Visit The Jewish Catacombs Of Vigna Randanini

The catacombs of Paris and Rome are some of the most famous in the world and, certainly, the most well-known in Europe. While there are many that can be readily visited in Rome, there is a particularly unique site underneath the Via Appia. Vigna Randanini is one of just seven Jewish catacombs in Rome and one of the only two which have been opened to the public for tours. Eerie, fascinating and rich in carving, particularly of Jewish faith subjects such as the Ark of the Covenant and the seven-branch candelabrum and decorations such as flowers and animals, it is an absolute must for those interested in Jewish history and heritage in a city so overwhelmed by the presence of Catholicism.

Find a holiday rental in Rome and make an appointment to see the catacombs for yourself.

The name of the catacombs comes from an old name for the area in which they were found. Vigna Randanini is located between the via Appia Pignatelli and the via Appia Antica. The underground burial site, featuring tombs carved into the volcanic stone, was developed during the 3rd and 4th centuries AD. The catacombs at Vigna Randanini, amazingly, houses several thousand burial sites.

The dead were buried in painted loculi, cubicula, and kokhim.

The presence of the kokhim immediately sets Vigna Randanini apart from Rome's pagan and Christian catacombs. Kokhim are deep chambers in which the deceased would be buried perpendicular to the wall with openings sealed by marble epitaphs. The Vigna Randanini complex is also unique because of its wide corridors, the predominance of Latin and Greek inscriptions and the unusual absence of Hebrew and Aramaic.

Vigna Randanini was discovered in 1859 and has since been reopened to the public but only in limited numbers and at set times.


Are allowed small groups of no more then twelve people on the first Monday of each month and private tours can also be arranged. The itinerary begins at the exterior mausoleum on Via Appia and moves down through wider galleries to the kokhim graves and painted cubicula. The catacomb is in very good condition and the smaller space (smaller than many of the Christian and pagan catacombs) allows visitors to experience more of the variety of spaces, tomb forms and many inscriptions during the time-limit of the tour.

For those interested in visiting Roman catacombs without the hustle and bustle of the worn tourist route or interested in Jewish history, a visit to Vigna Randanini would enrich any trip to Rome.