Beneath the bustling streets of Rome lies a captivating world waiting to be explored. This underground tour invites visitors to uncover the city’s rich history, from the well-preserved frescoes of St. Clements Church to the archaeological wonders of the Roman Houses on Coelian Hill. Set out on a 3-hour journey through the hidden layers of Rome, where each step reveals a new chapter of the past. With guided commentary in multiple languages, this immersive experience offers an unparalleled glimpse into the city’s ancient secrets.

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Key Points

Guided underground tour of Rome exploring hidden treasures, including St. Clements Church and Roman houses on Coelian Hill.
Duration of the tour is 3 hours, with commentary available in multiple languages.
Tickets are priced starting from $229.37 per person, including all entrance fees.
Highlights include a 1.5-hour exploration of Basilica di San Clemente and a 1-hour guided tour of the Roman Houses.
The tour concludes with a 30-minute sightseeing walk along Circus Maximus, providing a deeper understanding of Rome’s rich history.

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Tour Overview

This guided underground tour of Rome offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the ancient city’s hidden treasures.

The 3-hour excursion takes guests through the Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano, Roman Houses on Coelian Hill, and Circus Maximus, all while providing commentary in multiple languages.

Priced from $229.37 per person, the tour includes all entrance fees and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

While the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, hotel pickup and drop-off are available, providing added convenience.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour continues rain or shine.

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Itinerary Highlights

The guided tour begins at Piazza di San Clemente, where visitors explore the Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano for approximately 1.5 hours.

Visitors explore the Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano for approximately 1.5 hours on the guided tour starting at Piazza di San Clemente.

Next, the group visits the Roman Houses on Coelian Hill, an archaeological site with preserved stucco work and frescoes, for an hour-long guided tour.

The final stop is a 30-minute sightseeing walk along the Circus Maximus, the largest stadium in ancient Rome.

Throughout the 3-hour experience, participants gain a deeper understanding of Rome’s rich history and uncover the hidden treasures below the city’s streets.

Key Sites

St. Clements Church is the centerpiece of this underground tour. This 13th-century church sits atop layers of history, with two underground levels dating back to the 1st century.

Visitors can explore the well-preserved archaeological site, marveling at the stucco work and frescoes that adorn the Roman houses on Coelian Hill.

The tour also includes a visit to the Circus Maximus, the largest stadium in ancient Rome, where chariot races once thrilled spectators.

This immersive experience allows travelers to step back in time and uncover the hidden treasures that lie beneath the streets of Rome.

Tour Features

Although the tour doesn’t accommodate wheelchair users, it includes all entrance fees, a guided exploration of underground Rome, and visits to the captivating St. Clements Church and the well-preserved Roman houses on Coelian Hill.

Guests will also enjoy a leisurely walk along the iconic Circus Maximus.

A leisurely stroll along the storied Circus Maximus offers a captivating glimpse into Rome’s iconic past.

The tour provides a unique opportunity to explore Rome’s ancient history and uncover the hidden gems that lie beneath the city’s surface.

With comfortable shoes recommended, visitors are sure to have an immersive and unforgettable experience on this comprehensive underground adventure.

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Important Information

Visitors meet at the front of the Basilica entrance, where the guide will hold a sign with their name.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves exploring underground Roman sites and traversing uneven terrain.

The tour runs rain or shine, so guests should dress appropriately for the weather.

Wheelchair users won’t be able to fully participate due to the nature of the underground sites.

No hotel pickup or drop-off is provided, so guests need to make their own way to the starting point.

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Exploring St. Clements Church

The tour begins at the 13th-century Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano, an intriguing site that contains three layers of history.

Descending underground, visitors discover the ruins of an early Christian church from the 4th century, built over a 2nd-century pagan temple.

Continuing further down, the tour uncovers a 1st-century Roman apartment building.

Ornate mosaics, frescoes, and architectural details offer a glimpse into ancient Roman life.

The multilayered site provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the rich history concealed beneath the modern city streets.

Discovering the Roman Houses on Coelian Hill

After exploring the layered history of St. Clements Church, the tour continued up the Coelian Hill to uncover the preserved remains of the Roman Houses.

These ancient dwellings offered a glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome, featuring:

Remnants of ancient Roman dwellings reveal glimpses of daily life, including well-preserved stucco, frescoes, and mosaic floors.

Remarkably intact stucco work and frescoes adorning the walls
Remnants of mosaic floors showcasing intricate designs
Excavated structures that provided insight into the architectural styles of the era

Wandering through these ruins, visitors could envision the vibrant community that once thrived on Coelian Hill, now preserved as a testament to Rome’s storied past.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Does the Tour Start and End?

The tour starts at an unspecified time at the Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano and lasts about 3 hours, ending along Via del Circo Massimo, according to the tour details provided.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than Those Listed?

The tour is available in the listed languages of Italian, English, French, and Spanish. Other language options are not specified in the provided information.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Specific Interests?

Though the tour covers set stops, it may be customized for specific interests. Guests can discuss their preferences with the tour operator to tailor the experience within the 3-hour duration.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves a significant amount of walking, with around 2.5 hours of guided exploration across multiple sites. Participants can expect to cover 1-2 miles during the 3-hour experience.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but visitors should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines provided by the tour guides. Certain sensitive or restricted areas may prohibit photography to preserve the site’s integrity.

The Sum Up

This underground tour in Rome offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich history. Visitors can explore the well-preserved archaeological wonders of St. Clements Church and the Roman Houses on Coelian Hill, seeing the ancient past. With all entrance fees included and flexible cancellation, this tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to discover Rome’s hidden treasures.