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Tours/Rome/Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour

Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour

3.5(13)Rome45 min–1h
VIATOR3.3(11)TRIPADVISOR5.0(2)
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
+26 photos
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour
Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour

At a glance

Duration
45 min–1h
Price from
$11 / person
Location
Rome, Italy
Rating
3.5 / 5 · 13 reviews
Languages
DE, EN, IT, FR
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Tour In Rome by Tour in the City
Meeting point
The meeting point is at our travel agency, located at:Via Labicana 96, Rome — just a few steps from San Clemente Basilica and the Colosseum.Our friendly staff will be waiting to welcome you at the agency and assist you before and after your tour begins.

Description

Discover one of Rome’s most captivating hidden gems with a self-guided audio tour of the Basilica of San Clemente and its extraordinary archaeological excavations. Just steps from the Colosseum, this site unveils over 2,000 years of history, layered beneath your feet. With your audio guide, explore freely and at your own pace. Begin in the magnificent 12th-century basilica, where shimmering mosaics and medieval frescoes adorn the walls. Then venture below to a 4thcentury Christian basilica and, even deeper, an atmospheric Mithraeum — a pagan temple used for ancient rituals. Wander through ancient rooms and passageways, marvel at the preserved ruins, and imagine life in Rome across the centuries. Your audio guide offers rich storytelling, bringing each space to life while giving you the freedom to linger and explore at your own pac Don’t miss this unique opportunity to delve into Rome’s hidden underground world. Book your San Clemente audio tour today — the Eternal City’s secrets await!

Schedule & prices

Runs
Every day
Start times
17 times a day, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Next available
Sun, Oct 11
Adult (ages 17+)
$11
Child (ages 5–16)
$7
Infant (ages 0–4)
Free

Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.

From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 9.

Tour Options

AUDIO GUIDE APP ONLY

NOT TICKETS INCLUDED : With this option, TICKET TO THE EXCAVATIONS of San Clemente are NOT INCLUDED! AUDIO GUIDE APP : Audio guide app available in: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, with 22 listening points

Ticket + Audio Guide

Ticket + Audio Guide: THIS OPTION INCLUDES TICKET AND AUDIO GUIDE

Itinerary

Basilica of San Clemente
Admission included60 min

The Basilica of San Clemente is one of Rome’s most fascinating hidden gems, a true time capsule layered with over two millennia of history. Just a short walk from the Colosseum, this site allows visitors to descend through three distinct levels of Roman life. The 12th-century upper basilica features beautiful medieval frescoes and stunning mosaics. Beneath it lies a 4th-century Christian basilica, its faded yet evocative frescoes telling stories of early Christianity. Descend further and you’ll find a 1st-century Roman house and an extraordinary Mithraeum, a temple dedicated to the god Mithras, complete with an altar and intricate carvings. As you explore these underground chambers, you witness the city’s evolution from pagan worship to Christian devotion. The site’s intimate, mysterious atmosphere offers a unique glimpse into Rome’s layered past. San Clemente is a must-visit for those eager to experience Rome’s rich, multi-layered history, where every stone whispers ancient stories.

What's included

Included
Visit of the Third Level - Archaeological Excavations, including the ancient Mithraeum
Visit of the Upper Basilica of San Clemente (12th century)
Audio guide app available in: English - Spanish - French - German - Italian
Audio guide app with 22 listening points to explore the site in depth
Visit of the First Basilica level (4th century)
Skip-the-line ticket for the archaeological site
Not included
Food & Drink unless specified
Gratuities
Transportation from/to the attraction
Tour guide

Traveller Ratings

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

3.5
13 reviews
5
7
4
1
3
0
2
2
1
3

How it compares in Rome

  • Starting price $11 is 90% below the typical $113 for tours of similar length in Rome

Excurgo comparison of 8,070 Viator tours, recalculated daily.

Important Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • A dress code is required to enter all the churches: knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women.
  • PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED
  • To download and use the app, we recommend using a smartphone produced in 2020 or later.
  • Headphones are recommended for optimal audio quality — bring your own.
  • Please arrive at the meeting point at least 20 minutes before your scheduled entry time.

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund

Frequently asked questions

How long does this tour take?

Rome: San Clemente Basilica & Ancient Underground Secrets Tour lasts about 45 min–1h. The itinerary has 1 stop.

How much does this tour cost?

Prices start at $11 per person for this Rome experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.

What days does this tour run?

According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 17 departures a day between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

How much does this tour cost for children?

Children aged 5–16 pay from $7, adults from $11. Infants go free.

Can I cancel this tour for free?

Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is The meeting point is at our travel agency, located at:. Via Labicana 96, Rome — just a few steps from San Clemente Basilica and the Colosseum. Our friendly staff will be waiting to welcome you at the agency and assist you before and after your tour begins. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.

What languages is this tour offered in?

The experience is available in DE, EN, IT, FR, ES.

Is this a private or a group tour?

It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 14 travellers can book together.

Will my booking be confirmed immediately?

Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.

Is this tour worth it?

Travellers rate it 3.5 out of 5 across 13 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Tour In Rome by Tour in the City.

Reviews(13)

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

S
Sue_B
September 25, 2026 · via Viator
The basilica was under...

The basilica was under complete construction and was not worth the price of entrance. It would have been cheaper to buy an entrance ticket when we arrived at the church.

M
Michael_L
September 19, 2026 · via Viator
Rome Basilica di San Clemente self guided tour (audio only)

In Rome, we went to the Basilica di San Clemente and the self guided audio only tour. It was an excellent experience and it was really helpful having any information because we didn’t want to spend a huge amount of time but wanted some information. He ended up doing about a 45 minute tour, which was perfect. The audio only allowed us to skip ahead if we wanted to or play something over if you wanted to hear it again. One thing that could’ve been better is that we had to stop at the office to have the team (who were very helpful and gave us bottles of water) to help me download the app and get things set up for the particular tour. It would’ve been better if you had an easier way to simply have that app downloaded after I’ve made my purchase.

Operator response

Thank you for your detailed and thoughtful review! We are delighted that you enjoyed the Basilica of San Clemente and found the audio guide flexible and informative, allowing you to explore at your own pace, skip sections or replay the content whenever needed. We also appreciate your comments about the app installation. The stop at our office allows our team to verify the booking, provide the necessary access details and ensure that the audio guide is correctly downloaded and working before the visit. We are pleased that our staff were helpful and that you appreciated the bottles of water. Nevertheless, we understand that an easier and more immediate download process would improve the experience, and we will certainly take your suggestion into consideration. Thank you again for choosing us!

D
David_H
May 15, 2026 · via Viator
Daniel at the travel...

Daniel at the travel agency was very helpful in setting all of us up on the digital app so we could do the self guided tour of the Basilica.

Operator response

Thank you very much for your kind words! We are really happy to hear that Daniel was helpful in assisting you with the app setup and that you enjoyed discovering the Basilica through the self-guided experience. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again in Rome soon!

M
Melissa_R
May 3, 2026 · via Viator
Easy, Self-Guided Audio Tour with Good Information

It was a good audio tour of the underground area. Lots of history and good information. Picking up the tickets was very easy.

Operator response

Thank you for your kind review! We're glad you found the audio tour informative and easy to follow, and that the ticket collection process was smooth. San Clemente’s underground layers are truly fascinating, and it’s great to hear you enjoyed discovering their history. We hope to welcome you again on another experience in Rome!

X
X1690PKfredericd
April 28, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Audioguide

Unfortunately I was unable to pick up the audio guide before the visit to the basilica because I was late, but the Tour in the city provider was very understanding and reimbursed me.

Operator response

Merci pour votre retour. Nous sommes désolés d’apprendre que vous n’avez pas pu récupérer l’audioguide en raison de votre retard. Cependant, nous sommes ravis de savoir que le prestataire, Tour in the City, a fait preuve de compréhension et a procédé au remboursement. Si vous avez d’autres questions ou besoin d’assistance à l’avenir, n’hésitez pas à nous contacter.

R
ROCIO_S
April 6, 2026 · via Viator
The Basilica is in...

The Basilica is in the works, the visit to the excavations is quite overwhelming, of these two hours no one warns you. We have been charged 28€ for each ticket and not even accompanied to the ticket, we have not given helmets, no kos have spoken in Spanish. Very bad everything for the high price paid, entrance to the excavation bought by libre are 10€

Operator response

Estimado cliente: lamentamos que su experiencia no haya estado a la altura de sus expectativas. No obstante, nos gustaría aclarar algunos aspectos: usted adquirió un servicio de “entrada reservada + audioguía”, no una visita guiada. Nuestra agencia se encuentra a solo 100 metros de la entrada de la basílica y ofrecemos asistencia completa, además de toda la información necesaria, que también está indicada en el voucher recibido en el momento de la reserva. El precio pagado (28€) no corresponde únicamente a la entrada a las excavaciones, sino que incluye varios servicios adicionales: el derecho de reserva anticipada (que garantiza el acceso en una franja horaria específica), la audioguía a través de una app, la asistencia online y en el lugar, además de impuestos, comisiones bancarias y costes de la plataforma de reserva. En cuanto a las obras en curso, la duración de la visita y las condiciones de acceso a las excavaciones, se trata de aspectos gestionados directamente por el sitio arqueológico y no dependen de nuestra agencia. Quedamos en todo caso a su disposición para cualquier aclaración y tomamos en cuenta su comentario para seguir mejorando nuestro servicio.

A
Araceli_R
March 2, 2026 · via Viator
Disappointing experience on the part of this company

MALÍSIMA Experience, I hired Audioguia (as in other monuments that was great) they send the audio to your mobile, (which I did not read anywhere) to top it off, they send the audio to your mobile, so not expecting this I did not wear helmets, and when you enter you have to listen to them low so as not to disturb the rest of visitors, on top of that the audios are messy and we do not know anything. We saw ourselves walking around not knowing what to do, we went up to get the typical informative triptych that you get in the entrance, and thanks to that we heard about “something”. And as if that were not enough when you arrived at the Basilica the price for admission was 10€. It was disappointing, I felt completely cheated. I wrote to tell them and they never answered. I don't really understand anything. A shame.

Operator response

Estimado/a Cliente: Lamentamos sinceramente haber leído su reseña, pero consideramos necesario hacer algunas aclaraciones. Los entradas, ya compradas e incluidas en su reserva, junto con todas las instrucciones detalladas para el uso de la audioguía, le fueron enviadas correctamente antes de la visita. Por lo tanto, no era necesario adquirir nuevamente la entrada en el lugar, ya que estaba previamente reservada y pagada por nosotros. En la descripción del producto se especifica claramente que el servicio incluye el uso de una aplicación descargable en su propio teléfono móvil y que no proporcionamos dispositivos ni auriculares, tal como se indica en la página de la experiencia en Viator. La audioguía está organizada en pistas numeradas con los planos de los tres niveles y sigue un recorrido preciso dentro de la Basilica di San Clemente. Cientos de visitantes la han utilizado sin experimentar las dificultades que usted describe. Nuestra agencia se encuentra a solo 100 metros de la Basílica, por lo que ante cualquier duda o problema podría haberse acercado fácilmente. Además, nuestro número de teléfono está siempre activo durante el horario de apertura para ofrecer asistencia inmediata a nuestros clientes. Lamentamos que la experiencia no haya cumplido con sus expectativas, pero consideramos su comentario injusto y ofensivo, ya que toda la información estaba claramente indicada y la asistencia disponible. La falta de lectura de las instrucciones, lamentablemente, no puede atribuirse a nuestra organización. Quedamos de todos modos a su disposición para cualquier aclaración adicional. Atentamente.

S
Sandra_C
October 27, 2025 · via Viator
Don't waste your money

So disappointed! After the amazing Vatican experience with Viator, I thought this tour would be the same level. It wasn't! The company it partnered with told us 12pm when we got there our. 12pm tickets were not valid. We had to wait until 1pm. There was no guided tour - the last line in description says bring your own headphones. The employee at church said I basically paid for four tickets and I paid for two with this tour. Terrible! I feel ripped off.

Operator response

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience didn’t meet your expectations, and we’d like to clarify some important points. The product you purchased includes entrance tickets with an audio-guided tour, not a live guided tour. This is clearly indicated in both the product description and your confirmation voucher, which also states that you need to bring your own headphones to use the included audio guide app. Please note that the price covers not only the entry ticket but also: Access to our exclusive audio guide application, for which we hold the copyrights; On-site and online assistance from our staff; Taxes, banking fees, security of guaranteed tickets, and Viator platform commissions. Our live guided tours are a separate product offered at a significantly higher price. We would also like to emphasize that our company does not scam anyone. All details are clearly described before purchase, and we always recommend reading the product information carefully to ensure it matches your expectations. Regarding the schedule, please note that San Clemente Basilica is an active church, and entry times may change due to religious ceremonies beyond our control. We appreciate your understanding and hope you still enjoyed discovering this remarkable historical site.

F
Francisco_V
September 15, 2025 · via Viator
A failure

An activity failure. When we arrived, it turns out we didn't have the entrances to enter the archaeological zone. And that we only had one audio guide app. In addition, the hours have changed and the operators have not been informed. And yet my reservation was numbered and individual and made it very clear that it gave me access to all levels. A failure

Operator response

Hola, Queremos aclarar que en tu reserva solo se adquirió el servicio de audioguía, tal y como se indica claramente en el momento de la compra. De hecho, seleccionaste la opción “solo audioguía” y no la opción que incluye también la entrada, y además esta opción tiene un precio mucho más bajo que la que incluye los billetes de acceso. En el momento de la reserva aparece claramente el siguiente aviso: «SOLO APLICACIÓN DE AUDIOGUÍA — ENTRADAS NO INCLUIDAS: Con esta opción, la entrada a las excavaciones de San Clemente NO está incluida. APLICACIÓN DE AUDIOGUÍA: disponible en inglés, español, francés, alemán e italiano, con 22 puntos de escucha.» Respecto al supuesto cambio de horario, esto no es correcto, ya que nosotros no gestionamos ni proporcionamos entradas y, por lo tanto, no podemos modificar los horarios de acceso. Creemos que ha habido una confusión por tu parte, ya que las entradas no estaban incluidas en el servicio que reservaste. Es importante leer bien lo que se compra antes de hacer una reserva. Gracias por tu comprensión.

L
Laurel_M
September 11, 2025 · via Viator
Very interesting part of...

Very interesting part of history. The audio tour made it easy to follow along with what was happening during the time period. You can go at your own pace. Highly recommend.

Operator response

Thank you so much for your kind words! 🌟 We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed discovering the fascinating history of the Basilica di San Clemente and its ancient underground layers. We’re also happy the audio tour helped make the experience clear and easy to follow at your own pace. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you on another tour in Rome soon! 🇮🇹

$11/ person
3.5(13)
Duration45 min–1h
LanguagesDE, EN, IT
ConfirmationInstant
Check availability on Viator →
Booked and paid on Viator.com
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

No booking fees from Excurgo
Payment and confirmation are handled by Viator
Excurgo support

Excurgo earns a commission from Viator when you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.

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