Discover the Undergrounds of Rome with an Expert Archaeologist

We will take you to visit the dungeons of ancient churches in Trastevere (one of the most ancient neighborhoods of Rome), where the first Christians gathered to pray and where you can admire ancient underground cemeteries that are unknown to most of the locals in Rome! The Roman neighborhood known as “Trastevere” refers, literally, to: “the area across the Tiber.” In ancient times, this was the district where Jews and free slaves lived. Firstly, we will visit the undergrounds of St. Nicholas church. This delightful church, was built in the 10th century on the foundations of three Roman temples dating back to more than 2000 years ago! They were at the center of a fruit and vegetable market of ancient Rome. Most of these original temples, including their marble columns, have been incorporated into the structure of St. Nicholas church and are still perfectly visible. Going down into the basement, we will make a real journey through time up to the 3rd Century BC through a crypt used for exorcisms, passing by piles of ancient fragments of human bones and cemeteries. At the end of the path, your guide will show you the ancient prisons, where the legend tells that St. Nicholas was imprisoned here. We will then proceed our journey by discovering the hidden gems of Trastevere, including the oldest synagogue in Rome (Jewish temple). Our visit will take us to several unusual churches, and will wind through the city’s ancient alleyways. At check-out, before your purchase is confirmed, you will be kindly asked to leave the written address of your accommodation or potential meeting point. This implies the name of the hotel, bed & breakfast or residence in which you will be staying as long as it is situated within the city centre. Such requirements are necessary for pick-up and private services only.

Highlights: Trastevere, the undergrounds of St. Nicholas church, the ancient prisons, the oldest synagogue in Rome, the undergrounds of San Crisogono Basilica.

Departure: daily. Includes: an expert archaeologist (guide), a special permit to access the underground sites, hotel pick-up and transfer to the meeting point by a deluxe minivan. Optional: hotel drop-off. 2-10 people.