Skip to comments.
Google Maps teams up with the Vatican: The 'Catacombs of Priscilla' go digital
Rome Reports ^
| November 20, 2013
Posted on 11/20/2013 2:17:38 PM PST by NYer
November 20, 2013 (Romereports.com) For years, these Roman catacombs were closed off, but now the Vatican has decided to open them completely for the world to see. In fact, thanks to Google Maps, people from every corner of the globe see the catacombs of Priscilla. The Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archeology, which is headed by Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, agreed to give the catacombs a digital presence.
CARD. GIANFRANCO RAVASI
President, Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archeology
“This is actually the first time that something like this happens. It was carried out by Google Maps and you'll be able to see that it truly is an unedited experience that gives people the possibility of visiting the catacombs through different means.”
So, history and new technology come together to show users miles of the catacombs. This one in particular, gives special insight on how early Christians lived in Rome. It houses the oldest fresco depicting the Virgin Mary. Also items that marked someone's death and even paintings from the 3rd and 4th centuries AD.
BARBARA MAZZEI
Catacombs of Priscilla
“The catacombs are important because they provide physical proof of Christian history. It shows how early Christians lived out their faith. They expressed it along with frescoes and sculptures, that are now part of this new museum.”
Actually walking, or rather clicking through these catacombs is easy. In addition to Google Maps, the museum has a new website that can directly connect users the digital tour experience, www.mupris.net. It also shows how some of the historical pieces were restored, including items that were found underground. Among that list are more than 700 sarcophagi fragments, which can now be seen at the museum.
It has been more than 1700 years since these frescoes were first painted and since these sculptures were made, in this case technology is being used to travel back in time.
TOPICS: Catholic; History; Religion & Culture
KEYWORDS: catacombs; godsgravesglyphs; google; italy; romanempire
1
posted on
11/20/2013 2:17:39 PM PST
by
NYer
To: Tax-chick; GregB; Berlin_Freeper; SumProVita; narses; bboop; SevenofNine; Ronaldus Magnus; tiki; ...
Lost for centuries after its entrances were sealed in ancient time, the catacombs were re-discovered in the 16th century and plundered of many gravestones, sarcophagi and bodies. Excavations in modern times began in the 19th century.
2
posted on
11/20/2013 2:18:38 PM PST
by
NYer
("The wise man is the one who can save his soul. - St. Nimatullah Al-Hardini)
To: NYer
What an amazing time to be alive.
/johnny
To: NYer
4
posted on
11/20/2013 2:20:23 PM PST
by
SevenofNine
(We are Freepers, all your media bases belong to us ,resistance is futile)
To: SevenofNine
It is very cool. In a couple of decades, when I begin to head into the twilight of my life I will have at my fingertips more books and wonders of the world than I will ever be able to comprehend. A final feast for the mind.
Not a bad way to spend a twilight. Assuming dementia doesn't get me.
/johnny
To: SunkenCiv
6
posted on
11/20/2013 2:41:03 PM PST
by
NYer
("The wise man is the one who can save his soul. - St. Nimatullah Al-Hardini)
To: JRandomFreeper
Not a bad way to spend a twilight.I concur.
To: NYer
8
posted on
11/20/2013 4:12:36 PM PST
by
SunkenCiv
(http://www.freerepublic.com/~mestamachine/)
To: NYer; StayAt HomeMother; Ernest_at_the_Beach; decimon; 1010RD; 21twelve; 24Karet; 2ndDivisionVet; ..
thanks NYer, nice pics in this one!
9
posted on
11/20/2013 4:14:10 PM PST
by
SunkenCiv
(http://www.freerepublic.com/~mestamachine/)
To: JRandomFreeper
Yes, I bookmarked the Google walks around Venice, Italy a couple of days ago, and the gondola routes.
Some time ago I checked out Pompeii!
10
posted on
11/20/2013 4:21:38 PM PST
by
BunnySlippers
(I LOVE BULL MARKETS . . .)
To: NYer
Didn’t members of the Italian Resistence during WWII hide from the Nazis in the catacombs? I think that I read that somewhere.
To: zot; Interesting Times
neat link — The ‘Catacombs of Priscilla’ go digital
12
posted on
11/20/2013 6:36:43 PM PST
by
GreyFriar
(Spearhead - 3rd Armored Division 75-78 & 83-87)
To: GreyFriar
Thanks for the ping. I am very glad they have done this.
13
posted on
11/20/2013 7:05:55 PM PST
by
zot
To: SunkenCiv
To: colorado tanker
Next year the Vatican plans to reopen the less-well-known Dogacombs.
15
posted on
11/22/2013 5:12:51 PM PST
by
SunkenCiv
(http://www.freerepublic.com/~mestamachine/)
Disclaimer:
Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual
posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its
management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the
exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson