Roman Catacombs

Visiting cemeteries has been one of the common threads in this time away.  In Baltimore, I visited the gravesite of Edgar Allen Poe on All Saints Day.  A few weeks later I walked the cemeteries of New Orleans.  One of the prominent graves is that of a voodoo priestess from the 19th century.  People still visit her grave, leaving trinkets and items in hopes that Marie will grant their wish.  The above ground cemeteries are called, cities of the dead and are well worth a visit when one is in New Orleans.

Yesterday we visited the underground cemetery outside of Rome known as the catacombs.  This burial site is the final resting place of approximately 500,000 people.  There were units reserved for families where whole families would remain together.  There were also areas where former popes and martyrs were buried. 

Our guide led us through the site, explaining that there were actually four known levels to this particular catacomb.  The burials stopped sometime in the fourth century when Christians were permitted to be buried within the city walls of Rome.  The site continued to be a venerated place until invaders sacked the city and destroyed many of the tombs in search of treasures.  As a result, the catacombs were forgotten and not rediscovered for about 900 years. 

It was fascinating to walk through the often narrow walkways with empty tombs filling both sides of the path.  I always find it meaningful to visit the burial places and pay my respects, even if I do not know those who are buried there.

On a lighter note, while we were waiting for the catacombs to open, Diane and I were walking the outdoor portion.  We came upon four cats and a couple of older women feeding them.  We thought this was humorous to find cats among the catacombs and so Diane took a photo.  The women seemed surprised and with their best Englished asked, "Don't you have cats where you are from?"

They explained that they come to the grounds every day to feed the five cats who live there.  We had a delightful conversation with them and they guided us to some interesting sites while we awaited the opening of the catacombs.

Peace, my friends!