Roma: San Clemente Underground & Basilica Guided Tour

A visit to the breathtaking 12th-century Basilica of San Clemente reveals a dazzling, gleaming gold mosaic above the central apse. St. Clement's transformed dramatically over centuries, evolving from a private home that was the secret site of clandestine Christian worship in the first century into an imposing, magnificent basilica.

What lay hidden beneath the Basilica remained a mystery until 1860, when unexpected flooding led an intrepid Irish Dominican Roman Catholic priest and archaeologist to uncover the hidden levels beneath the basilica floor.

Excavations are still ongoing today. Descend up to 100 feet underground through three fascinating levels of hidden history. At the first level, discover a forgotten 4th-century Basilica, long buried after the construction of the 12th-century Basilica above. Underneath, uncover the mysterious remains of an ancient pagan Mithraic temple. Lower still, explore the remarkable ruins of Ancient Roman homes.