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Via Tunisi 13 - Rome (RM) 00192- Italy
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Via Ostilia, 29 - Rome (RM) 00184- Italy
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San Clemente Underground Tour

including the Basilica
From
49.00
152 reviews

Just a stone’s throw from the Colosseum, you will find one of Rome’s hidden gems, the 12th-century Basilica and the archeological site of San Clemente. Visit this incredible.. Read more

  • Descend 100 feet underground in the Basilica of San Clemente

  • Visit an the ancient mithraic temple hidden at the lowest level of the excavations

  • Admire one of the most beautiful Mosaics in the world

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Adults
(17+)
Children
(8 - 16)
09 january 2023
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San Clemente Underground Tour

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Adults
(17+)
Children
(8 - 16)
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About the tour

Just a stone’s throw from the Colosseum, you will find one of Rome’s hidden gems, the 12th-century Basilica and the archeological site of San Clemente. Visit this incredible place and navigate three underground levels which uncover over 2,000 years of history. The Basilica reveals a sparkling gold mosaic in the central nave. What lies beneath the Basilica remained a secret until 1860 when a flood led an Irish Dominican Roman Catholic priest and archaeologist to discover the levels beneath.

Today, the excavations are still not complete but you can descend 100 feet underground. At the first level is a 4th-century Basilica, which was long forgotten after the construction of the 12th-century Basilica above. Further down are the remains of an ancient pagan Mithraic temple, complete with an altar. Past the temple are the ruins of ancient Roman homes. All of this is incredibly preserved and was painstakingly excavated. At the lowest level, discover the underground spring which caused the chaos that led to the underground discovery.

Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun

1.5 hours - departure 3:00PM

English


what’s included
  • English-speaking Tour Leader
  • Entrance fee to San Clemente Archeological Site
what’s excluded
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
Michelle Clough

GetYourGuide 06 Oct, 2025

The guide was knowledgeable, relaxed, able to make the tour enjoyable and interesting.

The guide was knowledgeable, relaxed, able to make the tour enjoyable and interesting. He responded well to moving us through in response to all the other tours occurring simultaneously. Probably the best of the tours we have taken in Italy.

Read more

Itinerary

Starting Point

Meeting point is near S. Clemente Basilica, at the corner located at Via di S. Giovanni in Laterano, 126. Please note the meeting point is an outdoor location and not an office, and the address given is indicative. Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.

The nearest metro stop is Line B ‘Colosseo’.

Ending Point

Tour ends at St. Clement's Basilica at 4:30PM

You meet with your guide close to the St. Clement's Basilica entrance. You will enter the church and descend into the underground, exploring. After, you will visit the main church and admire the mosaics and frescoes.

Additional information


  • We recommend the use of comfortable shoes
  • Something to cover shoulders and knees for entrance into churches.

Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun

  • We are unfortunately unable to accomodate guests with wheelchairs.
  • Guests must be able to climb and descend stairs on their own.


  • A paying adult must accompany all minors under 17 years of age.
  • Children 7 and under can join for free.
  • This tour involves walking on uneven terrain and is not suitable for guests who are unable to walk or climb/descend stairs on their own.

In order to be eligible for a full refund your tour must be modified/cancelled by e-mail (info@ecoarttravel.com) no less than 24 hours before your scheduled departure time.

Reviews
Michelle Clough
GetYourGuide
06 Oct, 2025
The guide was knowledgeable, relaxed, able to make the tour enjoyable and interesting.

The guide was knowledgeable, relaxed, able to make the tour enjoyable and interesting. He responded well to moving us through in response to all the other tours occurring simultaneously. Probably the best of the tours we have taken in Italy.


Marina Hirschi
GetYourGuide
05 Oct, 2025
Gianluca hat uns eine fänomenale Tour geboten

Gianluca hat uns eine fänomenale Tour geboten - Mit Humor & viel Leidenschaft. Eindeutiger einer der hidden gems von Rom :-)


emilykE4212FE
TripAdvisor
03 Oct, 2025
Fantastic Tour

We had a fantastic tour and our guide Alberto was very very knowledgable Our experience would not have been the same without our guide as there is much history religion architecture art knowledge needed to be know to fully experience all the church as to offer 100 would recommend


Mary_W
Viator
17 Sep, 2025
Great tour

Really interesting tour to gain knowledge about early Christian worship in Rome Im 69 and my husband is 70 and walks with a cane We did not struggle at all to make the stairs Highly recommend


Kathleen_S
Viator
25 Aug, 2025
Loved the history of the

Loved the history of the church and amazing to see the excavated site below the existing church Nice on a hot day too Not too crowded either



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