4.9(17 reviews)
Rome Underground San Clemente Basilica Tour
From€28
1 hour
Province of Rome, Italy
About this activity
Delve into Rome's rich history with a guided tour of the Basilica of San Clemente, exploring its ancient underground levels and artifacts.
Highlights
- Explore ancient Roman architecture
- Discover hidden underground levels
- Learn about historical artifacts
- Skip-the-line entry for convenience
- Expert guide sharing historical insights
Full description
Uncover the layers of Rome's past with a guided tour of the Basilica of San Clemente. This unique site offers a glimpse into the city's evolution, from its 12th-century basilica to the 4th-century church beneath, and even deeper to a 1st-century Roman house. Your expert guide will lead you through these subterranean levels, sharing fascinating stories and historical insights. Enjoy skip-the-line access, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. Don't miss this opportunity to step back in time and witness Rome's architectural and cultural heritage firsthand.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Basilica of San Clemente
- Access to underground levels
- Skip-the-line entry tickets
- Food and beverages
Itinerary
1
The meeting point for the Option San Clemente Basilica with Audio Guide Only is located at Via Labicana, 96, where you can purchase tickets and download the audio guide app.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NO
2
Leaving San Pietro in Vincoli, continue to see the ruins of the Ludus Magnus, an ancient gladiator training school located on the northeast side of the Colosseum. The visit includes the entrance into the most important gladiator gym, the Ludus Magnus, built by the emperor Domitian at the end of the 1st century. A.D. The building, entirely in brick, consisted of a rectangular building, probably on three floors, with a large porticoed courtyard in the center. Around the courtyard there were a series of rectangular rooms destined to house the gladiators. The characterizing element is constituted by the presence, in the courtyard of the building, of a miniature amphitheater, intended for training gladiators. After about half an hour, we will proceed towards San Clemente.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
3
Your last stop is the Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano, situated on Via San Giovanni. This remarkable site reveals three levels of Rome’s history: a 12th-century basilica built over a 4th-century church, in turn erected atop a Roman-era villa from the Republican period. Beneath are early Christian and medieval layers, as well as a Mithraeum, offering a rare peek into Rome’s spiritual and architectural transformations. Choose between two ways to explore: Private Guided Tour: A licensed, English-speaking guide will lead you through all three underground levels, sharing insights into the site’s religious and archaeological importance. This option also includes visits to San Pietro in Vincoli and the Ludus Magnus, with all entrance tickets included. Self-Guided Audio Tour: Explore San Clemente at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide app (English, Italian, Spanish, French, German), providing access to all three levels of content.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
4
Begin your journey near the Colosseum and take a pleasant walk through the surrounding neighborhood. In a delightful little piazza off Via Cavour, you will find the church of San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains). The church houses an important relic, the two sets of chains that bound St. Peter when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem and Rome. The highlight of this church is undoubtedly Michelangelo’s statue of Moses, an unfinished masterpiece by the Renaissance genius that was originally intended to be part of the tomb of Pope Julius II. The original plans included an enormous funeral monument with 47 statues, but it was never completed due to Michelangelo's other commissions.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates in English; check availability for other languages
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- No large bags or backpacks allowed inside
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven surfaces
- Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated
- Photography may be restricted in certain areas
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Dress code is smart casual. Shoulder and knees must be covered
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- The meeting point for the Option San Clemente Basilica with Audio Guide Only is located at Via Labicana, 96, where you can purchase tickets and download the audio guide app.
- To download and use the app, we recommend using a smartphone produced in 2020 or later.
- Access to 2 underground levels Audio guide: English, Italian, Spanish, French, German
- Please arrive at the meeting point at least 20 minutes before your scheduled entry time.
- Pets are not allowed
Traveler reviews
4.917 reviews
5
16
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
Extremely knowledgeable and outstanding guide!
Our guide - Sabrina was outstanding! She was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic! I would absolutely rate her a 10!!
Donna_EMay 4, 2026VIATOR
Rome Eternal City
A journey back in time Retrace streets and visit places of the Eternal City's glorious past An experience to discover
PatconsalvoJan 5, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Fantastic visit!
Our guide, Sabrina, was fantastic. Her knowledge of history was phenomenal. Her experience and expertise were beyond our expectations. Thank you!
Richard_MDec 7, 2025VIATOR
Easy to use audioguide
Really easy to find location, upload app and use audioguide. Beautiful site and really relaxing to visit at your own pace.
Anna_RNov 8, 2025VIATOR
Love the history
Great addition to our trip. To walk through the first century building was a great experience. Thank you
Scott_WSep 23, 2025VIATOR
Additional information
Dress code is smart casual. Shoulder and knees must be covered
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
The meeting point for the Option San Clemente Basilica with Audio Guide Only is located at Via Labicana, 96, where you can purchase tickets and download the audio guide app.
To download and use the app, we recommend using a smartphone produced in 2020 or later.
Access to 2 underground levels Audio guide: English, Italian, Spanish, French, German
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 20 minutes before your scheduled entry time.
Pets are not allowed