Rome Underground San Clemente Basilica Exclusive Tour & Tickets
Active
2h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Rome Underground San Clemente Basilica Exclusive Private Tour & Tickets No Line
A 2.5/3-hours tour for those who want to experience the treasures of Rome off the beaten path. Just a stone’s throw from the Colosseum, you will find one of Rome’s hidden gems, the 12th-century Basilica, and the archeological site of San Clemente. Visit this incredible place and navigate three underground levels which uncover over 2,000 years of history and discover the levels beneath. You will be introduced to art and architecture from antiquity through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Visit San Clemente underground, San Pietro in Vincoli church (Moses of Michelangelo), and the Gladiators School guided by a professional art historian guide. A private tour including all entrance fees. With this tour, you can maximize your time, enjoying an incredible experience.
This tour can be customized, and departure times could change depending on the availability of skip-the-line tickets.
Tour suitable for Kids!
Available options
SAN CLEMENTE SELF AUDIO GUIDED
SAN CLEMENTE AUDIOGUIDED TOUR: Audio Guided Tour | Basilica of San Clemente at your own pace. This self-guided audio tour takes you through 22 key points.<br/>SAN CLEMENTE AUDIOGUIDED TOUR: Audio Guided Tour of Basilica of San Clemente 3 levels, 22 key points in Italian, English, Spanish, German, or French<br/>Duration: 1 hour: Duration about 45/60 minuts<br/>Audio Guided Tour: The MEETING POINT for the Option San Clemente Basilica with Audio Guide Only is located at VIA LABICANA, 96<br/>Starting point:<br/>Via Labicana, 96, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
PRIVATE TOUR SKIP THE LINE
Private Tour: 2.5-hour tour including Saint Peter In Chains Church, Ludus Magnus Gladiator School, and the Basilica of San Clemente.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
What's included
Tour of the Gladiator School From out side
All taxes, fees and handling charges
FOR SELF AUDIO GUIDED TOUR OPTION ONLY SAN CLEMENTE BASILICA AND ITS UNDERGROUNDS ARE INCLUDED
Tour of the Moses of Michelangelo
Private tour Guide expert in Archaeology/art and History
Skip the Line entrance ticket and reservation fee to the Basilica of San Clemente
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
The meeting point for the Option San Clemente Basilica with Audio Guide Only is located at Via Labicana, 96, where you can purchase tickets and download the audio guide app.
2
Leaving San Pietro in Vincoli, continue to see the ruins of the Ludus Magnus, an ancient gladiator training school located on the northeast side of the Colosseum. The visit includes the entrance into the most important gladiator gym, the Ludus Magnus, built by the emperor Domitian at the end of the 1st century. A.D. The building, entirely in brick, consisted of a rectangular building, probably on three floors, with a large porticoed courtyard in the center. Around the courtyard there were a series of rectangular rooms destined to house the gladiators. The characterizing element is constituted by the presence, in the courtyard of the building, of a miniature amphitheater, intended for training gladiators. After about half an hour, we will proceed towards San Clemente.
3
Stop 3
Your last stop is the Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano, situated on Via San Giovanni. This remarkable site reveals three levels of Rome’s history: a 12th-century basilica built over a 4th-century church, in turn erected atop a Roman-era villa from the Republican period. Beneath are early Christian and medieval layers, as well as a Mithraeum, offering a rare peek into Rome’s spiritual and architectural transformations.
Choose between two ways to explore:
Private Guided Tour: A licensed, English-speaking guide will lead you through all three underground levels, sharing insights into the site’s religious and archaeological importance. This option also includes visits to San Pietro in Vincoli and the Ludus Magnus, with all entrance tickets included.
Self-Guided Audio Tour: Explore San Clemente at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide app (English, Italian, Spanish, French, German), providing access to all three levels of content.
4
Stop 4
Begin your journey near the Colosseum and take a pleasant walk through the surrounding neighborhood. In a delightful little piazza off Via Cavour, you will find the church of San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains). The church houses an important relic, the two sets of chains that bound St. Peter when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem and Rome. The highlight of this church is undoubtedly Michelangelo’s statue of Moses, an unfinished masterpiece by the Renaissance genius that was originally intended to be part of the tomb of Pope Julius II. The original plans included an enormous funeral monument with 47 statues, but it was never completed due to Michelangelo's other commissions.
What's not included
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation to/from attractions
SELF AUODIO GUIDED TOUR ONLY SAN CLEMENTE BASILICA IS INCLUDED
TOUR GUIDE NOT INCLUDED FOR THE SELF AUDIOGUIDED TOUR OPTION
To download and use the app, we recommend using a smartphone produced in 2020 or later.
Headphones are recommended for optimal audio quality — bring your own.
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
EN
IT
FR
ES
Guide guide
EN
IT
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
9 reviews
5★
8
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1
3★
0
2★
0
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0
Tripadvisor
5.0
5 reviews
5★
5
4★
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Dress code is smart casual. Shoulder and knees must be covered
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
The meeting point for the Option San Clemente Basilica with Audio Guide Only is located at Via Labicana, 96, where you can purchase tickets and download the audio guide app.
To download and use the app, we recommend using a smartphone produced in 2020 or later.
Access to 2 underground levels Audio guide: English, Italian, Spanish, French, German
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 20 minutes before your scheduled entry time.
Pets are not allowed
Meeting point
The meeting point is at our travel agency, located at:
Via Labicana 96, Rome — just a few steps from San Clemente Basilica and the Colosseum.
Our friendly staff will be waiting to welcome you at the agency and assist you before your tour begins.
Important notes
Option 1 – Private Guided Tour
Enjoy a personalized experience with an English-speaking private guide through some of Rome’s most fascinating religious and archaeological sites.
Includes:
San Pietro in Vincoli – featuring Michelangelo’s Moses and the Chains of St. Peter
Ludus Magnus – the ruins of the ancient gladiator school
Basilica of San Clemente – explore all three underground levels
All entrance tickets included
Option 2 – Self-Guided Audio Tour App
Visit the Basilica of San Clemente at your own pace using a multilingual audio guide app.
Includes:
Entry ticket to the Basilica and access to all 3 underground levels
Audio guide available in English, Italian, Spanish, French, and German
You can explore independently at your own pace.
Use a smartphone from 2020 or newer with the latest operating system for the best experience
Headphones recommended (not provided)
Important Information for both options
Meeting point: Arrive at least 15 minutes before your selected departure time
We will provide you with your admission tickets.
For the Private, the order of site visits may vary, depending on weather or unforeseen events.
The tour runs in all weather conditions – dress appropriately.
The experience is not wheelchair accessible.
Dress code required for entering churches: shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women. Entry may be denied if not properly dressed.
Please ensure you provide accurate names and a valid phone number. Unfortunately, we are not responsible for issues caused by incorrect information.
About Rome
Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city of ancient ruins, artistic masterpieces, and vibrant culture. Known as the Eternal City, it is a living museum where every corner tells a story of its rich history spanning over 2,500 years.
Top Attractions
Colosseum
The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome and one of the most famous ancient amphitheaters in the world. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.
Historical
1-2 hours
€16 (combined ticket with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill)
Vatican City
Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome. It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.
Religious
Half day
€17 (Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel), Free (St. Peter's Basilica)
Roman Forum
The Roman Forum was the political, commercial, and legal hub of the Roman Republic and Empire. It is a sprawling ruin of temples, basilicas, and arches.
Historical
1-2 hours
€16 (combined ticket with Colosseum and Palatine Hill)
Pantheon
The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, known for its large dome and oculus. It is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.
Historical
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is a Baroque masterpiece and the largest fountain in Rome. It is a popular spot for visitors to throw coins and make wishes.
Architecture
15-30 minutes
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Cacio e Pepe
A simple yet delicious pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.
Pasta
Vegetarian
Carbonara
A rich pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper.
Pasta
Contains pork and eggs
Supplì
Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce.
Snack
Vegetarian (some variations may contain meat)
Carciofi alla Romana
Artichokes braised with garlic, mint, and olive oil.
Vegetable
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Appian Way Regional Park
Biking along the Tiber River
Rock climbing in the nearby mountains
Picnicking in Villa Borghese Gardens
Boating on Lake Albano
Enjoying a spa day at a luxury hotel
Visiting the Vatican Museums
Attending an opera at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
15-30°C
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Rome is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and scams can be a problem in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use official taxis or ride-sharing services
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or bracelets
Getting there
By air
- Leonardo da Vinci International Airport • 35 km from city center
- Ciampino Airport • 15 km from city center
By train
Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina
By bus
Tiburtina Bus Station, Roma Termini
Getting around
Public transport
The metro system is efficient and covers major tourist areas. It operates from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Trastevere
Monti
Prancipio
Testaccio
Day trips
Ostia Antica
30 km from Rome • Half day
An ancient Roman port city with well-preserved ruins, including a theater, baths, and mosaics. It offers a glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome.
Tivoli
30 km from Rome • Full day
A picturesque town known for its stunning villas and gardens, including the famous Villa d'Este with its elaborate fountains and gardens.
Orvieto
120 km from Rome • Full day
A charming hilltop town known for its stunning cathedral, underground caves, and local wine. It offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic views.
Festivals
Natale di Roma • April 21
Festa de' Noantri • July
Rome Film Festival • October
Pro tips
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Use public transport or walk instead of taking taxis to save money and experience the city like a local
- Try local specialties and ask for recommendations from locals and restaurant staff
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be respectful of local customs and traditions
- Be aware of pickpockets and scams, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
