Rome: Tour of St. Clement's Basilica Underground Temples

Info &
Reviews

About the activity

Venture 14 meters below Basilica of San Clemente into a mystical world of pagan cults, early-Christian legends, and stunning frescoes. Extend your tour to the haunting beauty of Santo Stefano Rotondo.

Free cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Instant confirmation & Mobile tickets

Receive your ticket right away. Use your phone or print your voucher.

Private tour

Avoid crowds with an exclusive experience. (depends on selected option)
Live guiding

English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish (depends on selected option)
Duration

1-2 hours
Includes
- Expert live guide
- Entrance fees to the Basilica di San Clemente
- Guided tour of Santo Stefano Rotondo (only if this option is selected)
- Luggage deposit for the duration of the tour
- Headsets to hear the guide clearly
- Guided tour of Santo Stefano Rotondo (unless specifically chosen during purchase)
- Pick-up and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Optional tips

Highlights & Description

Highlights

Discover one of Rome's best-preserved Mithraic temples and an underground river
Explore early Christian frescoes depicting martyrs in a 4th-century basilica
Uncover the secrets of ancient Roman pagan cults and their hidden rituals
Marvel at the stunning golden mosaic and hidden symbolism in the basilica's apse
Extend your tour to explore Santo Stefano Rotondo's haunting martyrdom frescoes

Description

Dive deep into Rome’s hidden history with an unforgettable 1-hour journey beneath St. Clement’s basilica. Venture 14 meters underground to discover one of the city’s best-preserved Mithraic temples, a mysterious relic of ancient Roman pagan cults. Explore the esoteric rites of the Romans before Christianity and the secrets of their forgotten beliefs.

Your adventure begins at the stunning 12th-century basilica, where your guide will introduce you to the breathtaking golden mosaic in the apse, revealing its hidden symbolism and its spiritual significance. Next, you will descend 14 meters beneath the basilica to explore the fascinating 4th-century underground church, built directly atop the home of St. Clement, the third pope of Rome. Witness some of the earliest Christian frescoes, depicting the lives and martyrdoms of early Christians and learn about the persecution they faced.

Continue your descent to discover one of the best-preserved Mithraic temples in Rome - an extraordinary relic of ancient Roman paganism. This hidden gem offers a rare glimpse into the Mithraic cult that flourished before Christianity. Your guide will unravel the fascinating rituals and beliefs of this enigmatic sect, providing an intriguing look at Rome’s religious landscape before the rise of Christianity.

Feel the eerie atmosphere as you explore the site, and witness the waters of an underground river, adding an extra layer of mystery to your experience. As you emerge back into the 12th-century basilica, reflect on the incredible journey through time you’ve just experienced.

For those eager to dive deeper into early Christian history, extend your tour with a 45-minute visit to the nearby Santo Stefano Rotondo. Explore its unique circular architecture and haunting frescoes depicting early Christian martyrdom - an evocative continuation of the stories you’ve just uncovered.

This tour is perfect for those seeking to explore Rome off the beaten path. With its rich history and breathtaking art, both basilicas offer an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of early Christian Rome.

PLEASE NOTE: If you choose to extend your tour with the optional visit to the 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.

Good to know before you go

Please know that the extended option with Santo Stefano Rotondo is available on all days except Mondays since the church is closed on Mondays
Due to the architectural structures inside and under the Basilica di San Clemente, 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
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
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

Meeting point

Small-Group Tour in German

Small-Group Tour in Italian

Small-Group Tour in Spanish

Small-Group Tour in French

Small-Group Tour in Portuguese

Small-Group Tour in English

Small-Group Tour in German (with Santo Stefano Rotondo)

Small-Group Tour in Spanish (with Santo Stefano Rotondo)

Small-Group Tour in French (with Santo Stefano Rotondo)

Small-Group Tour in Italian (with Santo Stefano Rotondo)

Small-Group Tour in English (with Santo Stefano Rotondo)

Private Tour in Italian

Private Tour in French

Private Tour in German

Private Tour in Portuguese

Private Tour in Spanish

Private Tour in English

Private Tour in French (with Santo Stefano Rotondo)

Private Tour in Italian (with Santo Stefano Rotondo)

Private Tour in English (with Santo Stefano Rotondo)

Private Tour in German (with Santo Stefano Rotondo)

Private Tour in Portuguese (with Santo Stefano Rotondo)

Private Tour in Spanish (with Santo Stefano Rotondo)

Reviews & Ratings

Top 5 Similar Activities in Rome

See all similar activities

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cancellation policy for this activity?

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

2. When will I receive the confirmation of my booking?

You will receive an email notification right after your successful payment. If you don't see it in your inbox, check your spam or junk mail folder. When the payment is completed you have the option to download your ticket directly.

3. What is a private tour?

Private tours offer more advantages and benefits than regular tours. You will have your own private guide for the duration of the tour. You can also customize the itinerary to your specific interests and needs.

4. Are mobile tickets enough or do I have to print them?

Tickets don't need to be printed. You can show your ticket from your smartphone as a PDF.

	February 2025
Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun