“Summertime and the livin’ is easy” says George Gershwin’s famous song “Summertime” from “Porgy and Bess.”

“The livin’ is easy” unless, of course, you are a tourist in Italy in July and August, desirious of seeing everything this culturally super rich country has to offer but you have to do so under scorching temperatures. There are days when the sidewalks seem to melt right under your feet and your shoes seem to become one with the pavement!

Well, there are two abundant, faith-filled ways to get a bit of relief.

Churches – and there are hundreds in Rome! – offer a coolness that truly uplifts the spirit as you slowly walk around, enjoying the work of silversmiths and goldsmiths, the sculptures, the many chapels, the main altar, the stunning cosmatesque floors and much more. Hopefully you will visit a few churches as Mass is about to begin.

Another way to cool off is to spend some time in one or more of Rome’s celebrated catacombs. They are all well underground, of course and you will cool off the second you start to descend into these historic burial chambers.

And that is what I will tell you about this weekend in what is normally the interview segment of Vatican Insider.

If you intend to come to Rome in the near future or during the Jubilee Year 2025, the catacombs are a must.