Rome: San Clemente Underground and Basilica Guided Tour

Top rated
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8
129 reviews
Activity provider:
EcoArt Travel
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Rome: San Clemente Underground and Basilica Guided Tour
Top rated
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8
129 reviews

Explore the fascinating San Clemente underground archeological site in Rome and uncover 2,000 years of history on a guided tour. Admire the wonderful gold mosaics of the Basilica of San Clemente.

About this tour

Free cancellation
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Duration 1.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5
5 out of 5 stars
A
Aferdita – United Kingdom

It was a very informative and useful tour , all thanks to the wonderful tour guide Ursus , who lead us through the historical richness and layers of the Church of San Clemente and throughout received so much information. I learnt a lot from this tour and I enjoyed it very much!

5
5 out of 5 stars
T
Tamara Carazo – Germany

The guide Luca was very friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. He adapted to the pace of the small group while showing and telling us many fascinating details about San Clemente and its underground history. Definitely a 5 star tour with a 5 star guide. Thank you so much for this unforgettable afternoon.

Select participants and date

Itinerary

  • Starting location:

    Via di S. Giovanni in Laterano, 126

  • Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano

    Visit, Guided tour (1 hour)

  • Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano

    Photo stop, Visit (30 minutes)

  • Rome

    Photo stop, Visit

  • Arrive back at:

    Via di S. Giovanni in Laterano, 126

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Explore the underground archeologic site of San Clemente Basilica in Rome
  • Admire the sparkling gold mosaics of the Basilica of San Clemente
  • Descend into the deepest levels to discover an ancient Mithraic temple
  • Learn about the fascinating history of the site and its discovery in 1860
  • Discover a hidden gem of the city away from the more crowded sites

Full description

Discover one of Rome's hidden gems, the 12th-century Basilica, and the archeological site of San Clemente on a guided walking tour. Navigate three underground levels and learn about over 2,000 years of history.

Make your way to the first level and explore a 4th-century Basilica, which was long forgotten after the construction of the 12th-century Basilica above. Further down, see the remains of an ancient pagan Mithraic temple, complete with an altar.

Learn about how the fascinating ruins were discovered in 1860 when a flood led an Irish Dominican Roman Catholic priest and archaeologist to discover the levels beneath  At the lowest level, see the underground spring which caused the chaos that led to the discovery. 

Discover what remains of ancient Roman homes, painstakingly excavated and impeccably preserved. Uncover a hidden gem of the city away from the more crowded sites.

Includes

  • Entrance fee to San Clement Basilica
  • Tour guide
  • Tips

Not suitable for

  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Meeting point

Meet near San Clemente Basilica, at the corner located at Via di S. Giovanni in Laterano, 126. The meeting point is an outdoor location and not an office. The nearest metro stop is Line B ‘Colosseo’.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

  • Cameras
  • Luggage or large bags
  • Video recording
  • Photography inside

Know before you go

  • You must be able to climb and descend stairs on your own
  • It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces
  • It is recommended to wear layers because the underground levels may be cooler than the outside temperature
  • There is a dress code inside of the church that requires that your shoulders and knees be covered

From $69 per person

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5
4.8 out of 5 stars

based on 129 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Value for money
    4.7/5

Customer photos

+5
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By star rating
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5
5 out of 5 stars
A
Aferdita – United KingdomJune 26, 2025 – Verified booking
It was a very informative and useful tour , all thanks to the wonderful tour guide Ursus , who lead us through the historical richness and layers of the Church of San Clemente and throughout received so much information. I learnt a lot from this tour and I enjoyed it very much!

Response from provider

June 27, 2025

Dear client, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that our professional guide, Ursus, made your experience truly great. Your kind words mean a great deal to us. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future. Warmest regards, EcoArt Team

5
5 out of 5 stars
T
Tamara Carazo – GermanyJune 15, 2025 – Verified booking
The guide Luca was very friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. He adapted to the pace of the small group while showing and telling us many fascinating details about San Clemente and its underground history. Definitely a 5 star tour with a 5 star guide. Thank you so much for this unforgettable afternoon.

Response from provider

June 23, 2025

Dear Tamara, We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your kind feedback. We're delighted to hear that our guide Luca helped enhance your experience and made it special. We would be thrilled to have the opportunity to host you again in the future. Warmest regards, EcoArt Team

5
5 out of 5 stars
J
Jenny – AustraliaJune 9, 2025 – Verified booking
our guide Luka was exceptional! just enough information to keep our attention and really easy to spend time with. would thoroughly recommend this tour. Thank you Luka best tour we did.

Response from provider

June 9, 2025

Dear client, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. It's a pleasure to learn that our professional guide made your experience absolutely fantastic! We look forward to seeing you again in the future! Warmest regards, EcoArt Team

Product ID: 207114

Activity provider:
EcoArt Travel

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