Hidden Roman Houses with Frescoes & Basilica Option in Rome

one hour – 1 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

Hidden Roman Houses with Frescoes & Basilica Option in Rome, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover one of Rome’s best-kept secrets with this private 1-hour guided tour of the Case Romane del Celio, an extraordinary underground complex hidden beneath the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo. Wander through a maze of well-preserved ancient Roman homes, and admire the beautiful and vibrant frescoes that once adorned the walls of these elite residences. Your expert guide will lead you through this fascinating site, revealing its layers of history - from homes for elite families to early Christian devotion. For an even richer experience, choose to extend your tour with a 30-minute visit to the stunning Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo above. Known as the “Church of the Chandeliers”, it’s renowned for its glittering interior and spiritual atmosphere.

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At a glance

Duration: one hour – 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: German, Portuguese, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Operated by: TOURIKS

Ages: Infants (0–6 years) · Children (7–17 years) · Adults (18–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Headsets to hear the guide clearly
Included: Expert live guide
Included: Entrance to and guided tour of the Roman houses on the Caelian Hill
Included: Entrance to and live guide at Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo (only if this option is selected)

Not included

Not included: Entrance to and live guide at Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo (unless chosen during purchase)
Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Optional gratuities
Not included: Pick-up and drop-off

Itinerary

Case Romane Del Celio

one hour Admission included

Your journey begins at the Case Romane del Celio, a remarkably preserved underground complex dating from the 2nd to the 4th century AD. As you walk through this ancient Roman houses and centuries-old corridors, you’ll discover how these residences evolved from a noble 2nd-century domus to a 3rd-century apartment block, and later back to an elite family home. Wandering through multi-level rooms, you’ll get a truly immersive glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome. Along the way, marvel at vibrant frescoes depicting both mythological scenes and early Christian imagery, showcasing the site’s evolving history. As you explore, your guide will reveal how this space gradually transformed into a place of Christian veneration, adding yet another fascinating layer to its rich past.
Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo

30 min

Extend your journey with a 30-minute visit to the elegant Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, built directly atop the ancient homes. Admire the soaring ceilings, grand chandeliers, and marble details as your guide shares the fascinating history of the church and its association with early Christian saints. This peaceful, spiritually rich space adds a final, awe-inspiring touch to your exploration of Rome’s layered history.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet us outside the entrance of the Case Romane del Celio, Clivo di Scauro 3, 00184 Rome. Look for a member of staff holding a yellow Touriks sign.

End point

If you opt for the extended tour (the Case Romane del Celio and the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo), your visit will conclude at the Basilica.
If you opt for the standard tour (the Case Romane del Celio), your visit will end here, the same point as the meeting point.

Using your ticket

Meet us outside the entrance of the Case Romane del Celio, Clivo di Scauro 3, 00184 Rome. Look for a member of staff holding a yellow Touriks sign.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Entrance to and live guide at Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo is not included, unless chosen during purchase
Photography is not allowed inside the Roman houses on the Caelian Hill
Please note that if you choose to extend your tour to the basilica, modest clothing is required for entry (knees and shoulders should be covered)
Bringing food, drinks, pets, luggage or large bags is not allowed
It’s recommended to have a moderate level of fitness to join this tour since there is a moderate amount of walking involved and you will be walking on uneven surfaces and climbing some steps and stairs
Wear comfortable shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved and you will be walking on uneven surfaces and climbing some steps and stairs
This tour is accessible for wheelchair users, with the exception of the Confessio room, which cannot be visited by wheelchair
We recommend you to bring your own headphones in order to minimise plastic waste

Options

Extended Italian Tour

Case Romane + Basilica: Select for a 1.5-hour private tour of Case Romane del Celio & Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo with an Italian guide.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Extended German Tour

Case Romane + Basilica : Select for a 1.5-hour private tour of Case Romane del Celio & Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo with a German guide.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Extended Portuguese Tour

Case Romane + Basilica: Select for a 1.5-hour private tour of Case Romane del Celio & Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo with a Portuguese guide.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Regular Spanish Tour

Case Romane del Celio: Select this option for a 1-hour private guided tour of the Case Romane del Celio with a Spanish-speaking guide.

Duration: 1 hour
Regular French Tour

Case Romane del Celio: Select this option for a 1-hour private guided tour of the Case Romane del Celio with a French-speaking guide.

Duration: 1 hour
Regular Portuguese Tour

Case Romane del Celio: Select this option for a 1-hour private guided tour of the Case Romane del Celio with a Portuguese-speaking guide.

Duration: 1 hour
Regular Italian Tour

Case Romane del Celio: Select this option for a 1-hour private guided tour of the Case Romane del Celio with an Italian-speaking guide.

Duration: 1 hour
Extended Spanish Tour

Case Romane + Basilica : Select for a 1.5-hour private tour of Case Romane del Celio & Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo with a Spanish guide.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Regular German Tour

Case Romane del Celio: Select this option for a 1-hour private guided tour of the Case Romane del Celio with a German-speaking guide.

Duration: 1 hour
Extended English Tour

Case Romane + Basilica: Select for a 1.5-hour private tour of Case Romane del Celio & Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo with an English guide.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Regular English Tour

Case Romane del Celio: Select this option for a 1-hour private guided tour of the Case Romane del Celio with an English-speaking guide.

Duration: 1 hour
Extended French Tour

Case Romane + Basilica: Select for a 1.5-hour private tour of Case Romane del Celio & Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo with a French guide.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes