Underground Basilica Tour in Rome with Touriks
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves walking down and up stairs with moderate spacing
Overview
Step beneath Rome’s surface with Touriks for a private guided journey through St. Clement’s Basilica’s underground temples, where layers of history and mysticism await.
Private Tour of St. Clement's Basilica and Underground Temples
93€ • 1h • Discover Rome's hidden gem
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Dive into history with a private guided tour beneath St. Clement’s Basilica, just steps from the Colosseum. Explore 14 meters down through three layers of ancient civilization, uncovering a Mithraic Temple, early-Christian legends, and stunning frescoes. Experience the eerie atmosphere of this mystical underground world and its rich stories.
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 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 14 meters below ground. Experience 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 while 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
Adventure Tips
Wear Comfortable, Slip-Resistant Shoes
Uneven stone steps and narrow passageways demand sturdy footwear to maintain grip and comfort during the descent.
Bring a Light Jacket
The underground chambers stay cool year-round, so layering up ensures comfort during the tour.
Arrive On Time for Your Private Tour
Timely arrival is crucial to fully experience the private setting without being rushed or missing key details.
Photography Restrictions Apply
Flash photography is typically prohibited to protect frescoes; check with your guide before shooting photos.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Sparrows often seen near the basilica’s surface entrance
- Bats occasionally inhabit the underground spaces at night
History
St. Clement’s Basilica was built over a series of earlier structures, including a 1st-century Roman house, revealing a complex religious transition from paganism to Christianity in Rome.
Conservation
Strict preservation efforts regulate visitor numbers and prohibit flash photography to protect delicate frescoes and ancient masonry underground.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Rome
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for navigating uneven stone floors and stairways safely.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Keeps you comfortable as underground temperatures remain cool year-round.
fall|winter|spring specific
Camera (Without Flash)
Capture details respectfully where permitted, avoiding flash to protect ancient frescoes.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated before or after your underground visit, especially during warmer months.
summer specific