Vigna Cassia Catacombs, Syracuse, Italy

The Vigna Cassia catacombs located next to thel Parco Archeologico Neapolis, owe their name to the family that owned the vineyard (at the time of discovery), which was located above the catacombs themselves.

They were found in 1852 during excavations by the Commission of Antiquities and Fine Arts, which at the discovery of steps carved into the rock that led to about 15 meters below street level, decided to deepen the research. After the excavations they discovered that the steps continued to a depth of 25 metres and that they led to the beginning of a series of tunnels.

The Catacombs of Vigna Cassia are considered the largest in Sicily, the beginning of their construction dates back to the third century AD, were active from the second half of the fourth century AD and presented themselves as a real cemetery consisting of a ipogeo of communities, but also five private hypogeums (intended for individual burials).

References:

sicilyintravel.com

Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Italy

User Reviews

Armando Antonio Flesca (4 years ago)
Currently not open to visitors.

Ro (5 years ago)
After walking 30 min on purpose to see them !!! We arrived again at another point of Syracuse closed for a long time (totally abandoned the status of the entrance, without signaling) but that on Google and on its official website STILL FIGURE OPEN !!

Granate (5 years ago)
Closed place wish to save God how long .... No information about it anywhere ... As always in Sicily.

Chris W (5 years ago)
As a highlight, the catacombs of Syracuse are described in the guidebooks and so we did not want to miss this and let us kidnap in the enthralling world under Syracuse. Unfortunately it was closed. No sign from when to when, no opportunity to ask, ring or anything. Pity, that was nothing.

sebastiano bono (7 years ago)
Enchanting place that represents the history of Syracuse, just restored, clean with a large park, well cared for and a reference point for families and children.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright santiagolopezpastor

Historic Site of the week

Roman Theatre

The Roman Theatre of Mérida is a construction promoted by the consul Vipsanius Agrippa in the Roman city of Emerita Augusta, capital of Lusitania (current Mérida). It was constructed in the years 16 to 15 BCE. One of the most famous and visited landmarks in Spain, the Roman Theatre of Mérida is regarded as a Spanish cultural icon and was chosen as one of the 12 Treasures of Spain.

The theatre has undergone several renovations, notably at the end of the 1st century or early 2nd century CE (possibly during the reign of Emperor Trajan), when the current facade of the scaenae frons was erected, and another in the time of Constantine I (between 330 and 340), which introduced new decorative-architectural elements and a walkway around the monument. Following the theatre"s abandonment in Late Antiquity, it was slowly covered with earth, with only the upper tiers of seats (summa cavea) remaining visible.

Vigna Cassia Catacombs

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Roman Theatre