Rome Underground Temples Tour

From€75
2 hours
Province of Rome, Italy

About this activity

Delve into Rome's rich history with a guided tour of St. Clement's Basilica, its hidden Mithraic Temple, and the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, uncovering early Christian artifacts and architecture.

Highlights

  • Explore St. Clement's Basilica's hidden layers
  • Discover ancient Mithraic Temple beneath St. Clement's
  • Visit the grand Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
  • Learn about Rome's early Christian history
  • Experience Rome's rich archaeological heritage

Full description

Step back in time and uncover Rome's ancient secrets on this captivating walking tour. Begin at St. Clement's Basilica, a 12th-century church built atop earlier structures, including a 4th-century church and a 2nd-century pagan temple. Descend into the Mithraic Temple beneath St. Clement's, where you'll marvel at well-preserved frescoes and learn about the ancient Roman cult of Mithras. Then, visit the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the oldest of Rome's four major basilicas, to admire its stunning architecture and rich history. This tour offers a unique glimpse into Rome's layered past, blending art, archaeology, and early Christian heritage.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour of St. Clement's Basilica
  • Visit to Mithraic Temple beneath St. Clement's
  • Entry to Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
  • Meals and beverages

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour is conducted in English; ensure you understand the language.
  • Check the meeting point and time carefully to avoid delays.
  • Be prepared for some stairs and uneven terrain during the tour.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven surfaces.
  • Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
  • Photography may be restricted in certain areas; please follow the guide's instructions.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Easy Public Transport
  • Infant Seats Available

Good to know

  • Please note: In the event that certain areas of one of the churches are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites. As a result, the overall duration will remain unchanged
  • An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes: a moderate amount of walking is involved.
  • This tour is not wheelchair-accessible.
  • This tour is subject to weather conditions and/or liturgic-calendar events. If canceled you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.

Traveler reviews

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Unique and wonderful tour

I cannot even begin to express how much I Ioved this tour. If you enjoy unique experiences this is for you. The places our guide took us to were inspirational. Our guide did a wonderful job of telling us stories and explaining what we were seeing. Seeing pieces from the crucifixion was humbling and beautiful. The churches were simply amazing and are a must see. Do not skip this tour. It has been one of the highlights of my trip and a truly spiritual experience as well.

Jerenda_HOct 23, 2026VIATOR

Great connection to the history

Excellent tour. Helped me understand what the different pieces and works symbolize and how it comes together.

Laura_LOct 20, 2026VIATOR

Great experience!

Mario was a wonderful guide ❤️ we had a really lovely time. We did back track in order to see more of some of the sites.

Andrea_MOct 15, 2026VIATOR

Underground churches

Our guide was so knowledgable! She was kind and personable, too.

lorisZ1686JCOct 14, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Daniel was very...

Daniel was very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject matter. We enjoyed his explanations, education and humor! We weren't able to see some of the relics through no fault of his, but he did bring up pictures to show us which was helpful as well. All seven of us thoroughly enjoyed his tour.

Mark_TOct 10, 2026VIATOR

Additional information

Please be at the meeting point 5 minutes before the tour starts in order to complete the signup and setup the headsets. An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered. Wear comfortable walking shoes: a moderate amount of walking is involved. This tour is not wheelchair-accessible. This tour is subject to weather conditions and/or liturgic-calendar events. If canceled you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.