4.8(87 reviews)
Rome Underground Temples Tour
From€75
2 hours
Province of Rome, Italy
About this activity
Delve into Rome's rich history with a guided tour of St. Clement's Basilica, its hidden Mithraic Temple, and the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, uncovering early Christian artifacts and architecture.
Highlights
- Explore St. Clement's Basilica's hidden layers
- Discover ancient Mithraic Temple beneath St. Clement's
- Visit the grand Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
- Learn about Rome's early Christian history
- Experience Rome's rich archaeological heritage
Full description
Step back in time and uncover Rome's ancient secrets on this captivating walking tour. Begin at St. Clement's Basilica, a 12th-century church built atop earlier structures, including a 4th-century church and a 2nd-century pagan temple. Descend into the Mithraic Temple beneath St. Clement's, where you'll marvel at well-preserved frescoes and learn about the ancient Roman cult of Mithras. Then, visit the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the oldest of Rome's four major basilicas, to admire its stunning architecture and rich history. This tour offers a unique glimpse into Rome's layered past, blending art, archaeology, and early Christian heritage.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of St. Clement's Basilica
- Visit to Mithraic Temple beneath St. Clement's
- Entry to Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
You will enjoy a fascinating journey deep underground St. Clement's Basilica, a few meters away from the Colosseum. You will go through three layers of ancient monuments built on top of each other, and learn about forgotten pagan cults, early Christianity, and mystic symbolism. You will visit the best preserved Temple of Mithras and touch the underground river flowing below the streets of Rome and below the Colosseum. You will marvel at ancient mosaics and at the stories they portray. You will appreciate the intimacy of a small group of maximum 10 people
Duration: 1h 15mAdmission: YES
2
Having learned about paganism, the early persecutions and the martyrs, make a walk to the Cathedral of Rome, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, and find out why it is known as “Mother and head of all churches on Earth”. Be impressed by the beauty of the golden interior and the ancient frescos and hear about Emperor Constantine and why he legalized Christianity in 313.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
Learn about the Emperor’s mother, St. Helena, and her pilgrimage to Jerusalem to recover the artifacts, safeguarded by the early underground church in the Holy Land. Among those, see the Holy Stairs, the original stairs of the praetorium which Jesus climbed at his judgment.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Finally, walk to the church built with earth brought from the Holy land, the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem and see the other Holy Relics secured by Helena including a nail from the Crucifixion, the walnut board Pontius Pilate put above the cross as well as the wood of the Cross Jesus was crucified on. See also fragments of the wall from the cave of the nativity in Bethlehem and two thorns of the crown of the Passion of Christ.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Choose to extend your journey to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where stunning mosaics and sacred relics offer insight into the church's importance in Christian history.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is conducted in English; ensure you understand the language.
- Check the meeting point and time carefully to avoid delays.
- Be prepared for some stairs and uneven terrain during the tour.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven surfaces.
- Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
- Photography may be restricted in certain areas; please follow the guide's instructions.
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
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- Please note: In the event that certain areas of one of the churches are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites. As a result, the overall duration will remain unchanged
- An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: a moderate amount of walking is involved.
- This tour is not wheelchair-accessible.
- This tour is subject to weather conditions and/or liturgic-calendar events. If canceled you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
Traveler reviews
4.887 reviews
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Our guide, Daniel, was...
Our guide, Daniel, was very knowledgeable and funny. We enjoyed our experience and would recommend!!
Claudia_BJun 29, 2026VIATOR
Brilliant tour, excellent...
Brilliant tour, excellent guide and inspiring experience. Definitely a highlight of my trip would highly recommend to anyone who is interested in Christian history.
Mary_GJun 29, 2026VIATOR
The church where the...
The church where the crucifix relics is undergoing renovation so were unable to visit. The tour guide was great with explaining all details in every church we went in. Great tour.
kimberly_GMay 30, 2026VIATOR
Awe inspiring
This was a great tour for us and our guide was phenomenal! Unfortunately we weren’t able to see some of the expected relics due to an unforeseen incident but our guide made up for it by taking us to see other things that weren’t planned. We would highly recommend this tour!
Cindy_LMay 28, 2026VIATOR
Best tour in Rome! Our...
Best tour in Rome! Our tour guide Daniel was so educated about every church else visited. A spiritual experience if you are looking for that feeling.
Denise_GMay 11, 2026VIATOR
Additional information
Please be at the meeting point 5 minutes before the tour starts in order to complete the signup and setup the headsets.
An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered.
Wear comfortable walking shoes: a moderate amount of walking is involved.
This tour is not wheelchair-accessible.
This tour is subject to weather conditions and/or liturgic-calendar events. If canceled you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.