Catacombe di Sant'Antioco
Early Christian catacombs from the 4th to 7th centuries, carved out of Punic hypogea beneath the basilica of Sant’Antioco Martire, visitable only with a guide.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The catacombs of Sant’Antioco, beneath the basilica of the same name, are among the oldest traces of Christianity in Sardinia and the only ones on the island. They were created by reusing Punic funerary hypogea cut into the rock from the 5th century BC, which were connected to one another between the 4th and 7th centuries AD to form a Christian communal cemetery; this is why the route is irregular.
The cult of the saint is linked to a tradition according to which Antioco, a physician of Mauretanian origin, died in a cave in ancient Sulci, probably inside the hypogeal necropolis. The complex developed around his tomb: the basilica above, built over the martyr’s grave, had a first phase in the 5th century and was enlarged in the Middle Ages.
Two main nuclei can be distinguished: the catacomb of Sant’Antioco, with an apsed chamber whose vault is supported by six columns and a sarcophagus believed to be the saint’s tomb, and that of Santa Rosa, mother of Antioco according to tradition, smaller and formed by two connected Punic hypogea. Inside there are tombs of various types (loculi, pits, chests, arcosolia), traces of paintings such as the Good Shepherd arcosolium and a canopy tomb in the so-called “camera del santo” (Saint’s chamber).
The catacombs are still a place of devotion and pilgrimage and host celebrations on the feast day of the patron saint.
Highlights
- Punic hypogea turned into a Christian cemetery between the 4th and 7th centuries
- Apsed chamber with six columns and a sarcophagus attributed to Saint Antioco
- Good Shepherd arcosolium with traces of paintings
- Canopy tomb in the “camera del santo”
- Catacomb of Santa Rosa beneath the basilica
- Operated by
- Parrocchia di Sant'Antioco Martire
- Visitors per year
- approx. 7,500
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7 |
| Groups | €5 per personReduced rate for school groups |
The ticket includes the guided visit to the catacombs; admission to the basilica is separate.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The catacombs lie underground and are reached by going down a few steps from the transept of the basilica.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Visits to the catacombs are guided; for information and bookings call 0781 921887. A virtual tour is available on the basilica’s website. |
