Rome Catacombs & San Clemente: Small Group Underground Tour

Summary

Descend through Rome’s hidden layers from San Clemente to ancient catacombs

You’ll start above ground at San Clemente’s layered basilica before descending deep beneath Rome with your small group and local guide. Expect cool air, flickering light, and stories that don’t make it into guidebooks as you walk ancient catacomb tunnels. Taxi transfers keep things easy—just bring curiosity (and maybe an extra sweater).

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the hush—like someone pressed pause on the city. We’d just ducked into the Basilica of San Clemente, and suddenly it was all cool stone and candlelight. Our guide, Francesca, had this way of making history feel like gossip; she pointed at faded frescoes and whispered about popes and secret rituals as if we might get caught listening in. We kept going down—literally five stories underground—and each level felt older, mustier, almost damp. You could smell earth and old incense. At one point, water trickled somewhere out of sight. I touched the wall (probably not allowed) just to feel how cold it was.

Getting to the catacombs was a bit of a blur—taxi ride through midday traffic, some chatter about Roman drivers (Francesca just rolled her eyes). The catacombs themselves? Narrow tunnels, a little claustrophobic honestly, but you adjust after a minute. The official guide took over here; he had this dry humor that somehow made talking about ancient graves feel less heavy. There were empty niches everywhere—hundreds of them—and for a moment I wondered what it must have sounded like when people actually came here to mourn or hide. No photos allowed, which felt right. It’s not really a place for selfies anyway.

I didn’t expect to be so moved by something so quiet. There’s this odd comfort in knowing whole generations passed through these same tunnels—leaving behind prayers scratched into stone, bits of color on the walls that somehow survived two thousand years. On the way back to central Rome (taxi again), I kept thinking about that silence underground, how it lingers even after you’re back in sunlight with scooters buzzing past. So yeah… if you want to see another side of Rome—the kind most people never notice—I’d say go for this day trip from Rome into its own underworld.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore underground ancient Rome sites

• Visit Basilica of San Clemente
• Descend five stories underground
• Learn about Medieval popes and Pagan rituals
• Admire 2nd to 15th century artwork
• Transfer to Roma Termini
• Take pre-booked taxi to Catacombs of Rome
• Explore ancient Christian burial tunnels
• Return to Rome center by taxi

Top questions

How many people are in each group for this Rome catacombs tour?

The small group is limited to 6 people maximum for a more personal experience.

Is transportation between sites included on this day trip?

Yes, comfortable pre-booked taxi transfers between San Clemente and the catacombs are included.

Are guides provided at both San Clemente and the catacombs?

An expert guide leads you at San Clemente; an official catacombs guide takes over inside the burial tunnels.

Can I take photos inside the catacombs or San Clemente?

No photography is allowed inside either site during the tour.

Is there a dress code for visiting these sites?

Yes, shoulders and knees must be covered in places of worship like San Clemente.

What languages is this tour offered in?

The tour is available in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian upon request.

How long does this Rome underground tour last?

The standard experience lasts several hours including transfers; private tours run 30 minutes longer with an extra stop.

What’s included

Your day includes entry tickets for both San Clemente basilica and the ancient Roman catacombs, expert English-speaking guidance throughout (with official guides inside the catacombs), comfortable taxi transfers between each site so you don’t have to worry about logistics, plus all required dress code info sent ahead of time—just show up ready to explore below Rome’s surface before returning downtown by taxi at the end.