Discover the secrets of ancient Rome on a captivating half-day tour that delves into the city’s underground wonders. Explore hidden gems like the underground house of Santa Cecilia and the Theatre of Marcellus, uncovering 2,000-year-old mosaics and frescoes with the help of knowledgeable guides. Skip the lines and learn about a journey through time, crossing the Tiber Island and making surprising church discoveries along the way. This unforgettable experience, priced at $161.03 per person, promises to reveal the city’s hidden depths in a way that will leave you captivated.
Key Points

- Explore ancient underground sites, including the remains of a 2000-year-old Roman market and well-preserved mosaics and frescoes in the house of Santa Cecilia.
- Visit historical landmarks like the Portico d’Ottavia, Theatre of Marcellus, and the oldest bridge in Rome, the Ponte Fabricio.
- Enjoy a 3-hour walking tour led by knowledgeable guides in multiple languages, with the option for private or semi-private group settings.
- Skip ticket lines and receive headphones for larger groups, ensuring a hassle-free and immersive experience.
- Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it easy to plan your Rome adventure.
Tour Overview and Pricing

This half-day walking tour through downtown Rome offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city’s underground secrets.
Priced from $161.03 per person, the 3-hour tour allows guests to reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Priced from $161.03 per person, the 3-hour tour allows guests to reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour features live guides available in English, Italian, Spanish, and French, and private or semi-private group options.
Participants can skip ticket lines and gain access to the underground of S. Cecilia, along with a professional guide and headphones for larger groups.
The tour operates rain or shine, though isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues.
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Itinerary and Highlights

The tour takes visitors on a journey through ancient venues and underground archaeological sites in downtown Rome. Key stops include the Saint Nicholas church in Carcere, the Portico d’Ottavia, the Theatre of Marcellus, and the Tiber Island where you will cross the oldest bridge in Rome. Guests will also explore the underground house of Santa Cecilia and the Church of San Crisogono, as well as a 2000-year-old Roman market and ancient mosaics.
| Site | Highlights |
|——|————|
| Saint Nicholas church in Carcere | Explore an ancient church built over Roman ruins |
| Portico d’Ottavia | Admire the remnants of a 1st century BCE monumental gateway |
| Theatre of Marcellus | Visit the remains of an ancient Roman theater |
| Tiber Island | Cross the oldest bridge in Rome |
Underground Exploration

As visitors descend underground, they’ll uncover a treasure trove of ancient Roman history.
The tour takes them through the S. Cecilia’s underground house, revealing remarkably well-preserved mosaics and frescoes dating back 2,000 years. Guests can explore the remains of the ancient Roman market, marveling at the intricate layout and architecture.
The journey continues to the Tiber Island, where they’ll cross the oldest bridge in Rome, the Ponte Fabricio.
Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide provides insightful commentary, bringing the underground sites to life and transporting visitors back in time to ancient Roman civilization.
Ancient Venues and Archaeological Sites

Visitors on the Underground Secrets Tour in Rome embark on a captivating journey through the city’s ancient venues and archaeological sites.
The tour showcases the Portico d’Ottavia, a well-preserved Roman structure, and the Theatre of Marcellus, an impressive ancient theater.
Crossing the Tiber River, they explore the Tiber Island, home to the oldest bridge in Rome.
The tour delves into the underground house of Santa Cecilia, revealing a remarkable 2,000-year-old Roman market and intricate ancient mosaics.
Each site offers a glimpse into Rome’s rich history, captivating participants with its architectural wonders and archaeological treasures.
More Great Tours NearbyCrossing the Tiber Island

After exploring the ancient venues and archaeological sites, the tour takes participants across the Tiber River to the Tiber Island.
This is the oldest bridge in Rome, dating back over 2,000 years. Crossing the river offers stunning views of the city and a glimpse into its rich history.
On the island, the group will visit the medieval Church of San Bartolomeo, which stands on the ruins of an ancient temple.
The guide shares insights about the island’s importance as a center of commerce and its role in Rome’s development over the centuries.
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Church Discoveries

The tour then leads participants to the Saint Nicholas Church in Carcere, an architectural gem that conceals a remarkable archaeological discovery beneath its surface. Descending underground, explorers uncover the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to the Roman goddess Juno. The vast space reveals the church’s complex history, from pagan worship to Christian consecration. The tour also includes visits to the Church of San Crisogono and the Underground House of Santa Cecilia, where the catacombs and early Christian artifacts shed light on Rome’s rich religious past.
| Church Sites | Significance | Highlights |
| — | — | — |
| Saint Nicholas Church in Carcere | Ancient temple to Juno, Christian consecration | Ruins, architectural elements |
| Church of San Crisogono | Linked to early Christian history | Mosaics, frescoes |
| Underground House of Santa Cecilia | Catacombs, early Christian artifacts | Burial chambers, artworks |
Tour Features and Options

As participants explore the underground secrets of Rome, they’ll find the tour offers a range of features and options to enhance their experience.
Knowledgeable live guides are available in multiple languages, including English, Italian, Spanish, and French. Visitors can choose a private or semi-private group setting to personalize their tour.
Skipping the ticket line provides immediate access to the sites, while headphones are provided for larger groups.
The tour includes entry to the underground of St. Cecilia and professional guidance throughout.
With these amenities, travelers can explore Rome’s ancient past with ease and immersion.
Meeting Point and Participation

Depending on the booking option, participants meet at varying locations for the Underground Secrets Tour in Rome.
For private and semi-private tours, the meeting point is flexible and can be coordinated with the tour operator. For larger groups, the meeting point is typically at a central location, such as near the Tiber River or at a designated landmark.
Regardless of the option, participants can select their preferred language for the live tour guide, who’ll be available in English, Italian, Spanish, and French.
Advance registration is required, and participants should be prepared to provide any special requests or accessibility needs.
The Sum Up

This captivating tour offers a unique opportunity to discover Rome’s hidden underground treasures. Visitors will explore ancient sites like the Theatre of Marcellus and uncover 2,000-year-old mosaics and frescoes. With knowledgeable guides, skip-the-line access, and insightful commentary, participants can enjoy the city’s rich history and uncover its captivating underground secrets during this unforgettable 3-hour walking adventure.
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