Some say the Jewish catacombs under the Villa Torlonia just outside the historic center of Rome are the oldest in the Eternal City. We recently had a chance to visit them and were surprised at the state of preservation of the frescos. (The burial chambers themselves were not so fortunate, having been looted long ago.) Our guide, Rome archaeologist Simona Morretta, hoped the catacombs will be open to the public by 2010--or as soon as safety issues are worked out. For now, you'll have to be content with some pictures your intrepid scribe has taken of our excursion:
Pictures of the Jewish Catacombs under Villa Torlonia in Rome, Italy.
(Shown in the picture is guide Alejandro Capriles, who gives an excellent and highly recommended tour of the gardens and villa of the Villa Torlonia. Photo © 2009 by James Martin, licensed to About.com)