Rome: Basilica San Clemente, Underground & Excavation｜Italy

Step beneath the streets of Rome and discover the extraordinary layers of history preserved inside the Basilica of San Clemente. This remarkable site is not simply a church, but a journey through different periods of the city, with ancient Roman remains, a medieval basilica, and a magnificent 12th-century church all existing one above another.

Your visit begins in the present-day Basilica, entered from Piazza San Clemente through its historic entrance and peaceful atrium. Inside, admire the spectacular apse mosaic, one of the finest examples of medieval art in Rome, along with the intricate Cosmatesque marble floor. The church also contains a beautifully preserved medieval choir and a number of fascinating works of art.

Among its highlights is the Chapel of St Catherine, decorated with frescoes by Masolino da Panicale. These paintings provide an important glimpse into the artistic developments that were taking place as medieval Rome gradually moved toward the Renaissance.

Descending below the modern church, you reach the remains of the 4th-century Basilica of San Clemente. Here, the atmosphere changes completely. Ancient walls and archaeological structures surround a remarkable collection of medieval frescoes created between the 8th and 11th centuries. Their scenes offer a vivid insight into the religious beliefs, artistic traditions, and everyday world of medieval Rome.

One of the most intriguing works is the Legend of Sisinnius, famous for containing some of the earliest examples of written Italian. This underground level is also associated with the tomb of St Cyril, the missionary traditionally connected with the development of the alphabet that later became the Cyrillic script.

The journey continues even further underground to the remains of ancient Roman buildings. Here you can enter a 2nd-century Mithraic sanctuary, built inside an earlier Roman house. The temple preserves the distinctive altar showing Mithras sacrificing the bull, a central image of the ancient mystery cult dedicated to the god Mithras.

Beyond the temple, archaeological remains of a large public complex can be explored, believed to have been connected with the imperial mint established in the area during the Roman period.

Choose Your Experience

Audio Guide Visit
Discover San Clemente independently with an audio guide, giving you the freedom to explore the basilica and archaeological levels at your own pace while learning about the history and significance of each area.

Private Tour
For a more immersive experience, choose a private tour with a knowledgeable guide. Explore the different layers of the site, understand the stories behind its art and archaeology, and ask questions as you uncover the hidden history beneath Rome.

Whichever option you choose, a visit to San Clemente offers a rare opportunity to travel through centuries of Roman history all within a single extraordinary site.