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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
121 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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(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
Dave_N

Viator 26 May, 2025

The tour provides a

The tour provides a tangible literal experience of the layers of history in Rome all on one small site A highlight of our time in Romejust a short walk from the Colosseum but feels far from the bustle

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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
Christie_H
Viator
29 Apr, 2025
San Clemente Basilica

Wow what a great find Not only is it a beautiful basilica you get a glimpse of Rome thousand and thousand of years ago What made the trip extra special was our tour guide Gianluca with EcoArt Not only is knowledgable he loves what he does for a living and it shows Such a fun guy he made the tour special


MD-CPA2016
TripAdvisor
28 Apr, 2025
Deep Peace

For those of you who enjoy small dark places of history and can use your imagination to take you back in time this is the place for you The art work on the walls faint with time is the real deal especially the Madonna and Child on the second level Dont miss the 1 st century Roman space all the way down its fascinating I left with a sense of peace and wellbeing that not many churches emit


toddpV363GX
TripAdvisor
19 Apr, 2025
GREAT

Lukah was great to help me a lot I didnt know I love you and I got a lot of research He taught me a lot that I didnt know about


Darlene_S
Viator
31 Mar, 2025
Outstanding tour guide

Our tour guide was awesome Such passion for the topic and great sense of humor We learned so much


Janet G
TripAdvisor
22 Mar, 2025
A visit not to be missed

This was one of the highlights of our visit to Rome A beautiful church with outer courtyard Then inside to a fascinating visit underground to step back in time Down to the 4th century basilica then down again to the first century excavations Unbelievable maze of rooms



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