A multi-level labyrinth

A visit to the Catacombs of Domitilla takes you into the largest underground network in Rome: miles of tunnels carved into the tuff across several levels, holding thousands of burials. Here is what not to miss on the guided tour.

The underground basilica of Nereus and Achilleus

The single most remarkable feature is the semi-underground basilica dedicated to the martyrs Nereus and Achilleus, built directly over their tombs and partly cut into the rock. It is the only catacomb in Rome to preserve a basilica still in use for worship inside it: a deeply atmospheric place where early Christian history is still alive. We cover it in depth here: the basilica of Nereus and Achilleus.

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The frescoes and the Good Shepherd

The galleries are lined with fascinating early Christian frescoes, including depictions of the Good Shepherd (Christ carrying the lamb on his shoulders), one of the oldest and most beloved symbols of Christianity. Other scenes evoke biblical episodes and emblems of salvation, a testament to the faith and hope of the first Christians.

The galleries, cubicula, and arcosolia

The tour passes through:

  • The long galleries (ambulacra) across several levels.
  • The cubicula, small burial chambers for families.
  • The arcosolia and loculi, the different types of tomb.
  • Decorated spaces and inscriptions from the earliest Christian Rome.

How to plan your visit

  1. Follow the guided tour through the galleries
  2. Visit the underground basilica of Nereus and Achilleus
  3. Take in the frescoes, including the Good Shepherd
  4. Understand the layout of cubicula, arcosolia, and loculi
  5. Soak up the atmosphere of Rome's largest catacomb

Frequently asked questions

What can you see at the Catacombs of Domitilla? The multi-level galleries, the semi-underground basilica of Nereus and Achilleus (still in use for worship), and early Christian frescoes, including the Good Shepherd.

What is the basilica of Nereus and Achilleus? A semi-underground basilica built over the tombs of the martyrs Nereus and Achilleus, the only one of its kind among Rome's catacombs and still in use for worship today.

What is the Good Shepherd? One of the oldest Christian images: Christ depicted as a shepherd carrying the lamb on his shoulders, a symbol of salvation and care.

Why are these the largest? Because they extend for miles of galleries across several levels: they are the most expansive catacomb complex in Rome.

Is there a lot of walking underground? The guided tour covers stretches of galleries on several levels; the route is manageable but cool and damp, so dress comfortably.

See also

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Article #490 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026