Underground Rome Tour: St. Clement and Celian Houses

Beneath the bustling streets of Rome lies a captivating world waiting to be explored. The Underground Rome Tour: St. Clement and Celian Houses promises a captivating 3-hour journey through this ancient subterranean realm, where visitors can uncover hidden churches, temples, and tombs that offer a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history. Led by knowledgeable guides, this small-group experience delves deep into the significance of these remarkable structures, inviting participants to step back in time and discover the secrets that lie hidden just beneath the surface.

Key Points

• This 3-hour underground tour explores hidden churches, temples, tombs, and ancient Roman houses on Celian Hill, led by knowledgeable guides.
• The tour includes the Basilica of St Clement and the ancient church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, with insights into their historical significance.
• Participants will navigate a maze of subterranean spaces, including a spring and abandoned shops, providing a unique glimpse into Rome’s ancient underground.
• The tour is suitable for moderately fit individuals, but not recommended for those with severe claustrophobia or physical limitations.
• The experience is offered in small groups, ensuring a personalized and intimate exploration of Rome’s hidden underground world.

Tour Overview

The Underground Rome Tour: St. Clement and Celian Houses is a 3-hour exploration that ventures 50 feet (15 meters) below the modern streets of Rome.

Rated 5.0 out of 15 reviews, this tour takes visitors on a journey through a maze of hidden churches, temples, tombs, and ancient Roman houses, including a subterranean spring and abandoned shops.

Located in Rome, Italy, the tour is led by professional guides who share their extensive knowledge of the site’s rich history and significance.

With a moderate fitness level required, the tour isn’t suitable for those with severe claustrophobia.

Visitors can expect an intimate experience, as the tour is private for each group.

Highlights of the Tour

Visitors on the Underground Rome Tour: St. Clement and Celian Houses explore a fascinating array of ancient sites, including the Basilica of St Clement and the ancient church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo on Celian Hill.

This captivating journey takes guests 50 feet below modern street level, navigating a maze of hidden churches, temples, tombs, and ancient Roman houses.

Highlights include a subterranean spring and abandoned shops, offering an immersive glimpse into the city’s rich historical layers.

Throughout the tour, knowledgeable guides share insights into the sites’ significance and the transformations they’ve undergone, providing an intimate and informative experience for small groups.

Included and Pricing

The tour includes a professional guide, while admission tickets aren’t covered, costing 25 euros for adults and 18 euros for children. A free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience is available, and the tour pricing starts from $276.63, varying based on group size.

The pricing for this underground Rome tour covers several key aspects:

1. Professional guide to lead the journey through the hidden sites.

2. Flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

3. Pricing that adjusts based on the size of the group, ensuring an intimate experience.

Travelers should note that admission tickets to the various historical sites are an additional cost. However, the overall experience provides unique insights into Rome’s ancient underground world.

Meeting Points

The tour starts at the Basilica Santi Giovanni e Paolo, located in Piazza Dei SS. Giovanni e Paolo, 00184 Roma RM, Italy, and ends at Via Labicana, 95, 00184 Roma RM, Italy, both of which are near public transportation options. Guests have the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to get to and from the tour. The meeting points are strategically located, allowing participants to explore the underground sites of Rome with ease. The tour’s accessibility is a testament to the organizers’ attention to detail, ensuring a seamless experience for all participants.

Start	End
Basilica Santi Giovanni e Paolo	Via Labicana, 95
Piazza Dei SS. Giovanni e Paolo	00184 Roma RM
00184 Roma RM	Italy

Accessibility and Fitness

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not suit those with severe claustrophobia, as it requires navigating a maze of hidden churches, temples, tombs, and ancient Roman houses, with some areas reaching 50 feet (15 meters) below modern street level.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required for this experience. Participants should be prepared for:

1. Extensive walking and stair-climbing through the underground structures.

2. Dimly lit and confined spaces that may trigger claustrophobic reactions.

3. Uneven, slippery, and potentially hazardous surfaces underfoot.

The tour isn’t recommended for individuals with mobility issues or a strong fear of enclosed spaces.

However, for those who can manage the physical demands, it offers a unique and immersive exploration of Rome’s captivating subterranean past.

Confirmation and Guided Experience

Confirmation of the tour booking is received at the time of purchase, unless the experience is scheduled within 7 days of travel, in which case confirmation is provided within 48 hours subject to availability.

The tour is a private guided experience for your group only, and may be canceled if the churches involved close for extraordinary celebrations. This ensures a more intimate exploration of the ancient sites.

The knowledgeable guide will provide valuable insights into the historical transformations of the underground structures, from late Roman times to the present day.

Participants can expect a fascinating journey through the maze of hidden churches, temples, and abandoned shops that lie beneath the modern streets of Rome.

Traveler Feedback

According to reviews, guides are consistently praised for their exceptional knowledge and ability to engage participants, providing unique insights into the historical transformations of the underground sites.

Travelers commonly remark on the fascinating exploration of ancient structures dating back to the late Roman Empire, as well as the significance of the buildings and the intimacy of small-group tours.

Positive feedback highlights three key aspects of the experience:

1. Guides’ expertise and engaging storytelling

2. The opportunity to explore the depths of Rome’s rich history

3. The intimate, small-group setting that allows for a more personalized experience

Additional Information

The tour may not suit those with severe claustrophobia as it involves navigating through confined underground spaces.

Wheelchair users can’t participate due to the lack of accessibility. Visitors should possess a moderate level of physical fitness to comfortably explore the 50-foot (15-meter) depths below modern street level.

Confirmation for the tour is usually received at the time of booking, unless it’s within 7 days of travel. In that case, confirmation is subject to availability and provided within 48 hours.

The tour is a private experience for your group only, and it may be canceled if the churches close for extraordinary celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour does not appear to have any age restrictions. However, it may not be suitable for young children or those with mobility issues, as it involves navigating underground spaces and requires moderate physical fitness.

Can We Take Photos During the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to take photos during the tour, though guides may restrict flash photography in sensitive areas. It’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to confirm their photo policy.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Travelers can opt for a longer tour experience that provides more in-depth exploration and extra time to observe the historical sites and artifacts in greater detail.

What Is the Dress Code for This Underground Exploration?

The tour does not have a strict dress code, but comfortable, closed-toe shoes and clothing suitable for colder, underground environments are recommended. Visitors should dress in layers to stay warm and avoid slippery conditions during the exploration.

Can We Purchase Admission Tickets on the Day of the Tour?

You can’t purchase admission tickets on the day of the tour. The tour provider requires guests to pre-purchase tickets, as same-day availability isn’t guaranteed. This allows them to better manage group sizes and ensure a seamless experience.

Recap

The Underground Rome Tour: St. Clement and Celian Houses offers a captivating 3-hour journey through Rome’s ancient subterranean world.

Participants explore hidden churches, temples, and tombs, gaining fascinating insights into the historical significance of these structures from knowledgeable guides.

With intimate small-group access to the dimly lit, confined spaces 50 feet below the modern city, this tour provides a unique and immersive experience for history enthusiasts.