect the site and to keep you oriented in the galleries. For hours, tickets, and how it works, see our guide Catacombs of Priscilla: tickets and hours. To get there, check how to reach the Catacombs of Priscilla.

Which catacomb to choose

Rome has several catacombs open to visitors: beyond Priscilla, there are San Callisto, Domitilla, and San Sebastiano. To help you decide, see our guide the catacombs of Rome: which ones to visit.

Frequently asked questions

What are the Catacombs of Priscilla? Ancient Christian catacombs on the Via Salaria, known as the "Queen of the catacombs" and famous for the oldest image of the Virgin Mary and their early Christian frescoes. They are visited with a guide.

Why are they called the "Queen of the catacombs"? For their great age, their importance, and the treasures they hold, including the burials of popes and martyrs from the first centuries of Christianity.

Can you visit on your own? No: access is generally allowed only on a guided tour, both to protect the site and to keep visitors oriented in the underground galleries.

Where are they? On the Via Salaria, northeast of central Rome. They are cared for by a community of Benedictine nuns.

What's so special about them? Above all, the oldest known image of the Virgin Mary with the Child and the frescoes of the Cappella Greca (Greek Chapel): exceptionally rare witnesses to early Christianity.

See also

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Article #482 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026