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.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 7,609 reviews
Type
Church
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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
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
"A hidden gem in Rome! Peaceful basilica on top, and below it an incredible journey through layers of history—frescoes, temples, and ancient ruins. Truly unforgettable."
Michael Pavlov
"One of the coolest church experiences in Rome! A nice 12th century church on top of a 4th century underground church…ON TOP of an ancient Roman mint! Wow, go ever deeper into the damp, dark, dangerous corridors of history with this one. Not for the claustrophobic or mold-phobic! Bring a flashlight!"
Matthew Pendergast
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit