Private Tour at Underground Temples of St. Clement's Basilica, Rome

About this activity

Uncover the secrets of St. Clement's Basilica at your own pace on this private tour. Embark 46 feet (14 meters) below ground to uncover a mystical realm of ancient pagan rituals, early Christian tales, and frescoes. Get lost in the thrill of exploring layers upon layers of history as you return to the surface. Traverse three eras and even touch the sacred waters of an underground river. Join this exclusive journey into the depths of history and wonder.

Embark on a tour of the underground temples below St Clement's Basilica

Learn about early Christian persecution and the legend of St Clement

View the fascinating ancient frescoes adorning the walls of underground temples

Touch the water of the underground river beneath St Clement's Basilica

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At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
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 (7–16 years) · Adults (17–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Headsets to hear the guide clearly
Included: Expert live guide
Included: Luggage deposit in our office for the duration of the tour
Included: Guided tour of Santo Stefano Rotondo (only if this option is selected during purchase)
Included: Entrance fees to the Basilica di San Clemente

Not included

Not included: Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Optional gratuities
Not included: Guided tour of Santo Stefano Rotondo (unless specifically chosen during purchase)

Itinerary

Basilica of San Clemente

one hour Admission included

Start your unforgettable journey at the 12th-century Basilica di San Clemente, where your guide will show you the golden mosaic in the apse and reveal its hidden meanings. Then, descend 14 meters underground to uncover the hidden 4th-century church built atop St. Clement’s home, adorned with early Christian frescoes. Continue deeper underground to explore one of Rome’s best-preserved Mithraic temples, offering a rare glimpse into ancient pagan rituals. Feel the eerie atmosphere and witness an underground river before emerging back into the basilica, reflecting on your journey through both Roman and Christian history.
Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo al Celio

45 min

For those seeking more, opt for an additional visit to the Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo, a stunning example of circular architecture. Inside, you'll be mesmerised by vibrant frescoes that line the walls, each depicting dramatic scenes of early Christian martyrs. These powerful images vividly showcase the courage and sacrifices of saints who endured immense trials for their faith. As your guide reveals the stories behind these incredible artworks, you’ll gain profound insight into the devotion and struggles that have shaped Rome’s religious history.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet us at Piazza di San Clemente, 00184 Rome. Please arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled starting time. Look for a member of staff holding a yellow label.

End point

This tour will conclude at Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo if you have selected the 2-hour tour with Santo Stefano Rotondo. Please note, the itinerary may vary. Depending on the schedule, you may start at Basilica San Clemente or Santo Stefano Rotondo. Therefore, also the ending point may vary.
This tour will conclude at Basilica di San Clemente if you have selected the 1-hour tour of Basilica di San Clemente, without the optional visit to Basilica of Santo Stefano Rotondo.

Using your ticket

Please know that the extended option with Santo Stefano Rotondo is available on all days except Mondays since the church is closed on Mondays
Due to the architectural structures inside and under the Basilica di San Clemente, this tour unfortunately is not accessible to wheelchair users
Due to the underground spaces within the Basilica di San Clemente, this tour may not be suitable for individuals with claustrophobia
The frescoes inside the Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo depict graphic scenes of martyrdom and may not be appropriate for children
If you choose to extend your tour with the optional visit to Santo Stefano Rotondo, please note that the itinerary may vary. Depending on the schedule, you may begin your visit at Basilica San Clemente and proceed to Santo Stefano Rotondo, or vice versa
Please be at the meeting point 5 minutes before the tour starts
An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the church: knees and shoulders should be covered
This tour is subject to weather conditions and/or liturgic-calendar events. If canceled you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
For environmental reasons, it is preferable that you bring your own earphones and do not print your voucher. We will provide earphones in case you forget yours
We suggest you bring your own refillable bottle as you can find drinkable-water fountains everywhere in Rome

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%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Specialized infant seats are available
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered
This tour is subject to weather conditions and/or liturgic-calendar events. If canceled you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
Photography and filming inside the basilica’s is not allowed
Your phone should be on put on silence before visiting the basilica’s
If you choose to extend your tour with the optional visit to Santo Stefano Rotondo, please note that the itinerary may vary. Depending on the schedule, you may begin your visit at Basilica San Clemente and proceed to Santo Stefano Rotondo, or vice versa
It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved and you will be walking many steps and stairs
Pets are not allowed inside the basilica’s
We recommend you to bring your own headphones in order to minimise plastic waste
The frescoes inside the Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo depict graphic scenes of martyrdom and may not be appropriate for children
Please note that the extended option with Santo Stefano Rotondo may occasionally be unavailable due to special events or liturgical celebrations
Not recommended for customers with claustrophobia

Options

Extended English Tour

San Clemente + Santo Stefano: Select this option for a private guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in English

Duration: 2 hours
Extended French Tour

San Clemente + Santo Stefano: Select this option for a private guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in French

Duration: 2 hours
Regular Spanish Tour

San Clemente: Select this option for a private guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente with a Spanish-speaking guide.

Duration: 1 hour
Extended German Tour

San Clemente + Santo Stefano: Select this option for a private guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in German

Duration: 2 hours
Regular English Tour

San Clemente: Select this option for a private guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente with an English-speaking guide.

Duration: 1 hour
Regular Italian Tour

San Clemente: Select this option for a private guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente with an Italian-speaking guide.

Duration: 1 hour
Extended Italian Tour

San Clemente + Santo Stefano: Select this option for a private guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in Italian

Duration: 2 hours
Extended Portuguese Tour

San Clemente + Santo Stefano: Select this option for a private guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in Portuguese

Duration: 2 hours
Regular Portuguese Tour

San Clemente: Select this option for a private guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente with a Portuguese-speaking guide.

Duration: 1 hour
Extended Spanish Tour

San Clemente + Santo Stefano: Select this option for a private guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in Spanish

Duration: 2 hours
Regular French Tour

San Clemente: Select this option for a private guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente with a French-speaking guide.

Duration: 1 hour
Regular German Tour

San Clemente: Select this option for a private guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente with a German-speaking guide.

Duration: 1 hour