Small-Group Tour at Underground Temples of St. Clements Basilica

Beneath the stunning 12th-century Basilica of St. Clement’s in Rome lies a captivating world of ancient wonders. On this small-group tour, visitors can descend into the depths and uncover a Mithraic temple, early Christian ruins, and a remarkable 4th-century underground basilica. Led by expert guides, you will embark on a personalized journey, exploring the rich religious and cultural history of this remarkable site. With a maximum group size of 16, the experience promises an immersive and intimate exploration of Rome’s hidden treasures, leaving guests eager to delve deeper into the mysteries that lie underground.

Key Points

• Immersive exploration of ancient wonders, including a Mithraic temple, early Christian ruins, and a 4th-century underground basilica, beneath St. Clement’s Basilica in Rome.
• Guided small-group tour (maximum 16 participants) providing insights into the historical significance of the site.
• Opportunity to view spectacular mosaics and architectural features of the 12th-century basilica above ground.
• Tour package includes all fees, taxes, and sterilized headsets for clear audio, with on-site assistance from a knowledgeable guide.
• Highly praised by travelers for the guide’s extensive knowledge, effective storytelling, and the tour’s ability to transport guests through time.

Tour Overview

The small-group tour at the Underground Temples of St. Clements Basilica in Rome, Italy, offers an immersive exploration of ancient treasures hidden beneath the 12th-century basilica.

This 100% recommended experience by travelers allows visitors to descend three levels and discover a Mithraic temple, early Christian ruins, and a 4th-century underground basilica with original frescoes.

A knowledgeable guide enhances the tour, explaining the layers of history and the significance of the structures.

Visitors also have the opportunity to explore the spectacular mosaics of the 12th-century basilica above ground.

With a maximum group size of 16, this tour provides an intimate and engaging encounter with Rome’s captivating past.

Highlights of the Tour

Descending three levels beneath the 12th-century St. Clement’s Basilica, visitors uncover a treasure trove of ancient wonders.

The tour delves into a Mithraic temple 14 meters underground, immersing participants in the mysteries of early Christian ruins. The knowledgeable guide expertly narrates the significance of these structures, bringing to life the stories of early Christians and martyrs.

Above ground, guests explore the basilica’s spectacular mosaics, complementing the underground experience.

The small-group size allows for an intimate and engaging exploration, ensuring each traveler gains a deeper understanding of Rome’s multilayered history.

Meeting Point and Logistics

The tour meeting point is located on Via di S. Giovanni in Laterano, 132, just 15 meters from the famous St. Clement Basilica in Rome. Participants are advised to arrive at least 5 minutes early to ensure a smooth start to the experience.

Meeting Point	Arrival Time	Group Size	End Point
Via di S. Giovanni in Laterano, 132, 00184 Roma RM, Italy	Recommended to arrive 5 minutes early	Maximum of 16 participants	Tour concludes back at the meeting point

The intimate group size allows for a personalized, immersive exploration of the underground treasures. Upon completion, the tour returns to the starting point, ensuring a seamless start and end to this captivating journey through Rome’s rich history.

Inclusions and Accessibility

The tour package includes all necessary fees and taxes, as well as sterilized headsets to ensure clear audio and a full on-site assistance from the knowledgeable guide.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, there’s an appropriate dress-code required, with knees and shoulders covered. Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility.

The tour offers an immersive journey through Rome’s rich history, allowing visitors to explore:

• Pagan temples 14 meters underground
• Early Christian ruins
• 4th-century Underground Basilica with original frescoes
• An underground river
• The 12th-century Basilica of St. Clement with its spectacular mosaics

Customer Reviews

Glowing reviews by travelers capture the immersive experience of the small-group tour at the Underground Temples of St. Clements Basilica. Visitors praise the guide’s expansive knowledge and engaging storytelling, which bring the layers of Rome’s history to life. The tour’s ability to transport guests back in time through the exploration of pagan temples, early Christian ruins, and the awe-inspiring 4th-century basilica is a highlight. Travelers leave with a deeper appreciation for the site’s significance and the chance to witness the evolution of civilization firsthand.

Rating	Number of Reviews
5	11
4	0
3	0
2	0
1	0

Pagan Temples Beneath

Descending three levels beneath St. Clement’s Basilica, visitors uncover a mesmerizing array of ancient treasures. Beneath the 12th-century church lies a Mithraic temple, dedicated to the Persian god Mithras, nestled 14 meters underground. This pagan sanctuary showcases intricate carvings and remnants of rituals that once captivated Roman worshippers.

The exploration continues, revealing:

• The foundations of St. Clement’s 1st-century home
• Ruins of an early Christian church from the 4th century
• Remnants of original frescoes adorning the underground basilica
• An active underground river, a testament to the engineering feats of ancient Rome
• Layers of history that unfold, painting a vivid picture of the city’s religious evolution.

Early Christian Ruins

Beneath the towering 12th-century basilica, visitors uncover a remarkable chapter in early Christian history. Descending three levels, the underground tour reveals the ruins of a 4th-century basilica, complete with original frescoes depicting Christian iconography. This early church was built atop the former home of St. Clement, a 1st-century pope and martyr. Visitors can explore the foundations of this sacred structure, gaining insight into the challenges faced by the early Christian community in Rome.

Ruins Discovered	Significance	Preservation
4th-century basilica	Oldest known Christian church in Rome	Frescoes and mosaics intact
St. Clement’s home	Vital link to early Christian history	Foundations and architectural elements preserved
Pagan temples	Evidence of religious transition	Remarkably well-preserved underground structures

Underground Basilica Exploration

Visitors to the Underground Basilica at St. Clements are transported back in time, exploring the layers of civilization buried beneath the 12th-century church.

Descending 14 meters below ground, they discover a 4th-century basilica with original frescoes, revealing glimpses of early Christian life.

The underground exploration includes:

• Viewing the remains of a Mithraic temple, a pagan cult dedicated to the sun god.
• Examining the remnants of St. Clement’s 1st-century home, where the early Christian martyr once lived.
• Admiring the architectural features of the 4th-century basilica, including its impressive columns and intricate mosaics.
• Tracing the path of an underground river that once flowed through the site.
• Gaining a deeper understanding of Rome’s rich religious and cultural history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Tour Duration?

The tour duration is not explicitly mentioned in the overview. However, the experience covers extensive underground exploration and visits to various historical structures, suggesting it likely lasts several hours to allow sufficient time for the in-depth experience.

Can Children Participate in the Tour?

The tour does not specify if children can participate. However, it notes the site is not wheelchair accessible, suggesting it may not be suitable for young children. Visitors should check with the tour operator for more details on child policies.

Is Food and Drink Provided During the Tour?

No, food and drink are not provided during the tour. The tour focuses on the archaeological exploration of the underground structures, and participants are responsible for bringing their own refreshments.

Are Photography and Video Allowed Underground?

Photography and video are generally allowed underground, but visitors must follow the guide’s instructions. Flashes and tripods may be restricted to protect the fragile ancient structures and artifacts. Guests should check with the guide before taking any photos or videos.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour?

The tour does not appear to offer an option to extend the experience beyond the standard duration. Travelers must book the tour as advertised, which concludes at the meeting point after exploring the underground temples and basilica.

Recap

Delving into the Underground Temples of St. Clement’s Basilica in Rome offers a captivating journey through the city’s rich religious history. Guided by experts, visitors can explore ancient pagan temples, early Christian ruins, and a remarkable 4th-century underground basilica, all in an intimate small-group setting. This immersive experience provides a unique window into Rome’s storied past and the evolution of its sacred spaces.