Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour

4.8 (95 reviews) Rome, Italy
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Duration2h 30m - 3h 30m
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 10 travelers

Overview

Take a fascinating journey through an underground pagan temple and four impressive churches to understand the very early stages of Christianity. See original relics from the Crucifixion of Christ and soil from the Holy Land.

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

Options

Spanish Shared : 5 Churches

3.5 hrs Small Group Tour: This option is for a 3.5 hrs tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major

English Private : 4 Churches

2.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs Private guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a Private Tour Option.

English Shared : 4 Churches

2.5 hrs Small Group Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a small group of a maximum of 10 participants

Spanish Private : 5 Churches

3.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a Private tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major

English Shared : 5 Churches

3.5 hrs Small Group Tour: This option is for a 3.5 hrs tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major

German Private : 5 Churches

3.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a Private tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major

English Private : 5 Churches

3.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a Private tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major

Spanish Private : 4 Churches

2.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs Private guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a Private Tour Option.

Italian Private : 5 Churches

3.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a Private tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major

French Private : 4 Churches

2.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs Private guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a Private Tour Option.

Portuguese Private: 5 Churches

3.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a Private tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major

Portuguese Private: 4 Churches

2.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs Private guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a Private Tour Option.

German Private : 4 Churches

2.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs Private guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a Private Tour Option.

French Private : 5 Churches

3.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a Private tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major

Italian Private : 4 Churches

2.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs Private guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a Private Tour Option.

Spanish Shared : 4 Churches

2.5 hrs Small Group Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a small group of a maximum of 10 participants

What's included

  • Live professional guide
  • Entrance fees
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Headsets to hear clear your guide
  • Optional gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

What to expect

  1. Basilica of San Clemente
    1h 15m · Admission ticket included
    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
  2. Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
    30m
    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.
  3. Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs
    15m
    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.
  4. Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme
    30m
    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.
  5. 1h · Admission ticket included
    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.

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

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • 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.
  • Not recommended for people with claustrophobia

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

4.8 (95)
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