Underground Rome for Families

One of the best ways for your family to understand Roman history is to see it literally layer by layer. Lying at times up to 10 meters below the modern city, much of ancient Rome is still being excavated today. On this walk your family will explore the hidden, subterranean levels of Rome, and learn how we are still uncovering bits and pieces of it today.

This walk focuses on two sites. The first is the church of San Clemente, a medieval church built on the remains of a 1st century Mithraic temple and Roman structure (perhaps a house, though there is a theory that this is the Roman mint reputed to be located in this area). After exploring the two medieval churches that sit on top of these ruins, one of which contains one of the oldest instances of Italian writing in the world, we'll move to the church of SS. Giovanni e Paolo, underneath which we find a series of middle-class 3rd century houses. Here we will look at how average people lived and decorated their houses, and then how these ancient sites were transformed during the Middle Ages. Both of these sites are sure to inspire animated discussions with your family about early Roman life and culture, as well as the way that Romans have historically re-used structures to develop its modern urban landscape.

Children are sure to enjoy simply descending into Rome's depths, like a modern archaeologist, sure to uncover some secret.

You will be required to purchase tickets on-site: €5 for San Clemente and €6.50 for the houses on the Celian Hill.

Cancellation Policies