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Ipogeo di via Dino Compagni: A Hidden Roman Cemetery

Explore a unique Roman catacomb featuring a blend of Christian and pagan art, hidden beneath the city streets.

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The Ipogeo di via Dino Compagni, also known as the Catacomb of Via Latina, is a privately-owned, late-antique underground cemetery in Rome. Discovered in 1956 during construction, it features unique frescoes blending Christian and pagan themes, offering a glimpse into 4th-century Roman burial practices.

A brief summary to Ipogeo di via Dino Compagni

Local tips

  • Note that the site is not always open to the public; check the official Vatican website for current hours and booking information.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as the entrance is via a manhole cover and involves descending a staircase.
  • Photography may be restricted inside to preserve the frescoes; inquire about current policies before your visit.
  • The temperature inside the hypogeum can be cooler than outside, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Roma Termini station, take Metro Line A towards Anagnina. Get off at the Furio Camillo station. From there, walk southeast on Via Cesare Baronio, then turn left onto Via Latina. Continue along Via Latina until you reach number 258. The entrance to the Ipogeo di via Dino Compagni is a manhole cover on the sidewalk. A single metro ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Rome. A taxi from Roma Termini to Via Latina, 258, will cost approximately €8-€15, depending on traffic and time of day. Be sure the taxi is an official white taxi with a visible license number.

  • Walking

    From the Parco della Caffarella, walk north along Via Latina. Continue on Via Latina until you reach number 258. The entrance to the Ipogeo di via Dino Compagni is a manhole cover on the sidewalk. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes.

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Discover more about Ipogeo di via Dino Compagni

The Ipogeo di via Dino Compagni, situated near Via Latina in Rome's Appio-Latino district, is a fascinating, privately-owned underground cemetery dating back to late antiquity. Often referred to as the Catacomb of Via Latina, this site remained hidden from ancient sources and was only rediscovered in 1956 during construction work. The unearthing occurred during the building of a new palazzo, and the discovery was kept secret until the building was complete. This led to damage to the frescoes and structures due to both the construction and clandestine activity. Engineer Mario Santa Maria reported the catacomb's discovery to the Pontifical Commission of Sacred Archaeology in November 1956. Father Antonio Ferrua was tasked with inspecting the site, quickly recognizing its exceptional nature. Excavation work continued for months, concluding in June 1956. The hypogeum is structured on a single level and was initially created to house the tombs of related families. What makes this catacomb particularly interesting is that not all family members had converted to Christianity, evidenced by frescoes depicting both Christian and pagan subjects. Scholars, including Leonella De Santis, have described the catacomb as a genuine "4th-century art gallery" because of its rich decoration. The catacomb was in use for a relatively short period, from the early 4th century to around 350-360 AD. The layout includes two parallel galleries, approximately 18 meters apart, intersected at right angles by another gallery. This gallery leads to a series of cubiculi and crypts, which are the most architecturally and artistically significant. The original entrance is now blocked by a modern structure, and the current entrance is through a manhole on the Via Latina pavement. Inside, visitors can see scenes from the Old and New Testaments, as well as pagan themes, reflecting the diverse beliefs of the families who used this burial complex.

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