Basilica of San Clemente: Guided Tour

About This Experience

Visit the 12th-century Basilica of San Clemente and see the gold mosaic above the central apse. The site has changed significantly over the centuries, beginning as a private home where Christians secretly worshipped in the 1st century before becoming a basilica. Discover the underground levels beneath the basilica, which were uncovered in 1860 after unexpected flooding led an Irish Dominican Roman Catholic priest and archaeologist to investigate the area. Excavations are still ongoing. Descend up to 100 ft underground to explore three levels of history. On the first level, discover the remains of a 4th-century basilica, which was buried when the 12th-century basilica was built above it. Below that, explore the remains of an ancient pagan Mithraic temple. On the lowest level, see the ruins of ancient Roman homes.