Underground Temple Tours in Rome with Touriks
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves walking and several flights of stairs but no strenuous exertion.
Overview
Descend beneath Rome’s surface to uncover a Mithraic temple, ancient frescoes, and a secret underground river with Touriks’ private St. Clement’s Basilica tour. Discover history where shadows hold the city’s oldest mysteries.
Les Bijoux Cachés de Rome : Visite Privée des Temples Souterrains de Saint-Clément
93€ - 1h - Visite Privée en Français
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Dive into a captivating journey beneath St. Clement’s Basilica, just steps from the Colosseum. Explore 14 meters of layered history, uncovering a well-preserved Mithraic temple, ancient frescoes, and an underground river. This private guided tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into the mystical world of pagan cults and early Christian legends.
Embark on an unexpected experience a stone's throw from the Colosseum.
Venture 14 meters below St Clement’s Basilica to discover a mystical world of forgotten pagan cults and early-Christian legends and frescoes. Cross three layers of history and earth.
Highlights
- Enjoy the quality of a private guided tour
- Jump into a surprising exploration close to the Colosseum
- Venture 14 meters below ground across 3 layers of excavations
- Find an ancient Mithraic Temple and an underground river
- Be seduced by subterranean frescoes, early legends, and golden mosaics
- Enjoy a full on-site assistance
About
Meet your guide in front of St. Clement's Basilica and venture deep underground below its foundations into a mystical world of ancient cults and legends. Journey through several layers of history and earth, down to 14 meters below ground. Live the excitement of gradually exploring the later structures built on top of it on your way up to the surface.
Go back in time down to the deepest point and discover the best-preserved Mithraic temple of the city. Find out about the pagan faith of Ancient Romans before Christianity and be intrigued by its sectarian and esoteric side. Learn about the early-Christian persecutions and martyrs and hear the legend of St. Clement whilst standing in the 1st Century structure that was once his home.
Feel the eerie atmosphere and touch the waters of an underground stream.
Journey higher into the remains of the 4th Century Basilica, built on top of the martyr’s house and below the actual one. Walk along its imposing walls and be fascinated by the ancient frescoes while learning about the scenes and the lives of the martyrs they portray.
End your tour in the beautiful 12th-century Basilica at ground level. Marvel at the stunning golden mosaic in the apse and learn about the hidden symbolism in it.
Important information
- An instant confirmation will be received at the time of booking
- You will need to be at the meeting point 5 minutes before the tour starts
- An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: a moderate amount of walking is involved
- This tour is not wheelchair-accessible
- 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 do not trash your empty bottle of water since you can refill it everywhere in Rome for free
Meeting point
Meet at the TouriksPoint at Via di San Giovanni in Laterano 132, 15 meters from the Basilica of St. Clement.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the starting time of the experience
- Full refunds are not possible for cancellations made after the 24 hours
- Amendments are not allowed after the 24 hours and are always subject to availability and price changes
- No refunds in case of no-show on the part of the customer
- If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- If the tour is canceled due to COVID-19 issues, Touriks grants a full refund (not vouchers)
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestones and stairs
The underground tour involves narrow passageways and multiple stair descents, so sturdy, flat footwear is recommended.
Carry a light jacket or sweater
The subterranean chambers maintain a consistent cool temperature year-round, which can feel chilly even in summer.
Book your private tour in advance
This exclusive experience has limited daily availability to ensure an intimate group size—reservations are highly recommended.
Photography permitted but no flash
Bring a camera if you want to capture fresco details; flash can damage ancient art and is usually prohibited.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban sparrows soaring near piazzas
- Bats residing in nearby ancient ruins
History
St. Clement’s Basilica layers Roman, early Christian, and pagan sites, reflecting Rome’s evolving religious landscape from the 1st to 12th centuries.
Conservation
Preserving subterranean frescoes and architecture requires careful visitor management and strict photography rules to protect delicate pigments.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Rome
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Flat, supportive shoes are key for navigating uneven surfaces and stairs comfortably.
Light jacket or sweater
Temperatures in the underground temple remain cool throughout the year, making a layer essential.
spring|summer|fall|winter specific
Compact camera or smartphone
Capture the intricate frescoes and temple details—just remember no flash photography.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated before and after the tour, especially during warmer months.
summer specific