Virtual Catacombs Tour - Google Maps

(CNS photos)

Destination: You have to travel no further than your computer for a tour of the Catacombs of Priscilla and of Ipogeo di via Dino Compagni, both located in Rome. A collaboration between Google, the Vatican and private owners of the Ipogeo site has resulted in a virtual tour of the catacombs you can take from your home.
Why to go: Nearly 8 miles of tunnels are part of the tour of the Catacombs of Priscilla, and the catacombs of the Ipogeo di via Dino Compagni, located in southeast Rome are privately owned and not open to the public, so the virtual mode is the only way to visit them.
The map (left) shows part of what you might see on Google Maps when you start the tour. The inset photo shows an image that will appear on your computer, use the large arrow at the bottom to navigate around the page. The image (right) is another view of the catacombs.
How to go:  Type the name of either catacomb into your favorite search engine or directly into Google Maps. You should see options similar to the one  in the large image above. Click on See inside to begin your tour.
You’ll need to click and hold your mouse on the screen to navigate around the rooms and tunnels. An arrow will appear on your screen (see inset above) when you can move into another room. You’ll need to release your mouse to click on the arrow, then wait for the image to focus again before clicking and holding your mouse again to “turn around” in the room or hallway.
(Grand) Kid friendly: If you feel at all intimidated by the virtual tour process, invite the grandkids in to help you.
Info: https://www.google.com/maps

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld; CNS contributed to this story
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