Explore Christian Rome and the Underground of San Clemente

Exploring the rich Christian heritage of Rome is a captivating journey. One of the most intriguing sites is the Basilica of San Clemente, where layers of history unfold beneath the surface. Explore this underground wonder to discover a 4th-century church built atop a 1st-century Mithraic temple, revealing the intertwining of pagan and Christian traditions. Uncover ancient frescoes, mosaics, and the remarkable Altar of Mithras as knowledgeable guides provide insights into Rome’s spiritual evolution. This immersive experience promises to transport you through time and offer a unique glimpse into the city’s remarkable past.

Key Points

1. Discover the layered history of Christianity in Rome through a 3-hour small group tour that includes an underground exploration of the Basilica of San Clemente.

2. Explore the 4th-century church of San Clemente and the 1st-century temple of Mithras buried beneath it, revealing the blending of pagan and Christian traditions.

3. Visit the Santi Quattro Coronati church to admire its remarkable frescoes and conclude the tour at the Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, home to Michelangelo’s iconic sculpture of Moses.

4. Gain insights into the evolution of Christianity in Rome from knowledgeable guides, who provide historical context and uncover the hidden layers of the city’s religious past.

5. Experience the unique archaeological gem of the Basilica of San Clemente, where visitors can witness the multi-layered site and the intricate carvings of the Altar of Mithras.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

Offering a unique glimpse into Rome’s rich Christian history, this 3-hour small group tour guides visitors through the underground of the Basilica of San Clemente.

Starting at the iconic St. John Lateran Cathedral, the tour then explores the different levels of the Basilica, revealing an ancient Roman structure, a 4th-century church, and the current 12th-century cathedral.

Along the way, travelers discover well-preserved frescoes, the Altar of Mithras, and other fascinating artifacts that shed light on the evolution of Christianity in the city.

With skip-the-line access and knowledgeable guides, this tour offers an immersive and enlightening experience.

Highlights of the Itinerary

Although the tour begins at the iconic St. John Lateran Basilica, the highlight is undoubtedly the underground exploration of the Basilica of San Clemente.

The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the underground exploration of the Basilica of San Clemente, a remarkable journey through 2,000 years of history.

For 1.5 hours, travelers explore 2,000 years of history, uncovering a 4th-century church, a 1st-century temple of Mithras, and stunning frescoes.

The tour also includes a stop at the Santi Quattro Coronati church, known for its remarkable frescoes, before concluding at the Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, home to Michelangelo’s famous sculpture of Moses.

Along the way, the knowledgeable guide provides insights into Christian history and the hidden layers beneath Rome’s churches.

Visiting the Basilica of San Clemente

What makes the Basilica of San Clemente so captivating is its remarkable layered history, hidden beneath the surface. Descending into the underground levels, visitors discover a 4th-century church built atop a 1st-century temple to the Persian god Mithras. Frescoes, mosaics, and ruins from these earlier eras reveal the site’s evolution over centuries. The basilica’s three levels showcase the development of Christianity in Rome, from pagan roots to the grand church above. Exploring this unique archaeological gem provides a rare glimpse into the deep, complex past that lies beneath the Eternal City.

| Features | Details |

| — | — |

| Layers of History | 4th-century church, 1st-century Mithraic temple |

| Artifacts | Frescoes, mosaics, ruins |

| Significance | Evolution of Christianity in Rome |

| Highlights | Rare archaeological site, complex past |

| Duration | 1.5 hours within the basilica tour |

Exploring the Underground Levels

Descending the steps into the underground levels of the Basilica of San Clemente, visitors are transported back in time.

The multi-layered site reveals a 4th-century church built atop a 2nd-century temple.

Explore the shrine of the pagan god Mithras and marvel at ancient frescoes depicting the Zodiac and Four Seasons.

Wander through a 1st-century Roman road, uncovering the city’s rich Christian history.

The tour’s archaeologist-guide provides insightful commentary, illuminating how this unique site offers a window into Rome’s past.

Discovering the underground’s secrets is a highlight of this immersive exploration of Christian Rome.

More Great Tours Nearby

Discovering the Altar of Mithras

As visitors explore the underground layers of the Basilica of San Clemente, they come across a remarkable relic from Rome’s pagan past – the Altar of Mithras.

This ancient altar, dating back to the 1st century AD, is a testament to the religious diversity of ancient Rome.

The Altar of Mithras reveals:

• Intricate carvings depicting the Persian sun god Mithras slaying a bull

• Evidence of an underground Mithraic cult temple

• Insights into the blending of pagan and Christian traditions in Rome

• The historical significance of the site’s layered religious and architectural history

• A unique opportunity to step back in time and witness Rome’s religious evolution.

Admiring the Santi Quattro Coronati Frescoes

The tour then takes visitors to the remarkable Santi Quattro Coronati, a church dedicated to four anonymous Christian martyrs.

The interior features stunning frescoes depicting biblical scenes and Catholic imagery. Travelers marvel at the church’s well-preserved 13th-century artworks, including a fresco of the Crucifixion and intricate decorative elements.

The guide provides insights into the church’s rich history and the significance of the frescoes, which offer a glimpse into medieval religious art and the devotion of the era.

This stop offers a captivating contrast to the ancient Roman ruins, further immersing guests in Rome’s multilayered Christian heritage.

The Cathedral of St. John Lateran and the Scala Sancta

After exploring the captivating Santi Quattro Coronati, the tour now leads visitors to the Cathedral of St. John Lateran, the oldest Papal Basilica.

Here, travelers will discover:

• The imposing architecture and rich history of this landmark, which served as the Pope’s official residence for centuries.

• The renowned Scala Sancta, or Holy Stairs, believed to be the steps Jesus climbed on his way to trial before Pontius Pilate.

• Intricate mosaics, frescoes, and other stunning artworks that adorn the cathedral’s interior.

• The opportunity to climb the Scala Sancta on their knees, a centuries-old Catholic tradition.

• The cathedral’s role as a symbol of the papacy and the enduring influence of Christianity in Rome.

The Sculpture of Moses at San Pietro in Vincoli

Michelangelo’s towering sculpture of Moses stands as the centerpiece of the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli. Crafted between 1515-1516, the impressive figure depicts the biblical prophet in a moment of contemplation, his muscular frame and flowing robes exuding power and authority. Visitors are drawn to this remarkable work, marveling at Michelangelo’s technical mastery and the sculpture’s captivating gaze.

| Feature | Description |

|———|————-|

| Material | Carrara marble |

| Height | 5.17 meters (17 feet) |

| Inspiration | The Book of Exodus |

| Symbolism | Moses as a lawgiver and leader |

Situated within the serene Basilica, the Moses sculpture offers a profound artistic and spiritual experience, inviting visitors to reflect on the rich history and faith that permeate the heart of Rome.

The Sum Up

Exploring the underground layers of the Basilica of San Clemente offers a unique window into Rome’s rich religious history. Visitors can marvel at ancient pagan relics, early Christian frescoes, and the intertwining of sacred traditions. This captivating tour provides a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of faith and culture in the Eternal City, making it a must-see destination for those seeking to uncover Rome’s spiritual heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: