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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
129 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
Dana_H

Viator 30 Jun, 2025

Nice Tour but this could be done on your own

Tour was informative and on time with small group The tour guide was Luca who was awesome If we were to do it over we could have purchased tickets and with a written history done it on our own quicker If you like a ton of information you would enjoy this tour

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
Maria_B
Viator
23 May, 2025
Fascinating Place

Thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Luca His knowledge and passion for the history of San Clemente made the guided tour so enjoyable Will happily recommend this tour to others


690bradleye
TripAdvisor
20 May, 2025
Amazing g must see tour

An amazing experience Thoroughly enjoyed this tour We did the tours of several ancient sites and ruins out these ruins qwee unique in that they are underground Highly recommend this t I yr Our guide Gianluca Luca WAS AWESOME VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE


Debbie S
TripAdvisor
12 May, 2025
San Clemente underground

This tour was so interesting We went down 3 levels below ground and visited 5th century and first century Rome See history come alive here


452clintf
TripAdvisor
12 May, 2025
Fascinating insight into the history of Rome

Fascinating insight into the history of Rome through the development of a local basilica The tour guide was friendly knowledgeable and called to check how we were as we were running a little late


karenj587
TripAdvisor
08 May, 2025
Must See

Luca was a great tour guide Not only do you see the 12th Century church but 4th and 2nd Century levels too There is also evidence that another lower level exists Highly recommend this tour



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