Google Maps teams up with the Vatican: The 'Catacombs of Priscilla' go digital

Rome Reports ^ | November 20, 2013

[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. 

[NYer]

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.

[JRandomFreeper]

What an amazing time to be alive.

/johnny

[SevenofNine]

COOLLL

[JRandomFreeper]

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

[NYer]

Ping!

[not2be4gotten.com]

Not a bad way to spend a twilight.

I concur.

[SunkenCiv]

Restoration of Roman Catacombs Continues; Virtual Tours Online
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/3093267/posts

[SunkenCiv]

thanks NYer, nice pics in this one!

[BunnySlippers]

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!

[afraidfortherepublic]

Didn’t members of the Italian Resistence during WWII hide from the Nazis in the catacombs? I think that I read that somewhere.

[GreyFriar]

neat link — The ‘Catacombs of Priscilla’ go digital

[zot]

Thanks for the ping. I am very glad they have done this.

[colorado tanker]

Very cool video.

[SunkenCiv]

Next year the Vatican plans to reopen the less-well-known Dogacombs.