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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
99 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)
Infant (Free)
09 january 2023
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San Clemente Underground Tour

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Adults
(17+)
Children
(8 - 16)
Infant (Free)
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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
bla_enkas2021

TripAdvisor 10 Dec, 2024

Amazing place

The place was awesome and our guide Mara simply fantastic A must see while in Rome Mara was knowledgeable and fun showing us the best of this place in one hour

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
Sara_L
Viator
02 Jul, 2023
A sliver of history

Great tour of the current San Clemente and its underground wonders This was a glimpse of the stretch of ages past from the point of view of a single location We had an excellent guide Riccardo who is a church historian with so much knowledge to share


noisettep2021
TripAdvisor
26 Nov, 2022
The mysterious San Clemente, source of the Ancient Rome

12 years ago I lived for 1 year in Rome and I did the tour with my parents. It was a secret tip, from a friend, a Brazilian lady. The church and his history marked me with the story. Years later, revisiting Rome with a person very dear to me, and also his first visit to Italy, I thought that this little treasure is something to share this time. And it was worth it! Our guide, Rodrigo, was wonderful! He was so passionated, so detailed in the story. He inspired us to visit the underdog church, not even to be found nor read in my book about Rome, the Quatro Coronati. And San Giovanni in Laterano. Thank you so much for this tips, for this wonderful experience. Unforgettable!


Roos4669
TripAdvisor
14 Nov, 2022
Great tour to see the old Rome

Very interesting tour with great guide through San Clemente. Tour was with a very small group so a lot Roos4669of opportunity to ask questions and hear and see everything. Guide was great, very patiently answered all the questions and told a lot about all the history of the church and the acient Rome.


Shirley_Y
Viator
24 Oct, 2022
Little known but well worth the trip!

Our tour guide—— The amazing layers of construction—- Close to the Coloseum— Not a crowded tour—- Unusual——


Gunel I
TripAdvisor
24 Oct, 2022
Great tour and knowledgeable guide

I really enjoyed going back in time inside the church and learning interesting and valuable information. Our tour guide explained everything carefully, down to the details. thanks Ricardo



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