San Clemente Underground Rome History Tour

Walking Tour

3 hrs

Rome

As you take in the breathtaking views of the Roman Forum and the wonders of Rome, it’s impossible not to wonder: What was life like at the height of the Roman Empire? And how did it all come to an end?

Perfect for curious minds and history enthusiasts, this Rome history tour offers a fresh perspective on a lesser-known chapter of Roman civilization—the transformation from the fall of the Empire to the Middle Ages.

With the guidance of an expert archaeologist or historian, you will jump into Rome’s hidden history and explore the fascinating ruins below San Clemente Basilica, and the preserved ancient homes of Case Romane del Celio, which provide a glimpse into daily life during the Empire’s decline.

Route Details

Your journey begins at San Clemente Basilica, where you’ll explore not just a medieval church but also the ancient Mithraeum—an underground temple—and other well-preserved Roman-era buildings and structures hidden beneath the church.

Depending on your interests and museum availability, your guide will then lead you to either the church of SS Quattro Coronati, where you can admire stunning medieval frescoes, or the Museo della Forma Urbis, an archaeological gem showcasing detailed marble plans of ancient Rome. Both sites provide a peaceful escape from the crowds, allowing you to fully absorb the rich history at a relaxed pace.

The tour concludes at Case Romane del Celio, an intimate and quiet site that offers a rare glimpse into daily life during the final days of the Roman Empire. As you explore its beautifully preserved frescoes and mosaics, your guide will share historical insights, offering the perfect introduction to Rome’s transition from antiquity to the Middle Ages.

Choose this tour if…

You want to explore fascinating underground archaeological sites, where history comes to life through expert storytelling—not just a checklist of famous landmarks.
You prefer a relaxed, immersive experience, away from the crowds, where you can truly absorb the atmosphere of ancient spaces without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
You’re eager to discover hidden, lesser-known underground sites with an expert archaeologist or historian as your guide—no prior knowledge needed, just curiosity and a sense of adventure

Sites Visited

San Clemente Basilica – A unique three-layered complex showcasing nearly 2,000 years of history.
Case Romane del Celio – A collection of well-preserved ancient Roman houses with stunning frescoes.
SS Quattro Coronati (optional) – A fortified medieval church known for its serene cloister and rare 13th-century frescoes.
Museo della Forma Urbis (optional) – An archaeological museum housing fragments of the Forma Urbis Romae, an ancient marble map that detailed the city’s layout in the 3rd century.

Logistics

Tickets

You are pre-paid for the tour and the tickets for San Clemente and the Case Romane. In case you opt for visiting the Museo della Forma Urbis, the tickets will be paid for on-site.

PLEASE NOTE: Starting January 7th, the area of San Clemente Basilica will be occupied by scaffolding due to renovation works, but this won't impact your tour.

Transportation

This is a walking tour. We meet near San Clemente Basilica and end near the Circus Maximus, with convenient public transportation options nearby. If you require a transfer, you can add this option during the checkout process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all the sites on the list included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to San Clemente and the Case Romane del Celio with pre-purchased tickets. You’ll also have the opportunity to personalize your experience by choosing between visiting SS Quattro Coronati or Museo della Forma Urbis. Please keep in mind that the Museo della Forma Urbis is closed on Mondays.

Should I expect a crowded experience?
Not at all. The sites on this tour are less crowded than the more famous Roman landmarks, offering a peaceful and intimate experience.

Accessibility

We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.

Are the sites easy to access or claustrophobic?
Yes, the tour is designed to be accessible and comfortable, with a relaxed pace. There are no tight or claustrophobic spaces, and you can feel free to take your time at each site.

Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
Unfortunately, not all sites on this tour are accessible. If you have mobility concerns, please let us know at the time of booking, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Cancellation Policy

Book with confidence — see Context’s flexible cancellation policy here.

Book a Tour

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

San Clemente Basilica
Case Romane del Celio Archaeological Site
Monastery of the Santi Quattro Coronati
Museo della Forma Urbis

Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.

Included

English-speaking expert guide
Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
Intentionally sized groups
A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
Tickets and entrance fees
All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
Headsets
Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.

Not Included

Gratuities

We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
Food and drink

Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
Transportation to and from the meeting point

Unless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Hotel pickup or drop-off

Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.

Map of Underground Rome History Tour: The Fall and Rise of the Roman Empire with San Clemente Basilica general meeting point area

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:

Wear comfortable footwear
Check the weather and dress appropriately
Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
Feel free to ask your Expert anything

Don'ts:

Bring firearms or weapons
Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments

Any questions? You can always contact us.

Get to know one of the art historians leading this tour

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162 Reviews

Paola truly made our experience wonderful. We were looking for indepth learning and felt privileged to have Paola as our expert guide and archeologist. He made our trip to Rome truly memorable!!

Denise May 19, 2026

My sister and I today had an absolutely spectacular tour with Federico. I think it is fair to say that we are fairly critical people. I am a former academic; my sister is highly involved with the arts .As an academic, I enjoyed both challenging my students and being challenged myself. And so today in our all too short, three hour tour with Federico we chatted about extraordinarily diverse topics: the agricultural means of production and support of the Nobles in Rome by the people in the countryside, the Jews of Rome in antiquity, the ways in which the monks in the crypt were skeletonized, contemporary and ancient politics etc etc. These topics were by no means what we had anticipated talking about with him!! Of course, as expected, he was lyrical and expert about the history of Rome, and our time with him was all too short. He excelled as an educator, leaving us with a desire to learn far more than we were able to glean from this all too brief experience. We were tremendously impressed that no matter what we asked him, he had something valuable to contribute. Frankly, there are not enough superlatives to offer and we end with this: if you have the opportunity and the privilege to have Federico interpret and show you some of the wonders of this eternal city seize it! Many thanks, Federico. ( pictured is Federico with his iPad which he used to illustrate salient points)

Diana Apr 24, 2026

The Underground Rome tour with Guido was one of the coolest things we did. You literally go down through layers of history—each level older than the last. Guido was super energetic and clearly passionate. Totally different from the standard Rome tours.

Eric Apr 23, 2026

Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.

Structured, never scripted

Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.

Crafted for conversation

With ten or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.

Experts, not guides

Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.