How deep below ground do the temples lie?

The underground chambers are approximately 14 meters (about 45 feet) below street level.

Is photography allowed during the tour?

Yes, photography is allowed, but flash is typically discouraged to protect the frescoes.

Are there any accessibility accommodations?

Due to stairs and narrow paths, the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments.

How long does the private tour last?

The tour generally lasts between 1 and 1.5 hours.

Are the tours suitable for children?

Children over 8 years old are generally welcome, but consider their comfort with enclosed spaces.

Where does the tour start exactly?

The meeting point is at St. Clement’s Basilica, just a short walk from the Colosseum.

Discover Rome’s Underground Secrets with Touriks

Beneath the bustling streets of Rome, just steps away from the iconic Colosseum, lies a realm rarely witnessed by the average traveler. Touriks offers a private guided journey deep into the underground world of St. Clement’s Basilica, plunging visitors approximately 14 meters below the city’s surface. This singular tour peels back the layers of time to reveal three distinct historical strata—a Mithraic Temple, early Christian frescoes, and even an underground river.

Rome’s rich archaeological narrative is most often told through grand monuments and open-air ruins. Yet, the subterranean temples beneath St. Clement’s offer an intimate portal into the shadows of ancient religious life. The Mithraic cult, shrouded in secrecy, left behind sculpted altars and chambers that hint at forgotten rites. Above, early Christian frescoes capture the spiritual shift that would shape Europe’s religious landscape. Meanwhile, flowing quietly beneath it all, an underground river carves a natural feature rarely contemplated amidst Rome’s urban sprawl.

Touriks specializes in small private groups, ensuring a personalized experience that transcends typical tour crowds. The guides’ expert storytelling bridges archaeology with vivid historical context, bringing the eerie underground chambers to life. For visitors inclined toward archaeology, history, or simply offbeat cultural pursuits, this journey strikes a balance between immersive education and adventurous discovery.

Rome’s ancient cityscape typically commands the spotlight above ground, but Touriks invites travelers to descend where echoes of pagan and Christian rituals merge beneath centuries of stone and mortar. This hidden underworld tour is a standout for visitors eager to see beyond the tourist-packed forums and marvel at the surprising layers beneath one of history’s greatest cities. It’s a must-do for those wanting to connect with Rome’s complex past in a setting both mystical and grounded in tangible history.