Roma: San Clemente Underground & Basilica Guided Tour

A visit to the breathtaking **12th-century Basilica of San Clemente** reveals a dazzling, gleaming gold mosaic above the central apse. St. Clement's transformed dramatically over centuries, evolving from a private home that was the secret site of clandestine **Christian worship** in the first century into an imposing, magnificent basilica. What lay hidden beneath the Basilica remained a mystery until 1860, when unexpected flooding led an intrepid Irish Dominican Roman Catholic priest and archaeologist to uncover **the hidden levels beneath the basilica floor**. Excavations are still ongoing today. Descend up to 100 feet underground through three fascinating levels of hidden history. At the first level, discover a **forgotten 4th-century Basilica**, long buried after the construction of the 12th-century Basilica above. Underneath, uncover the mysterious remains of an ancient **pagan Mithraic temple**. Lower still, explore the remarkable ruins of **Ancient Roman homes**.