San Clemente Basilica Underground Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore ancient Roman ruins beneath the basilica
- Discover layers of history from medieval to ancient times
- Learn about early Christian art and architecture
- See the Mithraic temple and frescoes
- Experience a unique underground archaeological site
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Basilica of San Clemente
- Access to ancient underground levels
- Expert commentary on historical significance
- Food and beverages
Itinerary
The Basilica of San Clemente is one of Rome’s most fascinating hidden gems, a true time capsule layered with over two millennia of history. Just a short walk from the Colosseum, this site allows visitors to descend through three distinct levels of Roman life. The 12th-century upper basilica features beautiful medieval frescoes and stunning mosaics. Beneath it lies a 4th-century Christian basilica, its faded yet evocative frescoes telling stories of early Christianity. Descend further and you’ll find a 1st-century Roman house and an extraordinary Mithraeum, a temple dedicated to the god Mithras, complete with an altar and intricate carvings. As you explore these underground chambers, you witness the city’s evolution from pagan worship to Christian devotion. The site’s intimate, mysterious atmosphere offers a unique glimpse into Rome’s layered past. San Clemente is a must-visit for those eager to experience Rome’s rich, multi-layered history, where every stone whispers ancient stories.
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 availability of tour slots on your desired date
- Be aware that the tour may not be suitable for individuals with claustrophobia
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven surfaces
- Bring a camera to capture the unique underground architecture
- Note that the tour involves descending stairs; consider this if you have mobility concerns
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- A dress code is required to enter all the churches: knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women.
- PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED
- To download and use the app, we recommend using a smartphone produced in 2020 or later.
- Headphones are recommended for optimal audio quality — bring your own.
- Please arrive at the meeting point at least 20 minutes before your scheduled entry time.
Traveler reviews
Daniel at the travel...
Daniel at the travel agency was very helpful in setting all of us up on the digital app so we could do the self guided tour of the Basilica.
Easy, Self-Guided Audio Tour with Good Information
It was a good audio tour of the underground area. Lots of history and good information. Picking up the tickets was very easy.
Audioguide
Unfortunately I was unable to pick up the audio guide before the visit to the basilica because I was late, but the Tour in the city provider was very understanding and reimbursed me.
The Basilica is in...
The Basilica is in the works, the visit to the excavations is quite overwhelming, of these two hours no one warns you. We have been charged 28€ for each ticket and not even accompanied to the ticket, we have not given helmets, no kos have spoken in Spanish. Very bad everything for the high price paid, entrance to the excavation bought by libre are 10€
Disappointing experience on the part of this company
MALÍSIMA Experience, I hired Audioguia (as in other monuments that was great) they send the audio to your mobile, (which I did not read anywhere) to top it off, they send the audio to your mobile, so not expecting this I did not wear helmets, and when you enter you have to listen to them low so as not to disturb the rest of visitors, on top of that the audios are messy and we do not know anything. We saw ourselves walking around not knowing what to do, we went up to get the typical informative triptych that you get in the entrance, and thanks to that we heard about “something”. And as if that were not enough when you arrived at the Basilica the price for admission was 10€. It was disappointing, I felt completely cheated. I wrote to tell them and they never answered. I don't really understand anything. A shame.