Small-Group Tour at Underground Temples of St. Clement's Basilica

4.7 (23 reviews) Rome, Italy
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Duration2h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, Portuguese, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 16 travelers

Overview

Discover the ancient treasures hidden below St. Clement’s Basilica that are overlooked by most visitors to Rome. Follow your guide three levels down to explore ancient pagan temples, the 1st-century home of St. Clement, and a 4th-century basilica with original frescoes—as well as an underground river. End with a tour of the 12th-century basilica above ground, known for its spectacular mosaics.

Delve into a hidden underground world of pagan and early Christian ruins
A guide to explain the layers of history beneath St. Clement’s Basilica
Time to explore the basilica above ground, including its famed mosaics
A small-group tour for a more intimate experience and personal attention

Options

Extended German Tour

San Clemente + Santo Stefano: This option is for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in a group of max 16 people.
Duration: 2 hours

Group Tour Portuguese

San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in Portuguese in a group of a maximum of 16 people.
Duration: 1 hour

Small Group Tour English

San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in english in a small group of maximum 10 people

Extended Italian Tour

San Clemente + Santo Stefano: This option is for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in a group of max 16 people.
Duration: 2 hours

Extended Portuguese Tour

San Clemente + Santo Stefano: This option is for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in a group of max 16 people.
Duration: 2 hours

Small Group Tour French

San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in French in a small group of maximum 10 people.

Extended English Tour

San Clemente + Santo Stefano: This option is for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in a group of max 16 people.
Duration: 2 hours

Extended Spanish Tour

San Clemente + Santo Stefano: This option is for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in a group of max 16 people.
Duration: 2 hours

Group Tour English

San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in English in a group of a maximum of 16 people.
Duration: 1 hour

Group Tour Italian

San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in Italian in a group of a maximum of 16 people.
Duration: 1 hour

Extended French Tour

San Clemente + Santo Stefano: This option is for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in a group of max 16 people.
Duration: 2 hours

Group Tour German

San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in German in a group of a maximum of 16 people.
Duration: 1 hour

Group Tour French

San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in French in a group of a maximum of 16 people.
Duration: 1 hour

Group Tour Spanish

San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in Spanish in a group of a maximum of 16 people.
Duration: 1 hour

Small Group Tour Italian

San Clemente : Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in Italian in a small group of maximum 10 people.

Small Group Tour German

San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in German , in a small group of maximum 10 people.

Small Group Tour Spanish

San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in Spanish in a small group of maximum 10 people.

What's included

  • Headsets to hear the guide clearly
  • Expert live guide
  • Luggage deposit in our office for the duration of the tour
  • Guided tour of Santo Stefano Rotondo (only if this option is selected during purchase)
  • Entrance fees to the Basilica di San Clemente
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Food and drinks
  • Optional gratuities
  • Guided tour of Santo Stefano Rotondo (unless specifically chosen during purchase)

What to expect

  1. Basilica of San Clemente
    1h · Admission ticket included
    Embark on an unforgettable journey that begins at the breathtaking 12th-century basilica, where your expert guide will unveil the secrets behind the stunning golden mosaic in the apse, highlighting its spiritual significance. From there, descend 14 meters beneath the basilica to uncover the hidden 4th-century underground church, built directly on top of St. Clement's home, the third pope of Rome. Marvel at the early Christian frescoes, which depict the stories of martyrs and the struggles faced by the first Christians.
 Next, continue your descent to uncover one of Rome’s best-preserved Mithraic temples. This ancient treasure offers you a unique glimpse into the mysterious Mithraic cult, which thrived before the rise of Christianity. Let your guide bring this fascinating chapter of Roman history to life as they explain the cult’s intriguing rituals and beliefs. As you explore the site, you'll feel an eerie atmosphere, enhanced by an underground river that adds an element of mystery.
  2. Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo al Celio
    45m
    For a more in-depth experience, you can add an optional visit to the Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo to your tour. In 45 minutes, you’ll discover this architectural gem, known for its unique circular design. Inside, you'll be captivated by the vibrant frescoes that adorn the walls, each depicting dramatic scenes of early Christian martyrs. These striking images vividly portray the courage and sacrifices of saints who endured extraordinary trials for their faith. As your guide shares the stories behind these powerful artworks, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the devotion and struggles that shaped Rome’s religious heritage.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet us at Piazza di San Clemente, 00184 Rome. Please arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled starting time. Look for a member of staff holding a yellow label.

End point

This tour will conclude at Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo if you have selected the 2-hour tour with Santo Stefano Rotondo. Please note, the itinerary may vary. Depending on the schedule, you may start at Basilica San Clemente or Santo Stefano Rotondo. Therefore, also the ending point may vary.

End point

This tour will conclude at Basilica di San Clemente if you have selected the 1-hour tour of Basilica of San Clemente, without the optional visit to Basilica of Santo Stefano Rotondo.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered
  • 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
  • Photography and filming inside the basilica’s is not allowed
  • Your phone should be on put on silence before visiting the basilica’s
  • If you choose to extend your tour with the optional visit to Santo Stefano Rotondo, please note that the itinerary may vary. Depending on the schedule, you may begin your visit at Basilica San Clemente and proceed to Santo Stefano Rotondo, or vice versa. Therefore, also the ending point may vary
  • It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved and you will be walking many steps and stairs
  • Pets are not allowed inside the basilica’s
  • We recommend you to bring your own headphones in order to minimise plastic waste
  • The frescoes inside the Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo depict graphic scenes of martyrdom and may not be appropriate for children
  • Please note that the extended option with Santo Stefano Rotondo may occasionally be unavailable due to special events or liturgical celebrations
  • Not recommended for customers with claustrophobia

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.7 (23)
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