Rome’s Hidden Gems: Underground Layers & A Unique Circular Church

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 hidden history of Rome on this 2-hour tour, where underground secrets and tales of faith await. Explore the stunning Basilica di San Clemente with its mesmerizing mosaics, then descend into a 4th-century church with early Christian frescoes. Go deeper to uncover a rare 1st-century Mithraic temple, once used by a mysterious pagan cult. Finish at the Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo, home to haunting frescoes depicting early martyrdom. With small groups or private options, this tour offers an unforgettable journey through Rome’s spiritual past!

Options

Private Tour in English

Private Tour: Select this option for a private guided tour of the Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in English
Duration: 2 hours

Small-Group Tour in French

Small-Group Tour: 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 in German

Small-Group Tour: 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

Private Tour in Italian

Private Tour: Select this option for a private guided tour of the Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in Italian
Duration: 2 hours

Private Tour in Portuguese

Private Tour: This option is for a private guided tour of the Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in Portuguese
Duration: 2 hours

Small-Group Tour in Italian

Small-Group Tour: 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

Private Tour in German

Private Tour: Select this option for a private guided tour of the Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in German
Duration: 2 hours

Small-Group Tour in English

Small-Group Tour: 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

Private Tour in French

Private Tour: Select this option for a private guided tour of the Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in French
Duration: 2 hours

Small-Group Tour in Spanish

Small-Group Tour : 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

Private tour in Spanish

Private Tour: Select this option for a private guided tour of the Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in Spanish
Duration: 2 hours

What's included

Headsets to hear the guide clearly
Guided tour of Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo
Expert live guide
Entrance fees to the Basilica di San Clemente
Luggage deposit for the duration of the tour

Food and drinks
Pick-up and drop-off
Optional gratuities

What to expect

1h · Admission ticket included

Start your unforgettable journey at the 12th-century Basilica of San Clemente, where your guide will show you the golden mosaic in the apse and reveal its hidden meanings. Then, descend 14 meters underground to explore the hidden 4th-century church built atop St. Clement’s home, adorned with early Christian frescoes. Continue down to one of Rome’s best-preserved Mithraic temples, offering a rare glimpse into ancient pagan rituals. Feel the eerie atmosphere and witness an underground river before emerging back into the basilica, reflecting on your journey through both Roman and Christian history.
Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo al Celio
45m

Your second stop will be the Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo, a stunning example of circular architecture. Inside, you'll be mesmerised by vibrant frescoes that line the walls, each depicting dramatic scenes of early Christian martyrs. These powerful images vividly showcase the courage and sacrifices of saints who endured immense trials for their faith. As your guide reveals the stories behind these incredible artworks, you’ll gain profound insight into the devotion and struggles that have shaped Rome’s religious 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

This tour ends in Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo and you can choose to either stay or further explore at your own pace.
(Note: Depending on the schedule, the order of your visits may vary, and you may end the tour at either Basilica di San Clemente or Santo Stefano Rotondo).

Additional information

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Your phone should be on put on silence while you are inside the basilica’s
The upper basilica is wheelchair accessible, but the lower levels (including the 3rd-century basilica and Mithraic temple) involve several steps and stairs and are therefore not accessible for wheelchair users.
Modest clothing is required to enter the basilica’s (knees and shoulders should be covered)
Photography and filming inside the basilica’s is not allowed
Due to the architectural structures inside and under the basilica’s, this tour unfortunately is not accessible to wheelchair users
Due to the underground spaces within the Basilica di San Clemente, this tour may not be suitable for individuals with claustrophobia
The frescoes inside the Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo depict graphic scenes of martyrdom and may not be appropriate for children
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
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, the ending point may vary
Please note that Santo Stefano Rotondo may occasionally be unavailable due to special events or liturgical celebrations.

Cancellation policy

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