Small-Group Tour at Underground Temples of St. Clement's Basilica
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 23 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Small-Group Tour at Underground Temples of St. Clement's Basilica worth booking?
Small-Group Tour at Underground Temples of St. Clement's Basilica is a 2-hour experience in Rome, Italy, from $35 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 23 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (23)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $35 per person
Discover the ancient treasures hidden below St. Clement’s Basilica that are overlooked by most visitors to Rome. Follow your guide three levels down to explore ancient pagan temples, the 1st-century home of St. Clement,
What you get
About this experience
Discover the ancient treasures hidden below St. Clement’s Basilica that are overlooked by most visitors to Rome. Follow your guide three levels down to explore ancient pagan temples, the 1st-century home of St. Clement, and a 4th-century basilica with original frescoes—as well as an underground river. End with a tour of the 12th-century basilica above ground, known for its spectacular mosaics. Delve into a hidden underground world of pagan and early Christian ruins A guide to explain the layers of history beneath St. Clement’s Basilica Time to explore the basilica above ground, including its famed mosaics A small-group tour for a more intimate experience and personal attention
What's included
Included
- Headsets to hear the guide clearly
- Expert live guide
- Luggage deposit in our office for the duration of the tour
- Guided tour of Santo Stefano Rotondo (only if this option is selected during purchase)
- Entrance fees to the Basilica di San Clemente
Not included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Optional gratuities
- Guided tour of Santo Stefano Rotondo (unless specifically chosen during purchase)
What you'll see and do
Basilica of San Clemente
Embark on an unforgettable journey that begins at the breathtaking 12th-century basilica, where your expert guide will unveil the secrets behind the stunning golden mosaic in the apse, highlighting its spiritual significance. From there, descend 14 meters beneath the basilica to uncover the hidden 4th-century underground church, built directly on top of St. Clement's home, the third pope of Rome. Marvel at the early Christian frescoes, which depict the stories of martyrs and the struggles faced by the first Christians. Next, continue your descent to uncover one of Rome’s best-preserved Mithraic temples. This ancient treasure offers you a unique glimpse into the mysterious Mithraic cult, which thrived before the rise of Christianity. Let your guide bring this fascinating chapter of Roman history to life as they explain the cult’s intriguing rituals and beliefs. As you explore the site, you'll feel an eerie atmosphere, enhanced by an underground river that adds an element of mystery.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo al Celio
For a more in-depth experience, you can add an optional visit to the Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo to your tour. In 45 minutes, you’ll discover this architectural gem, known for its unique circular design. Inside, you'll be captivated by the vibrant frescoes that adorn the walls, each depicting dramatic scenes of early Christian martyrs. These striking images vividly portray the courage and sacrifices of saints who endured extraordinary trials for their faith. As your guide shares the stories behind these powerful artworks, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the devotion and struggles that shaped Rome’s religious heritage.
45 minutes here
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
This tour will conclude at Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo if you have selected the 2-hour tour with Santo Stefano Rotondo. Please note, the itinerary may vary. Depending on the schedule, you may start at Basilica San Clemente or Santo Stefano Rotondo. Therefore, also the ending point may vary.
Ends at
This tour will conclude at Basilica di San Clemente if you have selected the 1-hour tour of Basilica of San Clemente, without the optional visit to Basilica of Santo Stefano Rotondo.
Options you can book
Group Tour English
San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in English in a group of a maximum of 16 people. Duration: 1 hour
Small Group Tour French
San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in French in a small group of maximum 10 people.
Group Tour French
San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in French in a group of a maximum of 16 people. Duration: 1 hour
Small Group Tour English
San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in english in a small group of maximum 10 people
Extended Italian Tour
San Clemente + Santo Stefano: This option is for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in a group of max 16 people. Duration: 2 hours
Extended French Tour
San Clemente + Santo Stefano: This option is for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in a group of max 16 people. Duration: 2 hours
Group Tour German
San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in German in a group of a maximum of 16 people. Duration: 1 hour
Small Group Tour Italian
San Clemente : Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in Italian in a small group of maximum 10 people.
Group Tour Italian
San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in Italian in a group of a maximum of 16 people. Duration: 1 hour
Small Group Tour German
San Clemente: Select this option for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente in German , in a small group of maximum 10 people.
Extended English Tour
San Clemente + Santo Stefano: This option is for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in a group of max 16 people. Duration: 2 hours
Extended Portuguese Tour
San Clemente + Santo Stefano: This option is for a guided tour of Basilica di San Clemente & Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo in a group of max 16 people. Duration: 2 hours
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- TOURIKS
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered
- 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
- Photography and filming inside the basilica’s is not allowed
- Your phone should be on put on silence before visiting the basilica’s
- If you choose to extend your tour with the optional visit to Santo Stefano Rotondo, please note that the itinerary may vary. Depending on the schedule, you may begin your visit at Basilica San Clemente and proceed to Santo Stefano Rotondo, or vice versa. Therefore, also the ending point may vary
- It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved and you will be walking many steps and stairs
- Pets are not allowed inside the basilica’s
- We recommend you to bring your own headphones in order to minimise plastic waste
- The frescoes inside the Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo depict graphic scenes of martyrdom and may not be appropriate for children
- Please note that the extended option with Santo Stefano Rotondo may occasionally be unavailable due to special events or liturgical celebrations
- Not recommended for customers with claustrophobia
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 23 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
23 verified traveler reviews for Small-Group Tour at Underground Temples of St. Clement's Basilica. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
So appreciated Francesca
It was so worth having a personal guide to walk us through all the fine details of this experience. Francesca (not sure if I had the spelling correct) covered every detail and was patient with our questions.
Response from the operator: Thanks! We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour with us at Caracalla baths :)
via Viator
Don’t miss this tour!
First, don’t miss this church and all of its historic layers. Second, get a guide otherwise you will miss learning all of the details that make it so incredible. Third, our tour guide from Touriks was outstanding.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much, we are glad to hear that you enjoyed our St. Clement's Basilica guided tour!
via Tripadvisor
Key Roman Church Tour!
For church lovers in Rome, this tour should be the first thing they do! I gained so much new information from our excellent guide, Francesca. All the churches I visited after the tour were more meaningful because of what I learned on this tour. Excellent!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your review, we are glad to hear that you have enjoyed our Underground Temples of St. Clement's Basilica tour :)
via Viator
Amazed at “depth” of history
Your website explains it perfectly. It’s tight in places, and it’s deep. Loved st. Clemente history.
Response from the operator: Thank you, we are glad to hear that you enjoyed our St. Clement's basilica tour :)
via Viator
Interesting experience underground
Interesting perspective on the lower levels beneath Rome. Chance to hear about snd view how people lived centuries ago. I think other people I know were able to go deeper than our guide offered.
Response from the operator: We appreciate hearing that you enjoyed our St. Clement's Basilica guided tour!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $35 to $99
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Small-Group Tour at Underground Temples of St. Clement's Basilica: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rome.
How much does Small-Group Tour at Underground Temples of St. Clement's Basilica cost?
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Prices start at $35 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 Small-Group Tour at Underground Temples of St. Clement's Basilica take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Small-Group Tour at Underground Temples of St. Clement's Basilica worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 23 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 Small-Group Tour at Underground Temples of St. Clement's Basilica?
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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 Small-Group Tour at Underground Temples of St. Clement's Basilica suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Small-Group Tour at Underground Temples of St. Clement's Basilica?
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Around 8 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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Small-Group Tour at Underground Temples of St. Clement's Basilica 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 Pasta and Tiramisu Class: Ravioli, Fettuccine & Fine Wine 5*, Pasta Making & Wine Tasting with Dinner in Frascati from Rome, Rome: Pizza & Tiramisu or Gelato Class with Flowing 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.
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