Why choose this tour ?
Discover the ancient treasures hidden below St. Clement’s Basilica that are overlooked by most visitors to Rome. Follow your guide three levels down to explore ancient pagan temples, the 1st-century home of St. Clement, and a 4th-century basilica with original frescoes—as well as an underground river. End with a tour of the 12th-century basilica above ground, known for its spectacular mosaics. Delve into a hidden underground world of pagan and early Christian ruins A guide to explain the layers of history beneath St. Clement’s Basilica Time to explore the basilica above ground, including its famed mosaics A small-group tour for a more intimate experience and personal attention
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What makes Small-Group Tour at Underground Temples of St. Clement's Basilica a unique experience ?
This is your meeting point. Here you will check in, have a seat if you prefer, benefit WiFi internet access and use the toilet. Here you will meet your guide and head towards Rome's best-kept secret, Basilica di San Clemente. Get ready to go back in time as you venture 14 meters underground, then gradually explore the different layers of history as you climb back up to the surface.
Embark on an unforgettable journey that begins at the breathtaking 12th-century basilica, where your expert guide will unveil the secrets behind the stunning golden mosaic in the apse, highlighting its spiritual significance. From there, descend 14 meters beneath the basilica to uncover the hidden 4th-century underground church, built directly on top of St. Clement's home, the third pope of Rome. Marvel at the early Christian frescoes, which depict the stories of martyrs and the struggles faced by the first Christians. Next, continue your descent to uncover one of Rome’s best-preserved Mithraic temples. This ancient treasure offers you a unique glimpse into the mysterious Mithraic cult, which thrived before the rise of Christianity. Let your guide bring this fascinating chapter of Roman history to life as they explain the cult’s intriguing rituals and beliefs. As you explore the site, you'll feel an eerie atmosphere, enhanced by an underground river that adds an element of mystery.
For a more in-depth experience, you can add an optional visit to the Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo to your tour. In 45 minutes, you’ll discover this architectural gem, known for its unique circular design. Inside, you'll be captivated by the vibrant frescoes that adorn the walls, each depicting dramatic scenes of early Christian martyrs. These striking images vividly portray the courage and sacrifices of saints who endured extraordinary trials for their faith. As your guide shares the stories behind these powerful artworks, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the devotion and struggles that shaped Rome’s religious heritage.
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered
- This tour is subject to weather conditions and/or liturgic-calendar events. If canceled you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Photography and filming inside the basilica’s is not allowed
- Your phone should be on put on silence before visiting the basilica’s
- If you choose to extend your tour with the optional visit to Santo Stefano Rotondo, please note that the itinerary may vary. Depending on the schedule, you may begin your visit at Basilica San Clemente and proceed to Santo Stefano Rotondo, or vice versa. Therefore, also the ending point may vary
- It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved and you will be walking many steps and stairs
- Pets are not allowed inside the basilica’s
- We recommend you to bring your own headphones in order to minimise plastic waste
- The frescoes inside the Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo depict graphic scenes of martyrdom and may not be appropriate for children
- Please know that the extended option with Santo Stefano Rotondo is available on all days except Mondays since the church is closed on Mondays
- Not recommended for customers with claustrophobia
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
- Regular English Tour
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San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in English in a small group of maximum 16 people.
Duration: 1 hour - Regular French Tour
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San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in French in a small group of maximum 16 people.
Duration: 1 hour - Extended Italian Tour
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San Clemente + Santo Stefano: This option is for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in a group of max 16 people.
Duration: 2 hours - Extended English Tour
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San Clemente + Santo Stefano: This option is for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in a group of max 16 people.
Duration: 2 hours - Extended German Tour
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San Clemente + Santo Stefano: This option is for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in a group of max 16 people.
Duration: 2 hours - Extended Spanish Tour
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San Clemente + Santo Stefano: This option is for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in a group of max 16 people.
Duration: 2 hours - Regular Spanish Tour
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San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in Spanish in a small group of maximum 16 people.
Duration: 1 hour - Regular German Tour
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San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in German in a small group of maximum 16 people.
Duration: 1 hour - Regular Italian Tour
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San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in Italian in a small group of maximum 16 people.
Duration: 1 hour - Regular Portuguese Tour
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San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in Portuguese in a small group of maximum 16 people.
Duration: 1 hour - Extended French Tour
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San Clemente + Santo Stefano: This option is for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in a group of max 16 people.
Duration: 2 hours
Small-Group Tour at Underground Temples of St. Clement's Basilica Inclusions:
Included with Your Ticket
- Headsets to hear the guide clearly
- Expert live guide
- Luggage deposit in our office for the duration of the tour
- Guided tour of Santo Stefano Rotondo (only if this option is selected during purchase)
- Entrance fees to the Basilica di San Clemente
Not Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Optional gratuities
- Guided tour of Santo Stefano Rotondo (unless specifically chosen during purchase)
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Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by TOURIKS.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Rome.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- This Tour is Rated 4.5 Stars based on 14 valid reviews on VIATOR.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.
- Please know that the extended option with Santo Stefano Rotondo is available on all days except Mondays since the church is closed on Mondays - Due to the architectural structures inside and under the Basilica di San Clemente, this tour unfortunately is not accessible to wheelchair users - Due to the underground spaces within the Basilica di San Clemente, this tour may not be suitable for individuals with claustrophobia - The frescoes inside the Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo depict graphic scenes of martyrdom and may not be appropriate for children - If you choose to extend your tour with the optional visit to Santo Stefano Rotondo, please note that the itinerary may vary. Depending on the schedule, you may begin your visit at Basilica San Clemente and proceed to Santo Stefano Rotondo, or vice versa - Please be at the meeting point 5 minutes before the tour starts - An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the church: knees and shoulders should be covered - This tour is subject to weather conditions and/or liturgic-calendar events. If canceled you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund - For environmental reasons, it is preferable that you bring your own earphones and do not print your voucher. We will provide earphones in case you forget yours - We suggest you bring your own refillable bottle as you can find drinkable-water fountains everywhere in Rome
