Along with the Catacombs of Santa Lucia, those of San Giovanni make up the part that is easiest to visit in the whole complex of Syracuse's catacombs, which in terms of expansiveness and articulation are second only to those of Rome. The atmosphere that permeates this underground place is extraordinary, full of charm and mystery.

This catacomb was excavated for the most part between 315 and 360 A.D., and remained in use until the end of the 5th century. Contrary to popular belief, burial in catacombs, or in underground tunnels and niches carved into rock, was not an exclusively Christian custom. In fact, in Syracuse’s Catacomb of Vigna Cassia (open for visits by appointment only and only in large groups) included the graves of dead Christians and pagans located side by side, apparently linked by ties of kinship and not of religion. This practice was echoed in Rome, where there are Jewish catacombs and pagan catacombs in addition to the better known Christian catacombs.

To minimize work, the tunnels in the Catacomb of San Giovanni of Syracuse were opened initially following the route of a disused Greek aqueduct (some traces of which are recognizable on the ceiling of the main gallery), which was expanded to its current dimensions. Similarly, some existing cisterns along the route were converted into funeral chapels for families of distinction.

This underground cemetery was built as a mass burial ground even for the poorest members of the population. The rock, which was easy to work with, made it possible to create a very particular type of "serial" burial, called by archaeologists "polysome arcosolium." These types, found in many Syracusan catacombs, are very long niches in the walls, as wide as a human body and tall enough to be able to insert a corpse.  After the first body was entombed with a stone slab, the new space thus created could be occupied by a second corpse, which was in turn entombed and sealed by another slab, and so forth.

In these "tunnel-graves" of almost industrial composition it was possible to lay as many as 30 corpses side by side. When the space available in this catacomb was exhausted, they proceeded as best they could, employing every corner that remained free, on the walls and even on the floor. They also invading the cisterns and chapels, one of which survives filled with the sarcophagi of a group of nuns from the Byzantine period. 

It is not difficult for us to imagine the thousands of people who for centuries walked through those tunnels to bring a greeting to a loved one who had passed away. The holes in some surviving tombstones reveal that in this place of Christian burial an ancient pagan ritual survived, the refrigerium, which consisted of pouring a little wine, milk and honey through these openings to the deceased on the anniversary of his or her death.

Unfortunately, after thousands of years of looting, what survives is only the "bare bones" of the building, stripped of colored plaster, mosaics, stone slabs (which must have decorated at least the tombs of the richest), and even small objects that were incorporated into the enclosures to distinguish one tomb from another other. The guide on a tour will illuminate and describe some frescoes and inscriptions that have miraculously survived so much hardship, which will make even more regrettable what has been lost.

The few crumbs that escaped the treasure hunters (they even took marble to burn for making lime) were recovered by archaeologists in the present era, and are now in the Archaeological Museum "Paolo Orsi". Of note above all is the splendid Sarcophagus of Adelfia, an aristocratic lady. Her sarcophagus was richly decorated with biblical scenes in bas-relief and survived only because it was hidden in grave dug into the ground and filled with earth.
An ideal time to visit these catacombs is during the month of August. During this month, on fixed days (which vary from year to year), a theatrical performance called the strepitus silenti, or “silent uproar,” is held during the night (typically there are two shows a night, at 9 and then at 10:30 p.m.). During these shows, the actors bring to life the people and events “hidden” in these chambers. The audience is limited, so reservations are necessary. You can make reservations by phone (0931 64694) or by email (info@kairos-web.com). The reception desk at the Hotel Algilà and the Antico Hotel Roma can also assist you with reservations.

From the Catacombs of San Giovanni it is easy to reach the Regional Archaeological Museum, the Shrine of the Madonna delle Lacrime, and a little further away, the Archaeological Park in Syracuse.

The Catacombs of San Giovanni and the remains of the church of San Giovanni Evangelista above are just a few steps from the Regional Archaeological Museum "Paolo Orsi" and a short distance from the Archaeological Park of Syracuse, off the island of Ortigia. A route by foot is possible, but it will exceed one kilometer / 0.62 miles in distance.  Those who do not have their own transportation can call a taxi from the reception desk at a special rate or use the bicycles that the Hotel Algilà offers to its guests for free.
Alternately, one can take the (free) shuttle bus #20 from the nearby  Piazza Archimede up to the bus station (near the train station) and then take either one of the following bus lines:  6, 8, 11, 12 or 13. From Riva Nazario Sauro (behind the nearby Piazza delle Poste) one can choose from the following bus lines 1, 2, 3, 4 or 12.

Visitor Information. 
The opening and tour of the catacombs is entrusted to the cooperative Kairòs. 
Visits take place (tickets, € 8 full price, € 5 reduced, include the cost of the guide) on a guided tour every 15 to 30 minutes from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m. in summer).  Closed on Mondays.
The guide, well prepared and very courteous (although sometimes speaking a rather Italianate kind of English), provides an explanation of the history and significance of the site.  Groups led by a cleric can also book the celebration of a Mass at the crypt of San Marciano. 
For information: Kairòs, phone (++39) 0931 64694, fax (++39) 0931 66751, email info@kairos-web.com.  
The catacombs are located all on one level with a floor unencumbered by architectural barriers, however, the entrance is Via a steep staircase, which does not allow access to people with difficulty walking without proper assistance.
The visit is not recommended for people who suffer from claustrophobia, owing to the absence of an external opening.