Rome, Catacombs of San Callisto, Tour and Concert

Listen to the music of the early Christians and visit the most famous catacombs in Rome

An exciting concert in the heart of Christianity

Experience a unique opportunity in Rome during the Jubilee year, exclusively at the Catacombs of San Callisto, made possible by a special concession from the Vatican. You will have the chance to listen to the chants of the early Christians performed by our historically informed ensemble, dressed as they were in the early centuries of Christianity. The musical performance will be held in the Tricora, a small basilica reserved for our event, located next to the entrance of the catacombs, which houses significant paleochristian artifacts.

Through music, you will relive the dramatic moments of the early spread of Christianity, characterized by the violent persecutions that forced the first believers to seek refuge in these underground locations. The musical program begins with the Hymn of Oxyrhynchus, the oldest known Christian musical piece—one of the works that surely resonated within these catacombs. The music you will hear captures the religious fervor of the men and women who first embraced the Christian faith, which spread across the world thanks to their sacrifices. The program will also include chants from Christian Rome, spanning from the early centuries to the 16th century, featuring liturgical songs of the early Church as well as compositions by renowned Renaissance composers such as Palestrina, Victoria, Morales, and other masters of the Sistine Chapel.

At the conclusion of the concert, you will be accompanied by an archaeologist into the catacombs, who will guide you through the most remarkable areas of underground Rome in your preferred language (IT, EN, FR, DE, ES). This unparalleled offering in Rome promises to move you with its spiritual depth and the beauty of the musical repertoire, creating a cultural experience that will be one of the most treasured memories of your visit.

You won’t have to wait in line at the ticket office, as your ticket will be provided directly by us at the beginning of this extraordinary experience.

Dress code: Holy place, shoulders & knees covered

Duration: 90 min.

Start time: 10:30 a.m.
Admission time: 10:00 a.m.
End time: 12.00 p.m. (approximately)

Meeting Point: Catacombe di San Callisto, Tricora Basilica, near the Ticket Office.

What’s Included:

Entrance ticket to the Catacombs of San Callisto (skip the line)

Private and exclusive access to the ancient Tricora Chapel

Concert performed by our historically informed ensemble in period costumes

Presentation of the musical program in English

Guided tour of the Catacombs of San Callisto with archaeologists in English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian.

Program and cast

Music:

Gregorian Chant
Hymns and Chants of the Early Christians
Sacred Polyphonic Music from the Ancient Christian Tradition

Artists:

Schola Romana Ensemble

Cantus, Altus, Tenor, Bassus, and Conductor