San Clemente Underground and Basilica Guide Tour
A guided exploration of the Basilica of San Clemente. Descend three levels underground to discover 2,000 years of Roman history.
Just a stone’s throw from the Colosseum, the 12th-century Basilica of San Clemente hides one of Rome’s most fascinating archaeological sites. Visitors can navigate three underground levels that uncover over 2,000 years of history, beginning with the current basilica and its sparkling gold mosaics. Beneath the surface lies a 4th-century basilica that remained a secret for centuries until its discovery in 1860.
Descending 100 feet underground, the journey continues to the remains of an ancient pagan Mithraic temple and the ruins of ancient Roman homes. The lowest level reveals an underground spring that still flows today. This tour provides a unique look at how the city of Rome was built layer by layer, featuring incredibly preserved excavations and ancient frescoes.
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Via di S. Giovanni in Laterano 126, Rome 00184, Lazio, Italy