Basilica of San Clemente

Just a short walk from the Colosseum, the Basilica of Saint Clement is one of Rome’s most fascinating sites. It is famous for its unique three-level structure that reveals nearly 2,000 years of history. The current 12th-century basilica impresses with its golden mosaics and beautiful cosmatesque marble floor. Descending below, visitors can explore a 4th-century church decorated with medieval frescoes, and even deeper, the remains of a 1st-century Roman house and a temple dedicated to the god Mithras. The Basilica of Saint Clement is both a spiritual and archaeological site, perfect for those wishing to delve into the depths of Rome’s history — from paganism to the Christian faith. Admission required to access the underground levels

At first sight, the Basilica of San Clemente looks like any other church in Rome. However, inside there are numerous and unimaginable treasures. The small temple is beautifully decorated with twelfth-century mosaics. The entrance to the fourth-century church is through the sacristy, in which, despite the cold, darkness and moisture, visitors will be able to see the numerous frescoes on the walls, as well as some fragments of mosaics that used to cover the temple floor. Not only is the old basilica open, but visitors can also see the ancient Roman villas made of old brick. In one of the rooms, water flows through the Cloaca Maxima, the main sewer system of ancient Rome. A walk through the past San Clemente is a unique attraction, definitely worth visiting. It not only offers a visit to a beautiful temple from the twelfth century, but visitors can also discover a fourth-century temple and an old Roman mansion, walking down dark and humid passageways,

The Basilica di San Clemente in Rome is a small but beautiful church, testament to the city’s layered history, built in the 12th century over an earlier 4th-century church. The basilica is particularly famous for its mosaics in the apse depicting Christ, the Virgin, and various saints, dating from the 12th century. Throughout its history, there have been restorations and excavations that reveal pagan temples, early Christian worship spaces, and medieval frescoes. Its a few minutes stroll from the Colisseum and Domus Aurea so well worth a visit if you're in the area.

Basilica di San Clemente: An absolutely fascinating church with three layers of history built on top of each other! You can really feel the passage of time — from the modern church to the medieval one below, and even the ancient Roman house underneath. A must-see if you love history and quiet, meaningful places.

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.

One of the most beautiful basilicas here. Full of beauty and peaceful atmosphere. There is also an excavation museum area. Currently under renovation. Hopefully it can be finished soon. God bless.

Spend the 10 euros and take the underground tour. Getting to see three churches built on top of each other was very unique and cool.

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.

Interesting place where you can explore three different historical periods. The tour, which was self-guided, was fine. An audio tour would have been better. The tour was scheduled at 12. We had tickets. We were done by the time the place closed at 12:30, but my friend was shopping for postcards. The clerk scolded her. No postcard sale made.

The lady yelled at me that they were CLOSING when i was trying to browse postcards so I'm taking a star for that. Italy so far (Rome in particular) does not seem a very customer service oriented country. Fine, I guess you don't want my money. Otherwise it was cool. Loved the Roman ally and natural spring.

This basilica is dedicated to Pope St. Clement I (aka Saint Clement of Rome) who was "pope" from 88-99 AD. He obviously was one of the earliest bishops of Rome after St. Peter ... and is widely considered to be the first Apostolic Father of the Church. The current building (consecrated in 1108) is a near-perfect model of an early basilica in Rome and sits on ruins from a 4th century church damaged in 1084 by invading Normans. That earlier church actually covers even more historic ruins from early Rome. The multiple levels of ruins is a major attraction at Basilica di San Clemente although it costs 10€ per person to see the crypt. No photography is allowed of the ruins or even interior of the church. Its convenient location in the valley between the between the Esquiline and Coelian hills on a direct route from the nearby Coliseum to the Lateran makes Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano an easy visit for tourists while still serving the local community. Mass is in Italian on weekdays at 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. as well as 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. on Sundays. There is an English mass at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays, too. Feasts held at the basilica include: Nov 23: Pope St. Clement I Feb 14: St. Cyril and St. Methodius July 17: St. Alexis Dec 23: St. Servulus The nave of Basilica di San Clemente has wide pillars separating a pair of arcades on each side with 18th-century windows above each. Frescoes adorn the walls and ceiling with most being done in the 1700s. The repeating geometric ancient polychromatic stones in the floor is one of many iconic elements to the church. Chapels include those dedicated to: * Our Lady of the Rosary * St. John the Baptist * Saints Cyril and Methodius * St. Dominic The choir (schola cantorum) is actually the one from the earlier church and dates to the 6th century. It was preserved and reconstructed in the basilica in the 11th century. The only real negatives for visiting the church are the out-dated "no photo policy" as well as the expensive 10€ ticket to see the ruins. Otherwise, Basilicia di San Clemente is a fine small Catholic church just a few blocks from the Colosseum with a rich history.

I wish photography had been allowed inside this church -- what a beautiful structure! I visited Basilica di San Clemente as part of my Crypts and Catacombs tour last week. The admission was included in my ticket, but it looked like you only need to offer a small donation to enter. As part of my guided tour, we spent some time in the main cathedral, marveling at the frescos and mosaics, before heading down to the levels below. It was cool to step back in time -- each layer brought segments of history back to life. If you're at the Coliseum, know that you're really close to this Basilica. If you have the time, it's worth it to make a quick visit.

A MUST SEE! This 12th century Basilica di San Clemente holds the secret of Rome beneath it's floor! For it was built directly above a 4th century church. And this church was built directly above 2 Roman buildings of the 1st century. The church is free to visit and to explore the excavations is 10 Euros for adults. At the ticket booth they give you a free guide pamphlet, but they also sell a much better detailed 11" x 16" guide with the ground plans for each of the 3 levels, in different languages for 8 Euros. Unfortunately, there was no photography allowed inside the church or the excavations. Excavations directly under the present day 12th century San Clemente Basilica started in 1857. This uncovered the original 4th century basilica directly below and was opened to the public in 1910. They soon discovered a 2nd level below and started more excavations in 1912. This was open to the public in 1945. 45 feet below the ground they reached the 1st century of Rome! We were actually walking inside the 1st century Roman living quarters and observed an ancient water spring, a Roman aqueduct still flowing today. What an experience of a lifetime.

The place isn't as crowded once you're inside and its easy to walk around... But keep in mind that there are large tours that are coming in and out so sometimes they can block certain entrances of the church. This was a unique adventure that should definitely be included in your itinerary!

This was actually one of my favorite sights in Rome. San Clemente al Laterano is one of the minor basilicas in Rome. What makes it truly unique is that it is a church built in 1100, which was a built on top of a 4th century basilica, which was built on top of a 2nd century mithraeum used for the ancient cult of Mithras. The present day, above ground, church is very beautiful. Especially the intricately designed ceiling. You may purchase tickets for I believe it was 10 euros and visit the the underground churches. Unfortunately you cannot take pictures but there are postcards and books available in the little shop where you purchase tickets.

Sorry... NO photography inside the church. Trust me, if I could, I wouldn't miss the opportunity!! Beautiful church especially the art work on the ceiling. There was underground, paid a small fee to do a self-guided tour. There are so many churches here in Rome, definitely a great place to live for people who are religious. Almost every church we went are super clean and well maintained.

You walk by this somewhat regular looking church and almost think nothing of it. This basilica was right down the street from our Airbnb. We happened to be walking by on our way to the Colosseum and there was a sign stating free entry to the church. I wondered why there was even a sign since with all the churches in Rome and Italy, most churches should be free to enter anyway. The church is amazing by the way. I like that it's somewhat dark and at times sunlight comes bursting through illuminating the pews of floor of the church to show the colors and craftsmanship. We walk around and then saw a booth that said something regarding the crypt or excavations. What the what?!?! So it was about nine or ten Euros to go downstairs. It's really amazing especially in Europe that such astounding excavations are beneath the cities. You may just see a church if you're just passing by on the street, but this church is on top of several floors and levels of the ancient city of Rome just one level built on top of each other. Yes, it's dark and a little dank down there but that is to be expected. I believe they said no photos while down there so it's nice to just be able to explore the excavation and excavation process without being bothered to snap photos for social media. People were doing it anyway but I feel like if you're in someone else's space you should respect the rules and try your best to preserve the space so that other may see the space in the same way you did but through different eyes. Granted the excavation is still underway as they find new rooms and sites all the time but it's cool to see Rome somewhat as it was back in the early first couple of centuries. This is definitely worth a stop and worth a few Euros. Take your time and just enjoy.

I could tell you the church is stunning. But this is Roma, and I'd just be stating the obvious. Tucked behind an open air courtyard, Basilica San Clemente is for its underground catacombs that date back to the 2nd century. For a mere 5 euros, you can descend under the church and take a self-guided walking tour. Mosaic murals carefully constructed of various colored stones create 20-ft tall masterpieces. Beautiful tombs encase religious figures of centuries past. There is even an underwater spring that is still actively running. You're not allowed to take photos underground, so you'll have to go and witness it for yourself :) Beware of women asking for "donations" at the exit of the church. They're not affiliated with the Basilica.

AKA the lasagna church! Why? Cuz it's a church on top of a church on top of a church! The current level of the church is the newest & as you descend down to the bottom floor, it becomes a first century church! Yup, you heard that right: FIRST century. Major FYI: no photography allowed. Major bummer, but understandable considering it is first century artifacts. If photos were allowed, I'd take a photo of that Jesus fresco where he's sans beard & killed a red-headed demon. You do have to pay to go down to see the older parts of the church, but it's totally worth it. I'd suggest going with a tour if you really wanna know the history/details of it all. Definitely quite the gem in Rome that lots of tourists overlook!

A lovely medieval church between the Colosseum and S. Giovanni Laterano, this is a definite spot on the tourist trail. The church is undeniably lovely with a beautiful Paschal candlestick, Cosmati floors and mosaic work in the apse. There's also a glorious annunciation fresco at the back right chapel. What most folks come for is to explore the levels below the church. For €5, you descend to the 7th century church with intact frescoes and relics of St. Cyril (of the Cyrillic alphabet). Go lower and visit a 2nd century Mithraeum and even lower to a 1st century Roman house and street. Rome never fails to amaze with history literally under our feet! My one complaint is that this church is packed with tour groups who often forget they are in a working church. A bit of reverence and respect please! Also, there's a guy working the door "collecting" money for "the church"....not! All churches in Rome are free, so anything you give him is most definitely not going to the church.

So, major bummer...you can't take pictures here. I saw many dickheads doing so anyway (I was not one of them...I'm still afraid of authority...that's what Catholic school does to you). It costs 10 euros to descend into the excavated churches beneath the current 12th-century church. You go down one level and you're in a 4th-century church. If you go down yet another level, you are in a 3rd-century Mithraic Temple - Mithras was a sun god and the cult was for men only. That's cool - I don't want to hang out in your ritual caves anyway. Pretty damn neat though. Lots of pretty neat history down there. A little on the warm side. And the map was worthless. Or I can't read a map. Maybe both. We got a little turned around, but it's not like you are down there alone, so eventually just follow a tour group and you'll see all that is worth seeing. Or join a tour group and hear all the neat tidbits. We came upon a priest giving a small tour and hovered around him a little to pick up on some interesting facts. The one other particularly cool thing about our visit...Josh Brolin was touring at the same time as us. With the dark corridors and the sound of running water overhead, it felt a little familiar to me...so I whispered to JT, "I wonder if he's having Goonies flashbacks?" What does JT do? Goes up to Mr. Brolin and says, "hey man, you having Goonies flashbacks??" Ha, it was pretty awesome AND he laughed and said, "that's funny!" At least he has a sense of humor, right?

This site was more interesting AND less crowded than most of the archaeological and historical points of interest in Rome. We got there less than an hour before closing, and wished we could have had longer to explore- as well as a tour guide or Audioguide, though I did try to follow around an English-speaking tour group discreetly in one of the underground levels. The church is fascinating because it has 3 levels - and each of the underground levels was discovered from THOUSANDS of years apart in history, with insanely old structures and even an underground Roman home with running spring water (two levels underground) from the 1st century. For 10 Euros, it is a more interesting ticket than many of your other options in Rome. If you have already hit Colliseo, Roman Forum, Sistene Chapel, Vatican, Trevi Fountain, and St. Peter's, this might be worth it for another stop. NOTE: We did not get to do the Underground Rome tour or the Underground Colliseo tour because it was all booked - so it is possible that if you have done either of those, or the underground Crypts, that this might be similar to those - but I am unable to provide a reference point as we did not do those. It was a lot more interesting than underground at St. Peter's where the Pope's were buried, because it is archaeological ruins rather than preserved and modern.

You go underneath and see former places of worship that were there in the first, third and fourth centuries. Too bad the basilica itself was under renovation and there was scaffolding.

Location: Aventino - from the Colosseum it will take you about 10 minutes to walk it. I would recommend the walk - the neighborhood is quite lovely and typically old-school Italian. The basilica: This church is not very big, but it is beautiful and worth the visit - the mosaics and frescoes are simply AMAZING. I think the best (and most interesting part) of this visit for me, was being able to visit the archeological areas below the main church. The first level is about 4 meters below the main basilica and dates back to the 4th/5th century. The 2nd level is about 10 meters below street level, and it dates back to the 1st century. It was later transformed into a Mithraeum in the 2nd/3rd century. While visiting, I overheard a guide saying that the building was the seat of an Eastern pagan cult of the god Mithras and was still in use up until about the 4th century. It was a very cool place to check out, especially if you are interested in archeology. Price point: You can enter the church by donation (no set amount), and if you want to visit the archeo sites, you can get a ticket for 5 Euro. I visited this myself, however I'm pretty sure that the guides I saw below are official guides for the basilica and that the 5 Euro covers a tour. I would suggest checking this out because the guides were very knowledgeable about the history behind this lovely chiesa.

Without a doubt, the most interesting church that I have ever been to and I'm someone who doesn't like going to churches. I have never seen anything like this. I never would have gone here if it weren't for the Dark Rome Catacomb tour I took which also covered this giving a great history of it. On my next trip to Rome, I'll go independently and see it again. You definitely need to pay the extra money to see the excavations.

Beautiful, magical place to visit. Amazing to walk down stairs into the ancient past. Don't forget to dress conservatively.

Offers something a little different from all of the other ornate above ground Basilicas in Rome Italy. This Basilica is interesting because as you walk through you descend several stories underground and back in time. The Basilica above ground is around 1100 AD and as you go underground you go back to 4th century AD and to the 2nd century AD. It gets cold down there and the change in architecture as you go back in time is interesting. Each Basilica was built on top of the old one over the years. A unique opportunity. It's located a couple of blocks down from the Colosseum.

What a marvelous and unknown gem near the Colosseum! if you want to cool off a little bit from the summer heat of Rome, you can go visit this incredible site that has at least one thousand years of history. The church is built on three levels and is fully visitable after having paid an inexpensive admission ticket. The lowest level contains remains of the ancient Roman Mint and next to it, a Mithraic sanctuary shows how unofficial cults took over in Rome at the end of the Roman Empire. The middle level contains frescoes of the IX and XI centuries with the legend of San Clemente and in the ground floor a magnificent apsidal mosaic adorns this gorgeous piece of medieval rome.