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 (5 years ago)
Currently not open to visitors.

Ro (6 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 (6 years ago)
Closed place wish to save God how long .... No information about it anywhere ... As always in Sicily.

Chris W (6 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 (8 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 Andy Hay

Historic Site of the week

Argos Theater

The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.

The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.

Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.

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

Argos Theater