
San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi Private Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi Private Tour worth booking?
San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi Private Tour is a 1.5-hour experience in Rome, Italy, from $92 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 56 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $92 per person
Step beneath the streets of Rome and discover nearly 2,000 years of history on this San Clemente Underground & Basilica Semi-Private Tour. Begin inside the magnificent 12th-century Basilica of San Clemente, famous for its dazzling golden apse mosaic and medieval artwork. Descend to the remarkably preserved 4th-century Early Christian basilica, then continue deeper into the remains of an ancient Roman neighborhood dating back to the 1st century AD. Walk through ancient streets, admire original frescoes, discover a former Roman residence, and visit one of the world's best-preserved Mithraic temples while your guide reveals the fascinating transformation of Rome from a pagan empire to the center of Christianity. With a maximum of 10 participants, this semi-private tour offers a relaxed atmosphere, personalized tour, and plenty of opportunities to ask questionsperfect for travelers looking to experience one of Rome's most captivating hidden gems away from the crowds.
What you get
About this experience
Step beneath the streets of Rome and discover nearly 2,000 years of history on this San Clemente Underground & Basilica Semi-Private Tour. Begin inside the magnificent 12th-century Basilica of San Clemente, famous for its dazzling golden apse mosaic and medieval artwork. Descend to the remarkably preserved 4th-century Early Christian basilica, then continue deeper into the remains of an ancient Roman neighborhood dating back to the 1st century AD. Walk through ancient streets, admire original frescoes, discover a former Roman residence, and visit one of the world's best-preserved Mithraic temples while your guide reveals the fascinating transformation of Rome from a pagan empire to the center of Christianity. With a maximum of 10 participants, this semi-private tour offers a relaxed atmosphere, personalized tour, and plenty of opportunities to ask questionsperfect for travelers looking to experience one of Rome's most captivating hidden gems away from the crowds.
What's included
Included
- Government fees
- Admission fees
- guided tour
Not included
- Bottled water
- Meals
- Private transportation
What you'll see and do
Basilica of San Clemente
Step inside the magnificent 12th-century Basilica of San Clemente, one of Rome's finest medieval churches, and admire its glittering golden apse mosaic, Cosmatesque marble floor, and beautiful frescoes. Descend into the 4th-century Early Christian basilica, one of Rome's earliest public churches, where remarkably preserved frescoes and the famous Legend of Saint Clement reveal the birth of Christian Rome. Continue deeper into the underground archaeological excavations to explore a 1st-century AD Roman neighborhood, including ancient streets, noble residences, and a natural spring that still flows today. Discover the remarkable Temple of Mithras (Mithraeum), one of the world's best-preserved sanctuaries dedicated to the mysterious Roman cult of Mithras. Travel through nearly 2,000 years of history as your expert guide uncovers the transformation of Rome from a pagan empire into the heart of Christianity.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rome
Your guide will wait for you in front of the entrance of the Basilica 15 min before.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Your guide will wait for you in front of the entrance of the Basilica 15 min before.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, it, sr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Rome Tour
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- clasutrofobic people
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
1 mentionThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Tour
We would definitely recommend the San Clemente underground and Basilica small group tour. Our guide, Riccardo, was very personable and knowledgeable. It was a great experience!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review and recommendation! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a great experience on our **San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi-Private Tour in Rome**. The Basilica of San Clemente is one of the most fascinating places to discover **Underground Rome**, with its extraordinary layers of history beneath the city. We’re especially happy to hear that Riccardo made your **small-group San Clemente tour** both enjoyable and informative. We’ll be very pleased to share your kind words with him. Thank you for choosing **Rome Tour** to explore the hidden history of Rome. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience! Warm regards, Rosa
via Viator
Great experience!
Ricardo was very knowledgeable and gave us a wonderful tour through San Clemente Basilica. Definitely a site worth visiting!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had a great experience exploring the San Clemente and its fascinating underground levels in Rome. It truly is one of the city’s most extraordinary hidden historical sites. We’re especially pleased that Riccardo’s knowledge helped make your San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi-Private Tour so enjoyable and memorable. We’ll be happy to share your kind words with him. Thank you for choosing Rome Tour, and we hope to welcome you back to discover more of Underground Rome with us! Warm regards, Rosa
via Tripadvisor
Exploring layers of Rome under San Clemente basilica
Tour was really interesting and engaging, and Riccardo, our tour guide, was wonderful! So interesting to learn the history of the underground structures discovered by an Irish priest.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re delighted that you enjoyed our San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi-Private Tour in Rome and found the fascinating layers beneath the Basilica of San Clemente so engaging. A special thank you for your kind words about Riccardo. Exploring the ancient Roman structures, early Christian history, and remarkable underground levels discovered through the work of the Irish Dominican friars makes San Clemente one of Rome’s most extraordinary archaeological sites. We hope to welcome you back for another underground Rome tour and more hidden gems of the Eternal City! Warm regards, Rosa & Rome Tour Team
via Tripadvisor
San Clemente guide
Christian did a wonderful job as guide for San Clemente. He is very knowledgeable and well spoken. Hope to have him again someday as our guide
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review of our San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi-Private Tour in Rome! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring the fascinating layers of the Basilica of San Clemente with Christian. His knowledge and passion for Ancient Rome, early Christianity, and Rome’s underground history** really help bring this extraordinary archaeological site to life. San Clemente is one of Rome’s most remarkable hidden gems, where visitors can literally descend through centuries of history, from the medieval basilica to the early Christian church and the ancient Roman levels beneath it. We will be very happy to share your kind words with Christian, and we hope to welcome you back to Rome for another guided tour and another journey into the city’s incredible history. Warm regards, Rosa
via Tripadvisor
San Clemente
Outstanding experience! Riccardo was very knowledgeable about the various historical events of the church and a super person. Loved it!
Response from the operator: Dear Philip,thank You so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that You enjoyed your San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi-Private Tour. Riccardo is passionate about bringing Rome's incredible history to life, and he'll be thrilled to know his knowledge and enthusiasm made your visit so memorable. Exploring the fascinating underground levels of the Basilica of San Clemente, from ancient Roman buildings to one of the best-preserved Mithraic temples, is truly a unique experience, and we're glad you loved discovering this hidden gem with us. We hope to welcome You back soon for another unforgettable Rome guided tour and help you discover even more of the Eternal City's hidden treasures! Rosa
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Rome Tour, who run 46 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 45.9.
See everything Rome Tour runsWhy this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi Private Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rome.
How much does San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi Private Tour cost?
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Prices start at $92 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 San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi Private Tour take?
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Plan for about 1.5 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 San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi Private Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Rome, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi Private 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 San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi Private Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi Private Tour?
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Around 2 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 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi Private 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 San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi Private Tour?
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Included: Government fees; Admission fees; and guided tour. Not included: Bottled water; Meals; and Private transportation. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi Private Tour?
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Your guide will wait for you in front of the entrance of the Basilica 15 min before. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi Private Tour offered in?
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It is offered in English, Italian and Serbian. 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 San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi Private 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.
What happens to San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi Private Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Rome. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about San Clemente Underground and Basilica Semi Private Tour?
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Across 6 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, small groups. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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