Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 95 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour worth booking?
Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour is a 2.5-hour experience in Rome, Italy, from €55 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 95 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (95)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- €55 per person
Take a fascinating journey through an underground pagan temple and four impressive churches to understand the very early stages of Christianity. See original relics from the Crucifixion of Christ and soil from the Holy Land. Please note: In the event that certain areas of one of the churches are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites. As a result, the overall duration will remain unchanged
What you get
- Live professional guide
- Entrance fees
- All Fees and Taxes
- Headsets to hear clear your guide
About this experience
Take a fascinating journey through an underground pagan temple and four impressive churches to understand the very early stages of Christianity. See original relics from the Crucifixion of Christ and soil from the Holy Land. Please note: In the event that certain areas of one of the churches are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites. As a result, the overall duration will remain unchanged
What's included
Included
- Live professional guide
- Entrance fees
- All Fees and Taxes
- Headsets to hear clear your guide
Not included
- Optional gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What you'll see and do
Basilica of San Clemente
You will enjoy a fascinating journey deep underground St. Clement's Basilica, a few meters away from the Colosseum. You will go through three layers of ancient monuments built on top of each other, and learn about forgotten pagan cults, early Christianity, and mystic symbolism. You will visit the best preserved Temple of Mithras and touch the underground river flowing below the streets of Rome and below the Colosseum. You will marvel at ancient mosaics and at the stories they portray. You will appreciate the intimacy of a small group of maximum 10 people
75 minutes here · Admission included
Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
Having learned about paganism, the early persecutions and the martyrs, make a walk to the Cathedral of Rome, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, and find out why it is known as “Mother and head of all churches on Earth”. Be impressed by the beauty of the golden interior and the ancient frescos and hear about Emperor Constantine and why he legalized Christianity in 313.
30 minutes here
Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs
Learn about the Emperor’s mother, St. Helena, and her pilgrimage to Jerusalem to recover the artifacts, safeguarded by the early underground church in the Holy Land. Among those, see the Holy Stairs, the original stairs of the praetorium which Jesus climbed at his judgment.
15 minutes here
Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme
Finally, walk to the church built with earth brought from the Holy land, the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem and see the other Holy Relics secured by Helena including a nail from the Crucifixion, the walnut board Pontius Pilate put above the cross as well as the wood of the Cross Jesus was crucified on. See also fragments of the wall from the cave of the nativity in Bethlehem and two thorns of the crown of the Passion of Christ.
30 minutes here
Choose to extend your journey to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where stunning mosaics and sacred relics offer insight into the church's importance in Christian history.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rome
Meet us at Piazza di San Clemente, 00184 Rome. Please arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled starting time. Look for a member of staff holding a yellow label.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Spanish Shared : 5 Churches
3.5 hrs Small Group Tour: This option is for a 3.5 hrs tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major
Italian Private : 4 Churches
2.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs Private guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a Private Tour Option.
Portuguese Private: 4 Churches
2.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs Private guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a Private Tour Option.
Portuguese Private: 5 Churches
3.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a Private tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major
English Shared : 5 Churches
3.5 hrs Small Group Tour: This option is for a 3.5 hrs tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major
English Private : 5 Churches
3.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a Private tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major
German Private : 4 Churches
2.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs Private guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a Private Tour Option.
Spanish Shared : 4 Churches
2.5 hrs Small Group Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a small group of a maximum of 10 participants
English Private : 4 Churches
2.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs Private guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a Private Tour Option.
French Private : 4 Churches
2.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs Private guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a Private Tour Option.
Spanish Private : 4 Churches
2.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs Private guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a Private Tour Option.
German Private : 5 Churches
3.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a Private tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, pt, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- TOURIKS
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please note: In the event that certain areas of one of the churches are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites. As a result, the overall duration will remain unchanged
- An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: a moderate amount of walking is involved.
- This tour is not wheelchair-accessible.
- This tour is subject to weather conditions and/or liturgic-calendar events. If canceled you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
- Not recommended for people with claustrophobia
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 93 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
93 verified traveler reviews for Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Daniel was very...
Daniel was very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject matter. We enjoyed his explanations, education and humor! We weren't able to see some of the relics through no fault of his, but he did bring up pictures to show us which was helpful as well. All seven of us thoroughly enjoyed his tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much, we are glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour with Daniel!
via Viator
Mario was incredibly...
Mario was incredibly knowledgeable and one of our favorite tour guides. It was nice just being the two of us. The Relics were still unable to be viewed which was a bummer but not in the tour’s control
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review, we are glad to hear that you enjoyed our tour with Mario. Unfortunately the relics were currently shut down, however we appreciate your understanding and hope that you get to see them next time!
via Viator
Daniel was our guide and...
Daniel was our guide and he did such a great job! We ended up being the only 2 on the tour so we received personalized service - even found one of the public water fountains for us to fill our water bottles! Lots of walking and extremely hot, but exactly what we wanted to see. Thank you!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much, we are glad to hear that you enjoyed our guided tour with Daniel!
via Viator
Unique tour
Going deep to history of church and relics . Nice tour with 4 people group and Daniel our tour guide was very educated. We loved it …
Response from the operator: Thank you so much, we are glad to hear that you enjoyed our Underground temples and Relics tour with Daniel.
via Viator
Very knowledgeable and...
Very knowledgeable and friendly. Great way to see some of the best churches in Rome. Great for solo, family and friends as well.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much! We are glad to hear that you enjoyed our Underground Temples and Relics guided tour!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- €55 to €479
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 33
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by TOURIKS, who run 46 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.8.
See everything TOURIKS runsWhy this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rome.
How much does Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at €55 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rome usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rome is not rushed.
Is Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 95 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Rome, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour?
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Around 33 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rome can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rome and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rome within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Rome?
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Rome runs on skip-the-line access. The Colosseum underground, the Vatican before opening, and the catacombs south of the walls all require a licensed operator, and the price gap between the good ones and the rest is smaller than you would expect. We rank by guide credentials, group size and how reliably the promised access actually materialises. On Outty we rank every Rome experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Rome Pizza & Gelato Class with Wine by Cooking Italy, Rome [4in1] Pasta Making_Tiramisù_Wine Tasting_Secret Cellar, Rome Pasta and Tiramisu Class: Ravioli, Fettuccine & Fine Wine 5*. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
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April, May, September and October. August is hot and half the city is shut. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Rome?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour?
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Included: Live professional guide; Entrance fees; All Fees and Taxes; and Headsets to hear clear your guide. Not included: Optional gratuities; and Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour?
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Meet us at Piazza di San Clemente, 00184 Rome. Please arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled starting time. Look for a member of staff holding a yellow label. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour offered in?
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It is offered in German, Portuguese, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and This tour is not wheelchair-accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour?
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Across 95 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour?
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There are 12 options to choose from, including Spanish Shared : 5 Churches, Italian Private : 4 Churches, Portuguese Private: 4 Churches, Portuguese Private: 5 Churches. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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