Adventure Collective
Discover Rome’s Underground Secrets with Touriks - Rome

Discover Rome’s Underground Secrets with Touriks

Romeeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1–1.5 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; involves walking on stairs and uneven surfaces

Overview

Descend beneath Rome’s famed Colosseum to uncover secret temples, ancient frescoes, and an underground river. Touriks’ private St. Clement’s tour reveals a side of the city few get to see.

Walking Tour
Roma, Lazio

Rome's hidden gem: Private St. Clement's Underground Temples Tour

69 € - 1h - Chinese Tour

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Adventure Photos

Rome's hidden gem: Private St. Clement's Underground Temples Tour photo 1

About This Adventure

Discover the hidden depths beneath St. Clement’s Basilica, just steps from the Colosseum. Explore 14 meters down through three layers of history, uncovering a Mithraic Temple, ancient frescoes, and an underground river. This private guided tour offers a unique glimpse into the mystical world of early Christianity and pagan cults.

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

Book Private Tours Early

Secure your spot in advance since private tours have limited availability and fill up quickly.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The tour involves walking on uneven stone steps and narrow underground paths—sturdy footwear is recommended.

Allow Time for Nearby Landmarks

Plan extra time to visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum, both just a short walk away from the tour start point.

Bring a Light Jacket

The underground chambers maintain a cool temperature year-round, so a light layer will keep you comfortable.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Urban-dwelling city pigeons visible outside
  • Occasional small bats in the subterranean chambers

History

St. Clement’s Basilica rests atop layers revealing Rome’s religious evolution from pagan cults to early Christianity dating back to the 1st century AD.

Conservation

Touriks emphasizes low-impact visits preserving fragile frescoes and structures by limiting group sizes and enforcing respectful conduct underground.

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Adventure Hotspots in Rome

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Sturdy shoes help navigate steps and uneven floors underground.

Light jacket or sweater

Essential

Keeps you warm in the consistently cool underground chambers.

fall specific

Small flashlight

Can enhance visibility of frescoes and details in dim areas.

Water bottle

Helps you stay hydrated, especially while walking above ground in warmer months.

summer specific