Private Tour at Underground Temples of St. Clement's Basilica

Rome, Italy

2 hours (approx.)
Group discounts
Offered in: English

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Overview

Discover the hidden depths of St. Clement's Basilica on a private guided tour. Descend 14 meters below the surface to explore ancient pagan temples, early Christian frescoes, and the sacred underground river. Uncover the layers of history and visit an additional basilica to explore early Christian martyrdom.

Explore the underground temples of St. Clement's Basilica
View ancient frescoes and early Christian art
Learn about early Christian persecution and St. Clement’s legend
Visit Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo with vibrant frescoes

What's Included

Expert live guide
Entrance fees to the Basilica di San Clemente
Luggage deposit in our office for the duration of the tour
Headsets to hear the guide clearly
Guided tour of Santo Stefano Rotondo (only if this option is selected during purchase)

Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Food and drinks
Optional gratuities
Guided tour of Santo Stefano Rotondo (unless specifically chosen during purchase)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Piazza di San Clemente
Piazza di S. Clemente, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Meet us at Piazza di San Clemente, 00184 Rome. Please arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled starting time. Look for a member of staff holding a yellow label.

End points

This activity ends in a different location. See details below:

Itinerary

Basilica of San Clemente

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo al Celio

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Infant seats available
Near public transportation
Not wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered
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
Photography and filming inside the basilica’s is not allowed
Your phone should be on put on silence before visiting the basilica’s

If you choose to extend your tour with the optional visit to Santo Stefano Rotondo, please note that the itinerary may vary. Depending on the schedule, you may begin your visit at Basilica San Clemente and proceed to Santo Stefano Rotondo, or vice versa
It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved and you will be walking many steps and stairs
Pets are not allowed inside the basilica’s
We recommend you to bring your own headphones in order to minimise plastic waste
The frescoes inside the Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo depict graphic scenes of martyrdom and may not be appropriate for children
Please note that the extended option with Santo Stefano Rotondo may occasionally be unavailable due to special events or liturgical celebrations
Not recommended for customers with claustrophobia
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

5.0

based on 7 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Hidden Treasure

Claire_H, Oct 2025

What an amazing experience- Rome is full of hidden treasures, and this was certainly one of them! Mario was the perfect guide, and has so much knowledge about each and every place on our tour! I was so excited about this tour, and was not disappointed! I would highly recommend this tour!

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Thank you so much for your review, we are glad to hear that you enjoyed the guided tour with Mario!

A quiet beautiful gem!

Allison_S, Oct 2023

We loved our guide for our San Clemente! The mosaic work in the basilica was stunning. The history of the underground structure is so well preserved. We would highly recommend this tour.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. We are glad you enjoyed this experience with us :)

No clapping please!

Diana_L, May 2023

The museum and crypt were outstanding as well as the Gregorian cha t concert. I only wish that they had instructed the audience not to clap after each chant- it was very disruptive and spoiled the sacred mood of the chants. Save applause until it is over.