Rome's San Clemente Underground Tour: Unearth Ancient Secrets
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Overview
Rome: San Clemente Underground & Basilica Small Group Tour. This walking tour takes guests beneath the city to discover the captivating history of the Basilica di San Clemente and the San Clemente Archaeological Site. The Basilica of San Clemente showcases a stunning gold mosaic above the main altar.
Visitors will explore the Basilica of San Clemente, which evolved from a private home used for secret Christian worship in the first century into a grand basilica. In 1860, an Irish priest discovered the hidden levels beneath the basilica after flooding. Descend nearly 100 feet to explore three levels, revealing a 4th-century basilica and the ancient remains of a pagan temple and Roman homes.
This experience includes an expert English-speaking guide and entrance tickets to the San Clemente Archaeological Site (a 10 euro value). Please note that gratuities and hotel pick-up/drop-off are not included.




Highlights
Unearth Ancient Rome: Descend beneath the modern city to explore layers of history.
Expert Guided Tour: An English-speaking guide brings the past to life with fascinating stories.
Skip the Line Access: Entrance tickets to the San Clemente Archaeological Site are included, saving you time.
Small Group Experience: Enjoy a more intimate and personalized tour with a smaller group size.
Sentiment Analysis
Most visitors found this tour to be a captivating and educational experience, highlighting the guide's expertise and the unique opportunity to explore Rome's hidden history.

Customers loved exploring the different levels of the Basilica.
Many visitors praised the guide's knowledge and enthusiasm.
Several reviewers found the experience fascinating and informative.
Customers were pleased by the small group size that made the tour feel personal.
Some reviewers noted that the underground levels can be warm and humid.
A few visitors wished they had more time to explore each level.
The Journey
Basilica of San Clemente
Descend through time at the Basilica of San Clemente, a captivating three-tiered complex showcasing Rome's rich history. Begin in the 12th-century basilica, adorned with stunning mosaics. Then, delve into the 4th-century church beneath, revealing early Christian art and architecture. Finally, explore the first-century Roman house and Mithraeum, complete with a pagan temple, offering a glimpse into Rome's ancient religious practices. This unique site provides an unparalleled journey through centuries of Roman life, art, and faith.
San Clemente Archaeological Site
Venture into the depths beneath the Basilica of San Clemente, an archaeological site that unveils the layers of Roman history. Explore the remarkably preserved remains of a first-century Roman house and a Mithraeum, a temple dedicated to the mysterious cult of Mithras. Discover the secrets of ancient Roman life as you navigate the narrow passageways and witness the remnants of a world long past. This subterranean journey offers a rare and intimate encounter with Rome's hidden past, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes an expert English-speaking guide and entrance tickets to the Archeological Site of San Clemente, which has a 10 euro value. Gratuities and hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included in the tour price. Meet your guide at the designated meeting point to begin your underground adventure.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes as there is a fair amount of walking and stairs involved on this tour. Consider bringing a water bottle, especially during warmer months, as the underground levels can get humid. It may also be useful to bring some small cash for purchasing additional souvenirs or snacks from nearby stores.