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

Exploring the underground treasures of Rome’s St. Clement’s Basilica is a captivating adventure we won’t soon forget. On this small-group tour, we’ll uncover the secrets of ancient pagan and early Christian ruins, tracing the city’s rich history through its remarkable layers. With an expert guide leading the way, we’ll explore a 1st-century home, a 4th-century basilica, and an extraordinary underground river – all while marveling at the well-preserved frescoes and architectural wonders that bring this fascinating site to life. It’s an immersive experience you simply can’t miss.

Key Points

• Explore the hidden underground world of pagan and early Christian ruins at St. Clement’s Basilica in Rome with an expert guide on a small-group tour.
• Discover the 1st-century home of St. Clement, the fourth pope, and the 4th-century basilica with original frescoes.
• Witness the architectural ingenuity of an underground river during the tour.
• Access the 12th-century basilica known for its spectacular mosaics as part of the tour.
• Enjoy a personalized experience with a maximum group size of 16 and the use of headsets to hear the guide’s commentary clearly.

Overview of the Tour

This small-group tour at the Underground Temples of St. Clement’s Basilica in Rome offers an immersive journey through ancient pagan and early Christian history.

With 14 reviews and a 93% traveler recommendation, this intimate experience allows us to explore a 1st-century home, a 4th-century basilica with original frescoes, and an underground river.

Our expert guide will explain the historical layers beneath the basilica, culminating in a visit to the 12th-century church known for its spectacular mosaics.

At a maximum group size of 16, we’ll enjoy a personalized tour of this hidden underground world.

Tour Highlights

Step into the hidden underground world of pagan and early Christian ruins as we explore the historical layers beneath St. Clement’s Basilica.

Our expert guide will lead us on an immersive journey, revealing the secrets of this ancient site.

We’ll explore the 1st-century home of St. Clement and the 4th-century basilica adorned with original frescoes, including an underground river.

Afterward, we’ll visit the 12th-century basilica, renowned for its spectacular mosaics.

With a maximum group size of 16, we’ll enjoy an intimate experience as we uncover the captivating history of this remarkable site.

Inclusions and Options

We’ll have an expert live guide accompany us throughout the tour, and our entrance fees to the Basilica di San Clemente are included. Plus, we’ll get to store our luggage during the tour, and use headsets to clearly hear our guide’s commentary.

Optional Add-Ons	Availability	Cost
Guided Tour of Santo Stefano Rotondo	All days except Mondays	TBD
Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off	Not included	TBD
Gratuities	Optional	TBD

While food and drinks aren’t covered, the tour promises an immersive, budget-friendly experience exploring the underground temples and mosaics of this historic Roman basilica.

Meeting Information

The meeting point for this tour is located at Via di S. Giovanni in Laterano, 132, just a short 5-minute walk from the Colosseum.

We’ll gather here at least 5 minutes before the tour’s start time. Once our group is assembled, we’ll descend underground to explore the ancient ruins and hidden gems beneath St. Clement’s Basilica.

The tour concludes at a different location, which may vary depending on the day’s itinerary.

To make the most of your experience, we recommend:

1. Arriving a few minutes early to ensure a prompt departure.
2. Wearing comfortable shoes for the walking tour.
3. Dressing modestly with knees and shoulders covered.
4. Silencing your phone to fully learn about the history.

Additional Information

This small-group tour is suitable for most travelers, though it isn’t wheelchair accessible.

We recommend wearing comfortable shoes as there’s a fair bit of walking involved.

While photography is prohibited inside the basilicas, you can snap away outside. Just be sure to silence your phone before entering.

The tour is subject to weather conditions, but cancellation options are available if needed.

As for attire, remember to cover your knees and shoulders to comply with the dress code for church entry.

Pets aren’t allowed, but you’ll be too captivated by the fascinating historical insights to miss them.

Exploring the Underground Temples

As we descend into the underground world of St. Clement’s Basilica, the air grows cooler and the walls reveal a rich tapestry of history.

We explore:

1. Ancient pagan temples, remnants of Rome’s pre-Christian past.
2. The 1st-century home of St. Clement, the fourth pope of the Catholic Church.
3. A 4th-century basilica with original frescoes adorning the walls.
4. An underground river, a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the past.

Our expert guide brings these layers of history to life, painting a vivid picture of the evolution of this sacred site.

Step by step, we uncover the hidden gems that lie beneath the surface.

Visiting the Basilica Di San Clemente

After exploring the captivating underground layers, we now ascend to the 12th-century Basilica di San Clemente above. This church is renowned for its stunning mosaics, which we’ll admire during our guided visit. As we step inside, we’ll be struck by the ornate design and vibrant colors. The basilica’s highlights are showcased in this table:

Feature	Description
Mosaics	Intricate Byzantine-style mosaics on the apse and triumphal arch
Frescoes	Well-preserved 12th-century frescoes adorning the walls
Relics	Relics of St. Clement, a 1st-century pope, displayed in the crypt
Architecture	Impressive Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements

With our expert guide’s insights, we’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this remarkable sacred site.

Discovering the Historical Layers

Beneath the serene 12th-century Basilica di San Clemente lies a captivating underground world that invites us to unravel the historical layers of this hallowed site.

Our expert guide leads us down into the depths, revealing:

1. An ancient pagan temple from the early 1st century AD.
2. The remnants of a 4th-century basilica with vibrant frescoes.
3. The modest home where Saint Clement, the 4th pope, once lived and worshipped.
4. An underground river flowing beneath the foundations.

This remarkable journey through time showcases the evolution of faith and civilization in Rome, enriching our understanding of this sacred place in a budget-friendly, intimate setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Obtain a Refund if I Need to Cancel the Tour?

If you need to cancel the tour, you can request a refund. Check the cancellation policy for details, as there may be fees depending on how far in advance you cancel. We’ll be happy to assist you with the process.

Can the Tour Be Extended to Include a Visit to the Colosseum?

Unfortunately, this tour does not include a visit to the Colosseum. The itinerary is focused on exploring the underground temples and basilica of St. Clement’s. While we can’t extend the tour, there are other options to visit the Colosseum separately.

What Is the Dress Code for the Optional Guided Tour of Santo Stefano Rotondo?

For the optional guided tour of Santo Stefano Rotondo, the dress code is the same as the main tour – knees and shoulders must be covered when entering churches. This helps us respect the sacred space while exploring the fascinating history.

Is It Possible to Arrange a Private Tour for a Larger Group?

Unfortunately, we don’t see an option for a private tour in the information provided. The tour seems to be limited to small groups of up to 16 travelers. However, you could inquire with the tour operator about availability and pricing for a private tour for your larger group.

Are Audio Guides Available for Self-Guided Exploration of the Basilica?

Unfortunately, this tour doesn’t offer audio guides for self-guided exploration. But don’t worry – the expert live guide provides fascinating historical insights throughout the visit, ensuring you get the most out of your time at the basilica.

The Sum Up

Explore the captivating layers of Rome’s history on this small-group tour. Explore the underground temples, marvel at the ancient frescoes, and uncover the secrets of this remarkable site. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the hidden depths of one of Rome’s most fascinating landmarks – all at an affordable price. Don’t miss this chance to learn about the city’s rich past.