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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
98 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
April_C

Viator 24 Nov, 2024

Wonderful

He was well versed and gave an excellent tour I learned a significant amount of new information Highly recommend this tour

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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
John_G
Viator
15 Jun, 2024
Cool trip through Roman History

Excellent guide who took us through the history of the Basilica Very cool to be able to go underground and to see the original church and the artwork from the 8th Century and then to also see the Mithraic Temple from the 1st Century even lower Guide was outstanding and incredibly knowledgeable


Kadiliya_A
Viator
14 Jun, 2024
Highly recommend

We had such a wonderful guide Priscilla who had a great sense of humour The tour was more than what we expected It was detailed and very entertaining Priscilla gave us enough time to take photos as well which was great Highly recommend this tour This is a must add to the itinerary I feel like this could easily be missed Thank you so much for the wonderful experience Priscilla Ciao


David_S
Viator
13 Jun, 2024
Great tour great guide

Gina was very informative and did a wonderful job of explaining the intertwined layers of the San Clemente churches and Roman ruins What an amazing place Gina was also very considerate of the people on the tour making sure they could stay out of the sun and have plenty of opportunities to sit down


Casey_A
Viator
29 May, 2024
Fantastic tour

This is one of the best Hidden Gems in Rome and only a few blocks away from the masses at the Colosseum Gina was an EXCEPTIONAL tour guide and I would readily book tours with her at any historical sites in the city Each layer of this Lasagna Basilica is full of interesting historical artifacts and gives a very unique insight into how the city of Rome evolved over the centuries rebuilding and recycling on top of the ancient structures Highly recommend


Diane_D
Viator
29 May, 2024
Dark and Cool

Highly recommend Very interesting history and not so crowded so you really had a chance to stop and look closely Also nice and cool on a hot day



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