How did Rome go from a world-conquering empire to a crumbling former power? This tour of San Clemente explores the changes that gripped this city during the late antique period when Rome "fell" from the cultural heights of the empire to its re-emergence as a center of art and theology during the medieval period. During this three-hour San Clemente tour in the company of a historian, we will explore medieval Rome and visit three key sites: San Clemente, the Case Romane al Celio (Roman houses), and SS. Quattro Coronati (considered by many to be one of the most beautiful churches of Rome—and quite off the beaten path). This is a wonderful itinerary for people who want to understand what happened after Rome fell and before the Renaissance began.

We begin at the church of San Clemente, a medieval church built on the remains of a first century Mithraic temple and an unknown Roman structure. (Some theories posit that it's perhaps a house, though there is a theory that this is the Roman mint reputed to be located in this area.) We'll explore the Mithraic temple extensively and learn about this mystical cult religion popular with Roman soldiers that emerged at about the same time as Christianity. 

After exploring San Clemente, we will wind our way through the streets of the Celian neighborhood to SS. Quattro Coronati. This amazing church, regarded by many as the most beautiful medieval structure in Rome, was constructed in the eleventh century and houses spectacular artistic treasures including a chapel with frescos dedicated to Saint Sylvester.

Finally, will make our way up the hill to the church of SS. Giovanni e Paolo, underneath which we find a series of middle class third century houses. Here we will look at how average people lived and decorated their homes during the fall of Rome, marveling at the well-preserved wall decorations, and then how these ancient sites were transformed during the Middle Ages.  

In addition to seeing these very distinctive monuments and churches, the walk will explore the theme of urban stratification and provides a good complement to our Underground Rome Tour. Want to see more of Ancient Rome? Try our in-depth Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour.

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We meet near the Basilica of San Clemente and the tour ends near the Circus Maximus.  You will receive an email with an exact meeting point prior to the tour.

If you're traveling with children under 12, we recommend our family-oriented Ancient Rome Discovery. We can adapt the route of our private tours based on the ages, needs, and interests of travelers in your party. Please share any specifics about your group’s needs in the notes section of your order, and we’ll adjust the itinerary accordingly.

 

No, not all of the sites on this tour are wheelchair accessible.   

Does this tour require tickets?

Yes. We will purchase the tickets for the San Clemente and Case Romane and make all necessary reservations.  All tickets require a reservation fee, even children's free entry tickets.

 

We recommend 8 people as the maximum size given the tight spaces in some of the venues.

Do you reserve headsets for this tour?
Depending on your group size, we may be required by the venue to order headsets in which case you’ll see a “Headset Fee” added to your order. If you would like to guarantee headsets for your tour regardless of your group size, please email us, and we’ll be happy to get them reserved for you.