Basilica of San Clemente tour Rome: Descend to three eras

One basilica holds three centuries of Rome stacked underground.

A guided tour of the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome takes you down 16 meters through three distinct historical layers: the current medieval basilica, an early Christian church beneath it, and a Roman house with a Mithraeum at the deepest level. A live English-speaking guide leads the visit and explains the archaeological and religious significance of each layer. You can book the basilica alone or add the Roman Houses of the Caelian Hill, a separate site showing the transition from pagan to Christian Rome through preserved frescoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Basilica of San Clemente1h · entry included
2. Roman Houses of the Caelian Hill1h · entry included

Visit Basilica and Roman Houses

• Meet guide at meeting point
• Tour Basilica of San Clemente
• Descend to early Christian basilica
• Visit Roman Houses on Colle Celio

The experience

The Basilica of San Clemente is built directly on top of earlier structures, and the tour descends through all of them in sequence. You start at ground level in the medieval basilica, then move down to the early Christian church from the 4th century, and finally reach the Roman house at the bottom where a Mithraeum, a shrine to the god Mithras, still stands. The guide walks you through each level and points out how the same site served different faiths and purposes across centuries. Headphones are provided so you can hear clearly as you move through the underground passages.

If you choose to extend the tour, you'll also visit the Roman Houses on Colle Celio, a separate archaeological site that shows how wealthy Romans lived before Christianity took hold. The houses retain their original frescoes and offer a clear picture of the shift from pagan to Christian Rome. Both sites sit in central Rome with public transportation nearby, though the tour itself is entirely on foot through the basilica and its underground levels.

Arrive 20 minutes before your start time at the meeting point, where staff will greet you and connect you with your guide. The underground sections involve descending several meters and navigating narrow passages, so wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for a place of worship: covered shoulders and knees are required. The site is not suitable for people with claustrophobia or significant mobility limitations.

What’s included

• Basilica of San Clemente underground ticket.
• headphones for the tour.
• live English-speaking guide.
• Roman Houses of the Caelian Hill ticket and guided tour (if that option is selected).
• taxes and fees.

Options for this experience

4 options

Guide in English5 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00

Guide in English09:00, 10:30 and 12:00

Guide in English5 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00

Guide in English09:00, 10:30 and 12:00

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Please present your voucher at the Tourist Office of C.I.S. in Via dei SS. Quattro 75 20 minutes before the start time of the chosen visit.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by C.I.S. Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the group tour if you're comfortable sharing the experience with other visitors and want a lower price. Pick the private tour if you prefer a dedicated guide and the flexibility to move at your own pace through the underground levels. Add the Roman Houses if you have two to three hours and want to see how the same transition from pagan to Christian Rome played out in a residential setting.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 9 years); Infant (under 4).

How deep underground does the Basilica of San Clemente tour go?

The tour descends 16 meters below street level to reach the Roman house and Mithraeum at the lowest level, passing through the early Christian basilica on the way down.

What's the difference between the group tour and the private tour options?

You can book the Basilica of San Clemente alone as either a group tour or a private tour with your own guide. Both options include the same underground access and headphones. The private version gives you a dedicated guide instead of joining other visitors.

Can I add the Roman Houses to my tour?

Yes. You can book San Clemente with the Roman Houses of the Caelian Hill included, either as a group experience or as a private tour. The houses are a separate site nearby and show how Romans lived before the rise of Christianity, with original frescoes still visible on the walls.

What should I wear for this tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, as required for entering a place of worship. The underground sections stay cool, so warm layers are recommended. Avoid loose clothing that might catch on narrow passages as you descend.

Is the Basilica of San Clemente accessible if I have mobility concerns?

The tour involves descending multiple underground levels through narrow passages, which may be difficult for people with mobility limitations, claustrophobia, or pregnancy. Public transportation is available nearby if you need alternative ways to reach the site, but the tour itself requires navigating stairs and tight spaces.