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Private Catacombs and Basilica San Clemente Underground Tour

Descend into Rome's Hidden Depths: Explore the Catacombs and Basilica San Clemente!

What’s included?

Excluded

This exclusive experience unearths over two millennia of history in a small group with an expert guide. Head underground and explore ancient temples and churches at the breathtaking basilica di San Clemente, before visiting Rome’s largest network of catacombs which still contain the bodies of over 150,000 ancient Romans. Our...

This exclusive experience unearths over two millennia of history in a small group with an expert guide. Head underground and explore ancient temples and churches at the breathtaking basilica di San Clemente, before visiting Rome’s largest network of catacombs which still contain the bodies of over 150,000 ancient Romans. 

Our tour starts on the ground level of the Basilica San Clemente, beautiful medieval church and architectural masterpiece. Spread over multiple layers, the ‘lasagna church’ is one of the few sites that allows you travel through time to discover ruins from centuries apart.

After marvelling at the stunning marble floors and intricate décor, we’ll start our descent. The lower floors lead to an older, larger church that was built in the 4th Century, before descending deeper into a cult temple, dedicated to ancient Eastern god Mithras.

Journeying even further underground, your guide will bring to life an ancient Roman apartment complex as you walk through an ancient doorway and even cross an age-old street. Understand what life was really like for ancient Romans in one of the best-preserved Roman homes in the city.

The adventure continues along Via Appia Antica, the first ancient Roman highway, to the Catacombs of Domitilla. Catacombs have been a secret part of Roman history for almost two thousand years. Your expert historian guide will tell you about how ancient Christian burial rites and rituals were performed so many centuries ago, and how the handmade tunnels are filled with the bodies of ancient Romans.

Our visit will include the tomb of Diogenes, several crypts decorated with Pagan and Christian symbols and motifs as well as the oldest known fresco of the last supper. Your expert guide will lead you through the dark underbelly of ancient Rome at a leisurely, comfortable pace. 

Please note that the cost of this tour includes the entrance tickets to the Catacomb di Santa Domitilla and the Basilica San Clemente. 

If you’re ready to take a step off the beaten track and delve deeper into ancient Rome’s secrets, book your spot now!

Tour Highlights

  • Group 48099352

    Basilica San Clemente

    Explore the remarkable church and its underground features, including the Temple of Mithras and an ancient Roman street.

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    The Ancient Layer & Pagan Temple

    Originally built as an imperial mansion in the late 1st century AD, this courtyard was later transformed into a Temple of Mithras around 200 AD.

  • Group 48099338

    The Early Christian Layer & 4th-Century Church

    In the early 4th century, a hall and church were constructed over the Temple of Mithras as Christianity became the dominant religion in the Roman Empire.

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    The Medieval Layer & Current Basilica

    The mid-level church suffered damage during the Norman sack of Rome in 1084 AD, leading to the completion of the current Basilica San Clemente in the 12th century.

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    Catacombs of Domitilla

    Located on the estate of Flavia Domitilla, these catacombs are among Rome's largest underground cemeteries, offering insights into the faith of early Christians.

Enter Number of Participants *
Group from 1 to 4

€590

Group from 5 to 10

€990

Group from 11 to 16

€1490

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Price(EUR)

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KEY INFO

When?

15:00

Where?

Basilica of San Clemente

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Highlights

Important

Dress warmly for the chilly Rome streets. Arrive 15 mins early and look for our Carpe Diem sign. No scissors, knives, aerosols, or liquids (except water). Bring comfortable shoes, a jacket/umbrella if rain is expected, and a water bottle. Catacombs and Basilica San Clemente tickets included.

When?

15:00

Where?

Basilica of San Clemente

Tick, tock, Tipsy Tour o’clock!

The Tipsy Tour experience begins in...
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Important

Dress warmly for the chilly Rome streets. Arrive 15 mins early and look for our Carpe Diem sign. No scissors, knives, aerosols, or liquids (except water). Bring comfortable shoes, a jacket/umbrella if rain is expected, and a water bottle. Catacombs and Basilica San Clemente tickets included.

Highlights

  • Tour Highlight Image

    Explore Basilica di San Clemente’s layered history

  • Tour Highlight Image

    Descend to ancient temples and cult sites

  • Tour Highlight Image

    Visit the Catacombs of Domitilla, a burial site

  • Tour Highlight Image

    Discover ancient Roman life in preserved homes

  • Tour Highlight Image

    Enjoy expert insights on burial rites and frescoes

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frequently asked questions

What is included in the price of the tour?

The tour includes entry into the Basilica San Clemente and the Catacombs of Domitilla as well as history and storytelling from an expert guide.

How long is the tour

The tour is approximately 3 hours long.

How many people can be on a private tour?

To ensure a more intimate and comfortable experience, we limit the group size to 10 people, as the catacombs can be quite tight.

We have a disabled person in our group, can they join the tour?

The catacombs feature narrow, uneven passageways and steep stairs, so accessibility may be limited. Please contact us in advance to discuss any specific needs, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Will the tour run if it rains?

Since the catacombs are indoors, the weather won’t affect the tour. It will proceed as scheduled, rain or shine.

Can we take photos inside of the catacombs?

Generally, photography is allowed in most areas, though some sacred or restricted locations may be off-limits. Your guide will inform you if there are any restrictions during the tour.

Are children allowed to join the tour?

Yes, it's your private group so you get to decide who joins the tour. While the tour is family-friendly the underground setting can be a little eerie, so we recommend that younger children are accompanied by an adult at all times.

What should we wear in the catacombs?

Temperatures underground are cooler (around 16°C), so we suggest bringing a light jacket and wearing comfortable, closed-toe shoes.

Do we need to bring anything with us?

As the tour involves some walking, we recommend bringing a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

What language is the tour in?

The tour is conducted in English, and your local guide will provide historical insights throughout the experience.

Do we need to wait in line?

No, your tour includes skip-the-line tickets, so you can spend more time exploring and less time waiting.

Do you offer other private tours?

We do! You can upgrade any of our tours to a private experience. From cooking classes and food tours to walking tours and nightlife experiences, we've got it all and if for some reason we don't have what you're looking for contact us and we'll make it happen!

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