Rome: San Clemente Basilica Underground Tour Small Group

Summary

San Clemente’s mosaics, lost temples and Rome’s buried stories

You’ll stand beneath San Clemente’s shimmering mosaics before heading deep underground with your guide—exploring hidden basilicas and ancient temples most never see. Feel centuries-old stones under your feet and catch whispers of incense as you move between layers of Roman history. This isn’t just sightseeing—it’s stepping right into the city’s secret past.

What’s the experience like?

You know that moment when you step inside somewhere quiet and the city noise just sort of drops away? That’s how it felt walking into the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome. The gold mosaic above the altar caught me off guard—honestly, I’d seen photos but they don’t really show how it glows in real life. Our guide, Francesca, pointed out tiny details in the tiles while a couple of locals lit candles nearby. There was this faint scent of old stone and incense—kind of grounding, actually.

I didn’t expect to go underground so many times. We started on the main floor, then headed down a narrow staircase (watch your step if you’re tall). The air got cooler and a bit damp as we reached the 4th-century basilica below. It’s strange—down there it almost feels like time folds over itself. Francesca explained how they found all this by accident after a flood in the 1800s. She laughed when I tried to say “Mithraeum” (the pagan temple) in Italian—definitely butchered that one. But seeing those faded frescoes and ancient brickwork up close… I still think about that silence down there, just us and a few echoes.

By the time we made it to the lowest level, where Roman homes once stood, my shoes were covered in dust. You could hear water trickling somewhere—a reminder we were way below street level. It’s not really for anyone who hates stairs or tight spaces, but if you’re curious about how Rome stacks its history layer by layer, this tour is kind of wild. Includes entry tickets and having someone local walk you through all those stories makes it stick with you longer than just reading signs ever could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Basilica and underground site

• Visit Basilica of San Clemente
• Explore archaeological site beneath basilica

Top questions

How deep do you go underground at San Clemente?

You descend up to 100 feet underground over three levels beneath the Basilica during the tour.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

No, due to steps and uneven terrain, it’s not recommended for guests with mobility issues.

Are entrance tickets included in the San Clemente tour?

Yes, entrance tickets to the archaeological site of San Clemente are included (10 euro value).

How long does it take to get from central Rome to San Clemente?

The Basilica of San Clemente is located near central Rome and easily reached by public transportation.

Who leads the tour inside San Clemente?

An expert English-speaking guide leads small groups through all levels of San Clemente.

What will I see under the Basilica?

You’ll visit a 4th-century basilica, an ancient pagan Mithraic temple, and remains of Roman homes beneath San Clemente.

Is public transport available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options available near San Clemente Basilica.

Could some monuments be under restoration during my visit?

Yes, due to the Jubilee some monuments may be under restoration; check messages for updates before your tour.

What’s included

Your day includes entry tickets to all three underground levels of San Clemente and an expert English-speaking guide leading your small group through each layer—from golden mosaics above to ancient temples below—with plenty of stories along the way.