Rome: St. Clemente Basilica Underground Guided Tour｜Italy

Meet your guide outside the Basilica of St. Clemente and begin your journey through nearly 2,000 years of history. Unlike most monuments in Rome, St. Clemente allows you to move physically through different historical periods.

Admire the medieval basilica built in the 12th century. Beneath it lies an earlier Christian church from the 4th century. Even deeper are Roman buildings dating back to the 1st century AD.

Explore almost every major phase of Roman history: Imperial Rome, the rise of Christianity, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance.

Notice the richly decorated floor created by medieval craftsmen. The geometric patterns symbolize harmony and divine order. Admire the apse mosaic, one of the finest examples of medieval art in Rome.

At the center stands the Cross of Christ, represented as the Tree of Life. From it emerge vines spreading across the entire composition. These vines symbolize the growth of Christianity throughout the world.

Look closely and you'll notice people, animals, birds, and daily-life scenes integrated into the design. This artwork presents the idea that all creation is connected through faith.

Learn how Christianity evolved from a persecuted faith to the religion of the Roman Empire while exploring magnificent mosaics, medieval artwork, underground passageways, and the mysterious Temple of Mithras.