Rome: The Hidden Secrets Underground Tour

Delving beneath the bustling streets of Rome, the "Hidden Secrets Underground Tour" unveils a captivating journey through the city’s ancient layers. Guiding visitors through the 12th-century Basilica of San Clemente, this intimate tour uncovers the intertwined legacies of pagan and Christian faiths, culminating in a descent to a remarkably well-preserved 1st-century Roman house and Mithraeum. For those seeking to unravel Rome’s hidden histories, this tour promises a remarkable experience that goes beyond the typical tourist trail.

Key Points

• A 1.5-hour journey through Rome’s historical layers, including the Basilica of San Clemente and its underground Roman house and Mithraic temple.
• Exploration of the architectural significance and intertwined history of pagan and Christian faiths in Rome.
• Discovery of a well-preserved Mithras altar with intricate wall carvings, providing insights into ancient rituals and mysteries.
• Limited group size of 8 participants, with tour options in English and Italian.
• Flexible booking and cancellation policy, allowing adjustments without financial loss.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The "Rome: The Hidden Secrets Underground Tour" takes visitors on a 1.5-hour journey through the layers of history in Rome.

Set out on a 1.5-hour odyssey through the hidden historical strata of Rome.

Priced from $54.61 per person, the tour is limited to 8 participants and offered in English and Italian.

The meeting point is a sign displaying the tour’s name.

Booking is flexible, allowing guests to reserve their spot without immediate payment.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour highlights include exploring the Basilica of San Clemente, discovering architectural and religious significance, and experiencing the city’s evolution off the beaten tracks.

Booking and Cancellation

As an added convenience, guests can reserve their spot on the "Rome: The Hidden Secrets Underground Tour" without immediate payment. This "reserve now & pay later" option allows travelers to lock in their tour without the need to pay upfront. The tour also offers a flexible cancellation policy, providing a full refund if canceled up to 24 hours in advance. This gives guests the flexibility to adjust their plans if needed.

| Booking & Cancellation | | |

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| Free Cancellation | Full Refund | Up to 24 Hours |

| Reserve Now & Pay Later| Book Spot | No Immediate Pay|

Tour Highlights

Explore layers of history at the Basilica of San Clemente, uncovering the architectural and religious significance of each level.

This unique tour offers a perspective on the ancient city’s evolution, venturing off the beaten tracks.

• Descend to the 1st-century level, discovering a well-preserved Roman house and Mithraeum, a temple dedicated to the Persian god Mithras.

• Marvel at the Mithraeum’s altar and relief of Mithras slaying the bull, a powerful symbol of the Mithraic cult.

• Explore the deepest level, revealing early Roman era structures, including a public building.

• Experience the intertwined history of pagan and Christian faiths in Rome.

• Uncover the hidden stories that lie beneath the surface of this fascinating city.

Tour Details

Participants begin the tour at the 12th-century Basilica of San Clemente, where they’ll discover medieval mosaics and frescoes adorning the interior.

Next, they’ll descend to the 1st-century level, exploring a Roman house and Mithraeum. The Mithraeum includes a well-preserved altar and relief of Mithras slaying the bull, offering a unique perspective on ancient Roman religious practices.

The deepest level reveals early Roman era structures, including a public building. Throughout the tour, the guide provides insights into the architectural and religious significance of each layer, helping participants understand the evolution of this ancient city.

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Exploring the Basilica of San Clemente

The tour begins at the 12th-century Basilica of San Clemente, a remarkable structure that serves as a portal into Rome’s multilayered past.

The 12th-century Basilica of San Clemente serves as a portal into Rome’s multilayered past, a remarkable structure.

Descending into the church’s crypt, visitors uncover:

• An ancient Roman house, revealing everyday life from centuries ago.

• A Mithraic temple, with a well-preserved altar and relief depicting the god Mithras slaying a bull.

• Early Roman-era structures, including a public building that offers a glimpse into the city’s architectural evolution.

• Striking medieval mosaics and frescoes, showcasing the site’s religious and artistic significance.

• A unique perspective on Rome’s continuous reinvention over the millennia.

Descending to the 1st-Century Level

As visitors descend into the crypt, they find themselves transported back to the 1st-century level, where an ancient Roman house comes into view.

This well-preserved structure offers a glimpse into the daily lives of ancient Romans.

Nearby, the Mithraeum, a sanctuary dedicated to the Persian god Mithras, reveals a well-preserved altar and a relief depicting Mithras slaying a bull.

These remarkable discoveries provide a unique perspective on the religious and architectural significance of this multilayered site, offering a captivating journey through the ancient city’s past.

Discovering the Mithraeum

As visitors descend into the crypt, they’ll discover the Mithraeum – a well-preserved sanctuary dedicated to the Persian god Mithras.

Visitors descend into the crypt to discover the Mithraeum, a well-preserved sanctuary dedicated to the Persian god Mithras.

This underground chamber features:

• A striking altar with a relief depicting Mithras slaying a bull, a central icon in Mithraic belief.

• Intricate wall carvings and inscriptions that hint at the rituals and mysteries of this ancient cult.

• Remnants of stone benches where worshippers would have gathered to honor Mithras.

• A sense of sacred space, as the dim lighting and subterranean setting evoke the hidden, exclusive nature of Mithraic practices.

• A rare glimpse into a vanished religious tradition that once thrived in ancient Rome.

Revealing the Early Roman Era Structures

Descending to the deepest level, visitors uncover a trove of early Roman era structures, including a well-preserved public building.

These ruins shed light on the city’s ancient past, offering a rare glimpse into its earliest days. Amid the crumbling walls and weathered stones, the guide explains the significance of these long-forgotten structures, transporting participants back in time.

The public building, in particular, provides a tangible connection to the daily lives of ancient Romans, sparking the imagination and deepening the understanding of Rome’s storied history.

This underground exploration offers a unique perspective on the evolution of the Eternal City.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but visitors should check with the tour guide beforehand. Some areas may have restrictions to preserve the historical sites. It’s best to ask the guide about photo policies at the start of the tour.

Can I Bring Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests can’t bring food or drinks on the tour. This is a common policy for guided tours to avoid disturbances and maintain a clean, safe environment for all participants. The tour operator likely enforces this rule for the duration of the experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Dressing in layers is recommended, as the underground areas can be cooler than the surface.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though the tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the underground nature of the sites visited.

Can I Request a Private Tour for My Group?

Yes, you can request a private tour for your group. The tour operator offers a limited group size of up to 8 participants, allowing for a more personalized experience. You’ll need to inquire about availability and any additional fees for a private tour.

The Sum Up

The "Rome: The Hidden Secrets Underground Tour" offers a unique opportunity to explore Rome’s rich past. Visitors can explore the architectural marvels and sacred spaces of the Basilica of San Clemente, descend to a 1st-century Roman house and Mithraeum, and uncover the intertwined legacies of pagan and Christian faiths. This intimate tour provides a captivating glimpse into the city’s well-preserved underground treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: