Basilica e Catacombe di Generosa image

Basilica e Catacombe di Generosa

Museum • Historical landmark

đź‘Ťđź‘Ť We visited the Catacombs with the guided tour, organized by the Generosa Catacombs Committee. We would like to thank the president of the Committee, Mr. Nicola de Guglielmo, and the volunteers for their commitment to disseminating the history and historical heritage of the XI Municipality of Rome. People often mention catacombs, Generosa, martyrs, basilica, catacomb, Catacombs, visit, remains, built, Rome,


Address

Via delle Catacombe di Generosa, 41, 00148 Roma RM, Italy

Website

www.comitatocatacombedigenerosa.it

Contact

+39 349 793 0661

Rating on Google Maps

3.90 (34 reviews)

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Working Hours

  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: 3:30 to 4:30 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: catacombs (15) Generosa (14) martyrs (14) basilica (10) catacomb (10) Catacombs (8) visit (7) remains (6) built (6) Rome (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Roberto C. 1 year ago on Google • 1609 reviews
    It reminded me a little of the catacombs of Commodilla but more is needed... On a hill not far from the Israeli hospital (you have to turn right and walk about 600 metres) on the street of the same name you arrive at a small well-kept park - difficult find parking, arm yourself with patience - but not accessible (once a month) owned by the Capitoline superintendence but managed by the good volunteers of the Generosa committee. The place, on the top of which a cross culminates, stands out for being simple and bare and still has much to investigate. These are semi-pogean catacombs (you go down a few steps) on a single level, not pathetically precious, which house many niches still closed, some marble epigraphs and many bones. Of particular value is an arcosolium with the remains of frescoes especially on the sides and a fresco with the remains (restored but very deteriorated) depicting the three martyr brothers who were buried here (Generous is called the brown woman who donated the land for the burials). On the surface there are few remains of what was the basilica built on the cemetery before the relics were transferred and the place abandoned. With due valorization by the municipality it would be of greater interest and we hope that the funds received will serve to make these cultural resources of the neighborhood (twinned with Fulda, a city built around the relics of the saints once buried here) usable. Look at the photos and videos I have posted and the other reviews I have done on Rome and its wonders and if I have been useful click on useful and if you want follow me
    9 people found this review helpful đź‘Ť

  • 5/5 Colei che corre sulle o. 1 year ago on Google • 179 reviews
    We visited the Catacombs with the guided tour, organized by the Generosa Catacombs Committee. We would like to thank the president of the Committee, Mr. Nicola de Guglielmo, and the volunteers for their commitment to disseminating the history and historical heritage of the XI Municipality of Rome.
    11 people found this review helpful đź‘Ť

  • 5/5 Vasili T. 6 years ago on Google • 740 reviews
    This set of catacombs is historically associated with the martyrs SS Simplicius, Faustinus and Beatrice -the "Portuensian Martyrs". A 4th century church dedicated to them stood here, and scanty ruins of it survive. Mass is celebrated on the altar in the basilica ruins on 29 July, which is the feast-day of the martyrs. It is also occasionally celebrated for pilgrim groups. When suburban development began of the area in the Fifties, a group of parishioners of what is now "Santa Maria del Rosario ai Martiri Portuensi" took an interest. This group became the present "Comitato di Catacombe Generosa". They were able to protest against any development threatening the site, and in 1965 were able to conduct their first guided tour of the catacombs. These continue to the present day, about once a month. The entrance to the catacombs is towards the end of the Via delle Catacombe di Generosa, which is a dead-end street. If you are visiting privately, drive down this until you see a car park on your left. You should be able to find a space here. Just before the car park is a free-standing two-storey house with its frontage very near the street, and next to this is a derelict little building. In between the two is a narrow footpath without a sign, which leads to the grassed area containing the catacomb site. The car park concerned is for the local residents, so it is requested that not more than one vehicle come here at any one time -and no coaches.
    5 people found this review helpful đź‘Ť

  • 5/5 vincenzo m. 3 years ago on Google • 792 reviews
    The catacomb is located inside a hill, and develops on a single level. The ancient entrance to the catacomb, as with other Roman catacombs, was closed by a basilica. The current entrance to the catacomb is recently built, and consists of a small brick structure closed by an iron door. The catacomb was created, according to tradition, for the burial of the martyrs Simplicio and Faustino, killed in 303 during the empire of Diocletian. The underground cemetery was mostly used for the burial of farmers from the surrounding area, and therefore reveals a sober and poor style. Around 382 Pope Damasus had the semipogean basilica built and the catacomb stopped being a cemetery and became a place of worship for the martyrs buried there. In 682 Pope Leo II had the relics of the martyrs of Generosa moved to the church of Santa Bibiana all'Esquilino: the catacomb was thus progressively abandoned and its location fell into oblivion. The discovery, in the 19th century, of marble inscriptions aroused the interest of the archaeologist Giovanni de Rossi, who in 1868 discovered the remains of the basilica and shortly afterwards the catacomb of Generosa. Restoration work on the catacomb. Further excavation campaigns were carried out by the Ecole Française of Rome between 1980 and 1986, which made it possible to establish the exact size of the basilica above ground, which had three naves divided by pillars. There are four martyrs remembered in the catacomb of Generosa, today commonly called the holy martyrs of Portu: Simplicio, Faustino, Viatrice (or Beatrice) and Rufiniano.
    4 people found this review helpful đź‘Ť

  • 4/5 Laura 1 year ago on Google • 730 reviews
    The basilica stands along the Via Portuense and was built at the behest of Pope Damasus - in the 4th century AD - inside the catacombs of Generosa where the martyrs Simplicio, Faustina and Beatrice were buried. The semi-underground place of worship, brought to light following archaeological investigations conducted during the second half of the 19th century, appears as a large building divided into three naves of different widths. It was conceived with an irregular plan to facilitate entry into the catacombs which took place through the Introitus ad Martyres door, to the right of the apse. Several tombs found inside testify to how the basilica was also used as a burial place. Following its abandonment, which occurred at the end of the 6th century, the remains of the martyrs were moved to the basilica of Santa Bibiana.

  • 5/5 Luigi B. 4 years ago on Google • 383 reviews
    Few know that the area between Magliana and Portuense is an archaeological site. The catacombs of the Portu martyrs are now the object of interest by the municipality and the place has recently been cleaned. To visit them, contact the Generosa Catacombs Committee and make an appointment.
    1 person found this review helpful đź‘Ť

  • 4/5 Sergio di f. 1 year ago on Google • 355 reviews
    Ok

  • 4/5 Anna I. 6 months ago on Google • 38 reviews
    Small Christian catacombs in a countryside area, we are at the 6th mile of the Via Campana, an ancient road connecting Rome and Ostia to transport salt. The catacombs are small but very interesting and the visit managed by the "generous catacombs" association, although a little long in the explanations, is a real and very interesting history lesson
    1 person found this review helpful đź‘Ť

  • 5/5 Simone M. 2 months ago on Google • 311 reviews New
    The visit to the Basilica and the Catacombs of Generosa proves to be an unforgettable experience, which allows you to immerse yourself in the primitive Christian history of Rome and discover one of its lesser-known but full of charm and meaning sites. Located on the banks of the Tiber River, in the Portuense district, this archaeological complex offers a unique exploration of the earliest evidence of the Christian faith and the cult of martyrs. Historical and Religious Context The Catacombs of Generosa are linked to the memory of the martyrs Simplicio, Faustino and Viatrice, whose history is shrouded in the devotion and mystery of the Christian persecutions of the 3rd and 4th centuries. The Basilica, built over the catacombs over time, serves as a memorial to these martyrs and as a place of worship for the Christian community. During the visit, it was highlighted how the site is an important witness to the early stages of Christianity in Rome and the transition from persecution to peace in the Church. The Experience of the Visit Entering the Catacombs of Generosa means embarking on a journey into the past, through narrow corridors dug into the rock that lead to small funerary chambers, where Christians buried their dead with respect and hope in the resurrection. The guide was able to vividly illustrate the lives of these first Christians, their cult and the profound meaning of their burial practices. The visit to the basilica, with its archaeological remains and artistic finds, adds a further level of understanding and appreciation. The frescoes, though eroded by time, tell stories of faith and martyrdom, visually connecting visitors with the traditions and beliefs of those who came before them. General Impressions and Reflections What is most striking about the visit to the Basilica and the Catacombs of Generosa is the sensation of historical and spiritual continuity that is perceived. Despite the distances in time, the message of faith, hope and resilience transmitted by this site still resonates today with surprising power. The guide emphasized how, through the memory of the martyrs and the beauty of their stories, we can find inspiration and comfort. Final Considerations The visit to the Basilica and the Catacombs of Generosa offers an experience rich in history, art and spirituality. It is an invitation to reflect on the roots of Christianity and the strength of the faith that sustained the first Christians through persecution. In a frenetic and often superficial world, the discovery of this sacred place offers a moment of pause and deep connection with the past, inviting visitors to meditate on the meaning of faith and sacrifice. A site, therefore, of great cultural and spiritual value that deserves to be known and appreciated.

  • 2/5 Dama 5 years ago on Google • 59 reviews
    In the past these catacombs were not protected from vandalism. They are now closed, but there is very little left inside to admire.

  • 4/5 Domenico C. 5 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very interesting catacombs even if a lot has been looted (Original) Catacombe molto interessanti anche se molto è stato depredato

  • 1/5 Tomasz T. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Too bad that closed, open only occasionally Saturday. (Original) Peccato che chiuso, aprono solo ogni tanto Sabato.

  • 3/5 Simone C. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It could be advertised and kept better. (Original) Potrebbe essere pubblicizzato e tenuto meglio.

  • 1/5 Manuel L. 5 months ago on Google • 1 review
    not very clean and unpleasant service (they don't have coffee)
    1 person found this review helpful đź‘Ť


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