Underground San Clemente Tour

The Underground San Clemente Tour promises a captivating journey through the layers of Rome’s rich history. Descending beneath the streets of the Eternal City, visitors uncover a treasure trove of ancient wonders dating back to the 1st century AD. From stunning mosaics and frescoes to the enigmatic Mithraeum, this guided tour offers a unique window into the past, transporting participants to a time when these catacombs and crypts were the beating heart of early Christian life. With convenient access near the Colosseum and a flexible booking policy, the experience beckons those eager to delve deeper into the hidden gems that lie beneath the surface of Rome.

Key Points

• The 1-hour underground tour explores the historical Basilica of San Clemente, including a Mithraeum and the original 4th-century AD church.
• Discover stunning mosaics, Cosmatesque Pavement, and frescoes dating back to the early Christian era.
• Visit the tomb of Saint Cyril, a significant figure in the Christianization of the Slavic peoples.
• Tour is available in English with a private group option, and offers a free cancellation policy.
• The tour is priced at €120 per person and includes entrance tickets and a guided exploration of the three underground levels.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Contents

• Key Points
• Tour Overview
• Location and Itinerary
• Historical Significance
• Inclusions and Exclusions
• Important Information
• Pricing and Booking
• Accessibility and Restrictions
• Highlights and Experiences
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
• Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?
• Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
• Can I Join a Tour on Short Notice?
• Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
• Recap
• Our Top Picks in Rome
• More Tours in Rome
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Tour Overview

The underground San Clemente tour is a 1-hour activity that takes visitors through the historic Basilica of San Clemente, priced at €120.00 per person.

The tour is offered in English and also has a private group option available. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as the "reserve now & pay later" option.

The tour covers three levels of the Basilica, including two underground levels, allowing participants to explore mosaics, Cosmatesque Pavement, frescoes, and St. Cyril’s tomb, all within close proximity to the Colosseum.

Location and Itinerary

The tour begins at the iconic Basilica of San Clemente, where guests will meet the staff carrying C.I.S. Tours signs.

The main focus of the tour is the Basilica itself, which boasts three levels, including two underground levels, each with its own unique historical significance:

• Visit the first-century AD Basilica, home to mosaics, Cosmatesque Pavement, frescoes, and St. Cyril’s tomb.

• Explore the second underground level, which houses a Mithraeum, a temple dedicated to the ancient Roman god Mithras.

• Discover the deepest underground level, where the original fourth-century AD church was built.

• Learn about the Basilica’s connection to Pope Saint Clement, the third successor of Saint Peter.

• Marvel at the Basilica’s close proximity to the iconic Colosseum.

Historical Significance

The Basilica of San Clemente bears deep historical significance, named after Pope Saint Clement, the third successor of Saint Peter.

Martyred in the 2nd century AD during Emperor Trajan’s reign, Pope Clement’s legacy lives on through this remarkable structure.

The first Basilica was built in the 1st century AD and even includes a Mithraeum, a temple dedicated to the ancient Persian deity Mithras.

Visitors can explore the three levels of the Basilica, including two underground levels, and discover intricate mosaics, Cosmatesque Pavement, frescoes, and the tomb of Saint Cyril, making this tour a true glimpse into the rich history of Rome.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a guided exploration of the three levels of the Basilica of San Clemente, with entrance tickets provided for all levels.

The tour package covers:

• Guided tour of the three levels of the Basilica
• Entrance ticket for all levels
• Access to mosaics, Cosmatesque Pavement, frescoes, and St. Cyril’s tomb

However, the tour doesn’t include:

• Food and beverages
• Transport to and from the starting location

Participants are advised to bring a passport or ID, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a jacket or shawl for the lower level.

Pets, oversized luggage, food, drinks, shorts, sleeveless shirts, and glass objects aren’t allowed.

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Important Information

At the Basilica of San Clemente, you will meet the tour guide in front of the building, where they’ll have a C.I.S. Tours sign to identify the meeting point. Participants must bring their passport or ID for identification, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a jacket or shawl for the lower level, as it can be cooler underground.

Important Information
Meeting Point	In front of the Basilica of San Clemente, with C.I.S. Tours sign
What to Bring	Passport/ID, comfortable shoes, jacket/shawl
Not Allowed	Pets, oversized luggage, food, drinks, shorts, sleeveless shirts, glass objects
Note	Tour subject to weather conditions and scheduled liturgical events

The tour is designed with safety and comfort in mind, ensuring participants have an enjoyable and enriching experience exploring the underground levels of the historic Basilica.

Pricing and Booking

For this underground San Clemente tour, affordability and accessibility are paramount. The tour is priced at €120 per person, making it an attractive option for individuals and groups alike.

Customers can conveniently reserve their spot now and pay later, allowing for greater flexibility in planning. On top of that, the tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for last-minute changes.

Private group options are also available, catering to the unique needs of larger parties. Whether you’re a solo traveler or part of a group, this tour ensures an immersive and accessible experience in the heart of Rome.

• Affordable pricing at €120 per person
• Reserve now, pay later option
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Private group options available
• Inclusive of entrance tickets and guided tour

Accessibility and Restrictions

Accessibility and convenience are key considerations for this underground San Clemente tour. The tour meeting point is right in front of the Basilica, making it easy to find.

Participants must bring a passport or ID for identification. Comfortable shoes and light jackets are recommended, as the lower levels can be cooler.

Pets, oversized luggage, food, drinks, shorts, sleeveless shirts, and glass objects aren’t allowed. This ensures the safety and comfort of all guests.

The tour is subject to weather conditions and scheduled liturgical events, so flexibility is required.

Highlights and Experiences

The Basilica of San Clemente offers visitors a captivating journey through three distinct levels, each unveiling remarkable historical treasures. Among the highlights are:

• Exploration of the Basilica’s oldest level, dating back to the 1st century AD, which includes a Mithraeum – an ancient Roman temple dedicated to the Persian god Mithras.

• Discovery of stunning mosaics, Cosmatesque Pavement, and well-preserved frescoes that showcase the artistic and architectural prowess of the early Christian era.

• Visit to the tomb of Saint Cyril, a revered figure who played a crucial role in the Christianization of the Slavic peoples.

• Proximity to the iconic Colosseum, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich history of ancient Rome.

• Guided tour that provides insights into the Basilica’s significance as the final resting place of Pope Saint Clement, the third successor of Saint Peter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions, and children of all ages are welcome to participate. Families can enjoy exploring the historical Basilica of San Clemente together on this guided tour.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Participants can take photographs during the tour, but there are some restrictions. Flash photography and the use of tripods are not allowed, as they could potentially damage the ancient artifacts and structures within the Basilica.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour of the Basilica of San Clemente is not fully wheelchair accessible. While the main level is accessible, the lower underground levels have limited accessibility due to steps and uneven surfaces. Visitors with mobility issues should inquire about accommodation options.

Can I Join a Tour on Short Notice?

Customers can often join the tour on short notice, as the operator offers a reserve now & pay later option. However, they advise booking in advance to guarantee availability, especially during peak season.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator offers a 10% discount for students and seniors. Guests can inquire about the available discounts when booking the tour. However, the private group option may provide the best value for larger parties.

Recap

The Underground San Clemente Tour offers a captivating exploration of this historic site, allowing visitors to explore the rich layers of history that span over 2,000 years. With stunning mosaics, frescoes, and the ancient Mithraeum, the tour provides a unique cultural experience. Conveniently located near the Colosseum, the tour’s flexible booking options and free cancellation policy make it a must-visit for anyone seeking to uncover the secrets of ancient Rome.

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