Small-Group Tour at Underground Temples of St. Clement's Basilica | 1 hour

13 Reviews | Rome
From $62.54 per person Lowest Price Guarantee
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You can select up to 15 travelers in total.
Adult (17-99) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 15
2
Child (7-16) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Infant (0-6) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Small Group Tour in English
2 Adults x $61.95
$123.90
Approx Total
$123.90
English tour: Select this option for a guided tour in English, in a small group of maximum 16 people.
Small Group Tour in Portuguese
2 Adults x $61.95
$123.90
Approx Total
$123.90
Portuguese tour: Select this option for a guided tour in Portuguese, in a small group of maximum 16 people.
Small Group Tour in Italian
2 Adults x $61.95
$123.90
Approx Total
$123.90
Italian tour: Select this option for a guided tour in Italian, in a small group of maximum 16 people.
Small Group Tour in French
2 Adults x $61.95
$123.90
Approx Total
$123.90
French tour: Select this option for a guided tour in French, in a small group of maximum 16 people.
Small Group Tour in Spanish
2 Adults x $61.95
$123.90
Approx Total
$123.90
Spanish tour: Select this option for a guided tour in Spanish, in a small group of maximum 16 people.
Small Group Tour in German
2 Adults x $61.95
$123.90
Approx Total
$123.90
German tour: Select this option for a guided tour in German, in a small group of maximum 16 people.

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: German, Portuguese, English, Italian, French, Spanish
  • Sterilized headsets to hear your guide clearly
  • Underground entrance ticket
  • Luggage deposit in our office for the duration of the tour
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Full on-site assistance
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Overview

Embark on an unexpected experience a stone's throw from the Colosseum: venture 14 meters below St Clement’s Basilica and immerse yourself into a mystical world of forgotten pagan cults and early-Christian legends and frescoes. Live the excitement of gradually exploring the different structures built on top of each other during the centuries on your way up to the surface. Cross three layers of history and earth with a small group of a maximum of 16 participants. Touch the waters of an underground river.

Meeting points

Meet us at the TouriksPoint at Via di San Giovanni in Laterano 132, 15 meters from the Basilica of St. Clement. Please arrive 5 minutes before the starting time.

Itinerary

  • N/A

    This is your meeting point. Here you will check in, have a seat if you prefer, benefit WiFi internet access and use the toilet. Here you will meet your guide and head towards Rome's best-kept secret, Basilica di San Clemente. Get ready to go back in time as you venture 14 meters underground, then gradually explore the different layers of history as you climb back up to the surface.

    5 minutes

  • Basilica of San Clemente

    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.

    1 hour

  • Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo al Celio

    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.

    45 minutes

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please be at the meeting point 5 minutes before the tour starts
  • 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
  • This tour will have a maximum of 16 participants
  • Not recommended for customers with claustrophobia

Free Cancellation

February 06100% refund
February 07No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Reviews

4.6

13 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    11
  • 4 stars
    1
  • 3 stars
    0
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    1

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 11 reviews with 5 stars

Time-tunnel

Published on Oct, 2024

Tom was knowlegeable and entertaining in the way he conveyed the history of the basilica. I want to learn more. Thanks Tom.

Lesser know gem!

Published on Jun, 2024

Super interesting tour. Seeing the layers of Rome was very cool. Tour guide was great and even my 9 year old thought it was cool

Rome Underground temples and basilicas

Published on May, 2024

We had a fascinating tour with Paul of the Underground Temples and Proto-Christian Basilicas that culminated at Basilica of San Clemente which is an absolute history lesson of itself. Before arrive at San Clemente, Paul took us on a walking tour to see evidences of ancient Rome hidden all around the city. Small evidences here and there of ancient remnants used even in this day. Paul (an American) is an archeologist but his strength for this tour is his encyclopedic knowledge of ancient history, both secular and religious. He seems to possess a deep faith in the Catholic tradition which allowed us to see the relics and layers of history through his personal faith lens. Just fascinating!! The layers of San Clemente are so revealing. The current church from the 1200s actually has the choir of the 400s church in use today. Below the current church, is the 400s church below which is the 100s Mithraic temple. All of which you can walk amidst as you descend through the layers. Highly recommend!!

Worthwhile beautiful church with impressive historical element

Published on Apr, 2024

Our tour was extremely interesting and worthwhile. Our guide was knowledgeable and gave us a lot of good historical facts and context. The church is beautiful and worth seeing by itself, but the levels underneath were incredibly cool.

San Clemente is a...

Published on Mar, 2024

San Clemente is a beautiful church with an amazing underground. The guide was exceptional. I was very impressed with his knowledge.

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