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The Sanctuary of San Panfilo: Faith and Mystery in the Depths of Rome

Nestled in the heart of the Roman catacombs, a place of faith and history awaits discovery: the sanctuary dedicated to San Panfilo. This site, steeped in spirituality and adventure, offers a unique experience for pilgrims and enthusiasts of ancient history. Let us embark on a journey to uncover this hidden treasure, exploring its history, its saints, and the research opportunities that make it a truly special place.

A Hidden Place of Worship in the Catacombs

The Sanctuary of San Panfilo is located within a double cubiculum, situated on the lower level of the catacomb. Ancient itineraries from the 7th century tell us that reaching the martyr’s tomb required descending about 70 steps, a detail that evokes the mystical and hidden atmosphere of the place.

The History and Relics of San Panfilo

With the arrival of San Panfilo’s relics, placed in the back arcosolium, the surrounding area was whitewashed. Signs of an ancient theft attempt, evidenced by a hole in the arcosolium parapet, add an element of mystery to the sanctuary’s history. Later, the hole was sealed with a block altar covered in porphyry and pavonazzetto, and the walls were decorated with a new layer of plaster engraved with numerous devotional graffiti. Among these, an inscription of particular importance stands out, explicitly naming the martyr: “S(an)C(tu)S PANFILU.”

Within the catacomb, a carefully planned devotional route, with barriers and mandatory passages, facilitated visits to the sanctuary, guiding the faithful in an experience of deep spirituality.

The Origins and Cult of San Panfilo

The main focus of worship was the martyr’s tomb, likely containing relics imported later. The arcosolium that housed them was located at the back of a relatively late cubiculum in the catacomb. Based on some inscriptions and the onomastics of the mentioned individuals, it is presumed that the cubiculum was frequented by people of African origin. It is hypothesized that the remains of San Panfilo were brought to Rome in the 5th century, after the Vandal devastations in Africa, and placed inside the cubiculum. His cult intensified in a later phase, around the mid-6th century, as evidenced by some structural elements.

• Period of use: between 450 and 600 AD
• Relic: Bones
• Collection of ex-votos: No

San Panfilo: An African Martyr in Rome

The 7th-century “Itineraries” mention the tomb of Panfilo “in cryptis sub terra,” on the Via Salaria. It is believed that San Panfilo was a martyr of African origin (an African Panfilo is indeed mentioned in the Hieronymian Martyrology), whose relics were transferred to Rome likely after the Vandal devastations, around the mid-5th century. Later, the relics of San Panfilo were moved to San Silvestro in Capite by Pope Paul I. There is also a record of relics being transported to Fulda by a deacon named Deusdona in the year 835.

The Other Saints Venerated in the Catacomb

According to the “Notitia Ecclesiarum” and the “Itinerary” of Malmesbury, the martyrs Candido and Cirino were also venerated in the catacomb. However, no further information is available about these figures and their burials, except for a dubious mention in the Hieronymian Martyrology under July 11.

An Invitation to Adventure and Discovery

Visiting the Sanctuary of San Panfilo offers not only an experience of faith and devotion but also a unique opportunity for lovers of archaeology and history. Exploring the catacombs, deciphering devotional graffiti, and reconstructing the history of the martyr San Panfilo are fascinating challenges that make this place a true treasure to discover.

Research and adventure prompts:

• Graffiti analysis: Study the graffiti on the cubiculum walls to better understand the devotions and origins of the sanctuary’s visitors.
• Reconstruction of the devotional route: Attempt to reconstruct the path pilgrims followed within the catacomb to reach the sanctuary.
• Research on Candido and Cirino: Delve deeper into historical research on the martyrs Candido and Cirino to uncover further details about their lives and cult in the catacomb.

Via Gaspare Spontini, 17, 00198 Roma, Italy