Basilica of San Clemente Rome
Step back in time at San Clemente, a church built over a 4th-century church and a 1st-century Roman house with a Mithraic temple.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Basilica of San Clemente Rome
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at San Clemente, a church built over a 4th-century church and a 1st-century Roman house with a Mithraic temple.
"It's practically as close to time travel as we can get in Rome!"
🎟️ Book Underground Tickets
Reserve your spot for the underground excavations online in advance; they're not always available on reseller apps.
🚶♀️ Walk from the Colosseum
It's just a short, easy walk from the Colosseum, making it a perfect combo visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Underground Levels
Subterranean levels
Descend through millennia, from a medieval basilica to a 4th-century church and a 1st-century Roman house with a Mithraic temple.

12th-Century Basilica
Upper church
Marvel at the stunning medieval architecture and beautiful frescoes that adorn the main basilica.

Mithraic Temple
Lowest level
Explore the ancient temple dedicated to the god Mithras, a fascinating glimpse into Roman paganism.
Planning Your Visit
Uncover Rome's Layers
Proximity to the Colosseum
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Underground Tickets
Reserve your spot for the underground excavations online in advance; they're not always available on reseller apps.
🚶♀️ Walk from the Colosseum
It's just a short, easy walk from the Colosseum, making it a perfect combo visit.
⏳ Allow ample time
Give yourself at least 1-2 hours to fully explore all three historical layers.
💡 Look for inscriptions
Don't miss the Saint Clement and Sisinnius inscription in the lower levels!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Underground Tickets
Reserve your spot for the underground excavations online in advance; they're not always available on reseller apps.
🚶♀️ Walk from the Colosseum
It's just a short, easy walk from the Colosseum, making it a perfect combo visit.
⏳ Allow ample time
Give yourself at least 1-2 hours to fully explore all three historical layers.
💡 Look for inscriptions
Don't miss the Saint Clement and Sisinnius inscription in the lower levels!
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and descending stairs, so comfy footwear is key.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Basilica of San Clemente as a hidden gem and a profound historical experience, often calling it a 'must-see' for its unique layered structure. The journey through millennia from the upper basilica to the ancient Roman house and Mithraic temple is frequently highlighted as a captivating highlight. Some minor drawbacks include potential restrictions on photography in the lower levels and the need to book underground access in advance.
"A hidden gem just a few blocks from the colosseum. Moving through the different churches and then the ancient home was such a unique and awesome experience. The story of the basilica is so interesting as well. So happy we made the time to go (and being underground was a nice break from the intense summer afternoon heat) and see this lesser-known basilica."
Courtney C
"Awesome place to visit, especially on a warm day as a lot of it is underground.
Such a beautiful church, and very interesting underneath.
You save a couple of euro if you purchase tickets online (but they also let you know this if you arrive without one)."
Li Mac
"Wow. The atmosphere here is really peculliar. Not a really popular place, but it deserves hype. The vibes there are immaculate. The basilica is absolutely stunning. Only 5€ to visit. 45 minutes is perfect to visit it. Buy tickets at the basilica, not before. Nobody cares about the dresscode sadly so don't bother."
Brochachos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Basilica of San Clemente is conveniently located near the Colosseum. You can easily reach it by taking the Metro Line B to the 'Colosseo' station and walking for about 5 minutes. Many visitors also walk from the Roman Forum.
Yes, the Basilica of San Clemente is very close to the Colosseum, just about 300 meters away, making it an easy addition to your sightseeing day.
The most convenient way is by Metro Line B to the Colosseo stop. Alternatively, you can walk from nearby attractions like the Colosseum or the Roman Forum.
Absolutely! It's a pleasant walk from the Roman Forum, taking around 10-15 minutes, allowing you to soak in more of the ancient city.
Yes, several bus lines stop near the Colosseum area, which is a short walk from the basilica. Check local bus routes for the most direct options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for the underground levels are typically around €10. It's best to check the official basilica website for the most current pricing and to book in advance.
While you might be able to get tickets on arrival, it's highly recommended to book your tickets for the underground excavations online in advance to secure your spot, as tours can fill up.
A ticket typically grants access to the upper basilica and the fascinating underground levels, including the 4th-century church and the 1st-century Roman house with the Mithraic temple.
The basilica generally opens around 9:00 AM and closes around 6:00 PM, with the last entry to the underground levels often an hour before closing. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
The upper basilica is often free to enter and explore, but access to the historical underground levels requires a paid ticket.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a stunning 12th-century basilica with beautiful frescoes. The real magic is below, with a 4th-century church and a 1st-century Roman house containing a Mithraic temple.
To fully appreciate all three levels, plan for at least 1 to 2 hours. The descent and exploration of the underground layers are particularly time-consuming.
Absolutely! It's considered a hidden gem and a 'must-see' by many visitors for its unique layered history, offering a tangible connection to Rome's past.
This refers to the basilica's incredible layered structure, with each level representing a different historical period, much like the layers of a lasagna.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended to fully understand the historical significance of each layer. You can often book these through the basilica's official website.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the upper basilica, but it's often restricted in the underground levels to preserve the ancient structures and atmosphere. Always check for signage.
The upper basilica's mosaics and frescoes are stunning. In the underground, the ancient walls and the Mithraic temple offer unique, atmospheric shots, though lighting can be dim.
Photography rules can vary, but it's common for flash photography to be prohibited in the underground areas to protect the delicate ancient remains.
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal, especially for the underground levels. A wide-angle lens can also be helpful for capturing the confined spaces.
Yes, drone photography is strictly prohibited in and around historical sites in Rome, including the Basilica of San Clemente.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the area around the basilica, being close to the Colosseum, has many restaurants and trattorias. You can find options ranging from casual to more formal dining.
Naumachia is a popular choice nearby, known for good food and service. Giulia & Sisto Roma Terrazza San Clemente offers rooftop dining with views.
While there isn't typically a cafe directly within the basilica complex, there are usually cafes and eateries in the immediate vicinity.
You'll find traditional Roman cuisine, including pasta dishes like cacio e pepe and carbonara, as well as pizza and other Italian specialties.
Trattoria Vecchia Roma is a well-regarded option in the area, known for its authentic Roman dishes. It's worth checking recent reviews.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families:
* Book tickets in advance to avoid queues.
* Explain the 'lasagna' concept to make the history engaging.
* Bring a small flashlight if allowed, as some areas can be dimly lit, adding to the adventure.
* Focus on the most visually striking elements like frescoes and the temple altar to keep children interested.
🏛️ History Buffs
Key highlights for history buffs:
* The Mithraeum: Explore the well-preserved temple dedicated to Mithras, offering insights into Roman mystery cults.
* 4th-Century Basilica: Examine the early Christian architecture and surviving frescoes.
* 12th-Century Basilica: Admire the medieval art, including the stunning apse mosaic.
* Inscriptions: Seek out the Saint Clement and Sisinnius inscription for linguistic and historical context.
🚶 Day-Trippers from Colosseum
Quick visit tips:
* Prioritize the underground levels as they are the most unique feature.
* Book tickets online beforehand to save time.
* Allow about 1.5 hours for a focused visit to all levels.
* Combine it with your Colosseum and Roman Forum visit for a comprehensive ancient Rome experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Lasagna' of History
Descending below, you enter the 4th-century basilica, which was the original church built on the site. This level offers a glimpse into early Christian Rome, with remnants of frescoes and a more austere, yet still impressive, architectural style. It's a tangible link to a period when Christianity was solidifying its place in the Roman Empire.
Even deeper still lies the 1st-century Roman complex. This includes a Roman house and, most notably, a temple dedicated to the god Mithras, known as a Mithraeum. This subterranean level provides a fascinating insight into Roman paganism and daily life before Christianity dominated, complete with an altar and the remnants of the temple's structure.
Navigating Your Visit
When exploring the subterranean layers, wear comfortable shoes as you'll be navigating uneven surfaces and stairs. The lighting in the lower levels can be dim, so a camera with good low-light capabilities will be beneficial for capturing the atmospheric details, though flash photography is typically prohibited. Allow at least 1-2 hours for your visit to properly absorb the history across all three distinct levels.
Historical Significance
This site is not just a church; it's a living museum that allows visitors to walk through different eras of Roman life. The discovery of the lower levels in the 19th century revealed a wealth of historical artifacts and structures, including a Roman house, a Mithraic temple, and an early Christian basilica, all preserved beneath the current church. The famous Saint Clement and Sisinnius inscription, dating from the late 11th century, is also located here, offering linguistic and historical insights.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit