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.
Duration: 90 min.
Venue: Rome, Catacombe di San Callisto • Via Appia Antica 110
Rome, Catacombe di San Callisto
Along the ancient Appian Way, one of the most iconic and well-preserved roads of ancient Rome, you will find mausoleums and remnants from the imperial era, which we suggest you visit before or after the concert. In this area, you can also explore the famous underground catacombs, carved out by early Christians to escape persecution, celebrate liturgies, and bury their dead, including martyrs and popes. The Catacombs of San Callisto are the most famous and frequently visited in Rome, known for their extensive networks and multiple levels that reach up to 20 meters deep. The spaces were adorned with mosaics and frescoes, some of which are still visible today, such as in the crypt of Saint Cecilia, the patroness of music and singing, who was martyred under Emperor Domitian.
Program
Program
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
Ticketing
Available by reservation only until the day before the event
Meeting Point: Catacombe di San Callisto, Tricora Basilica, near the Ticket Office.
Admission time: 10:00 a.m.
Start time: 10:15 a.m.
Entrance: € 68 Standard ticket
With Roma pass you have a discount: € 62 instead of € 68
Groups: -10%
Dress code: Holy place, shoulders & knees covered
What's included
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.
This was truly a lovely experience. Make this a part of your “to see and to do” list while you are in Rome.
A one of kind opportunity to live The Eternal City with all of our senses at once. Thank you!
The concerts were intimate experiences of talented musicians and singers, splendid music and the vibrant spaces of the churches where the concerts took place.
A superb way to spend an hour in this wonderful city
Intellectually fulfilling and fun. It may not seem very touristic, but it would take your visit to Rome to another level.
The concert would have been enough with just the knowledgeable tour of the church. Add beautiful baroque music to that and I was in heaven.
We felt almost transported back in time. An experience not to be missed.
Shouldn't be missed by anyone who likes music, especially early music!.
What a great way to have an experience in a Baroque Palazzo.
It was a unique experience! Interesting and moving.
We were charmed by the genuine enthusiasm of the performers and recommend to other Travellers
We warmly recommend anybody, visiting Rom, who loves painting art as well as music to participate to this sound and vision tour.
beautiful church, and music!
Great venue - beautiful singing - they really gave it all they had. Highly recommended. Great start to any evening in Rome.
Well worth the investment of time and money.
A definite highlight of our trip