Catacomb Etiquette: What to Do and What Not to Do

Rome, Paris, Vienna, Lima, Dublin, Alexandria and Odessa. Some of the most famous catacombs are found in the subterranean levels of these cities. If you find yourself in a place like this, you will need to orient yourself in a variety of ways. In addition to the sage advice of a good tour guide, it is always good to keep a few things in mind when embarking on a visit to the world below.

The most important thing to remember whether you are in a crypt, an ossuary or looking at mummified remains a few feet away from you, is this is a place of rest and deserves respect and solemnity.

This is not to say what you will encounter will not elicit unexpected responses from the crowd or even yourself, but, in general, touching the remains or removing anything is out of the question. When it comes to photos, it is helpful to think about this as a quest for human understanding and how different cultures honor and care for their dead (or do not). If photography is allowed, think of the images as study shots for research purposes, not as something that can get a laugh on social media. This means you should never pose with or decorate the dead for photographic opportunities.

On a more practical level, it is a good idea to wear sturdy shoes and to bring a flashlight and an extra sweater with you. Catacombs can be pretty far below the surface and it’s cold down there. Otherwise, enjoy the uncanny atmosphere.