Private Tour of Basilica of San Clemente Rome
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
Uncover one of Rome’s most fascinating hidden treasures with a guided tour of the Basilica di San Clemente, a site that takes you on a journey through more than two thousand years of history. I
Your experience begins outside the Basilica di San Clemente, located just steps away from the Colosseum.
On the ground level, you’ll explore the 12th-century basilica, famous for its richly decorated mosaics, marble floors, and frescoes. Admire the shimmering apse mosaic of the Tree of Life
Next, descend beneath the floor into the 4th-century church, where early Christian worshippers once gathered. The walls are still lined with faded frescoes depicting biblical scenes, saints, and symbols of the first centuries of Christianity in Rome.
Finally, continue deeper underground into the 1st-century Roman buildings, including a house and a temple dedicated to the mysterious god Mithras. Step inside the Mithraeum to see the altar where followers of the cult once performed their secret rituals.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Basilica of San Clemente
Uncover one of Rome’s most fascinating hidden treasures with a guided tour of the Basilica di San Clemente, a site that takes you on a journey through more than two thousand years of history. In just 75 minutes, you’ll walk through three incredible layers stacked one on top of the other, each revealing a different chapter of the Eternal City’s past. Your experience begins outside the Basilica di San Clemente, located just steps away from the Colosseum. Here you will meet your licensed guide, who will introduce the story of this unique monument before leading you inside. On the ground level, you’ll explore the 12th-century basilica, famous for its richly decorated mosaics, marble floors, and frescoes. Admire the shimmering apse mosaic of the Tree of Life and discover how the medieval church was built directly on top of an earlier structure.
Options
Private Tour of Basilica of San Clemente Rome
What‘s Included
Tickets, Radios and Headsets
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
21 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Hidden Gem Made Even Better by an Amazing Guide
gday13,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour of San Clemente was one of the highlights of my trip to Rome. The basilica itself is incredible, and walking through the different layers of history beneath the church was unlike anything I've experienced before. It's fascinating to see how centuries of Roman history exist literally beneath your feet. What truly made the experience special, however, was our guide, David. He was exceptionally knowledgeable, but what set him apart was his sense of humor. From the beginning of the tour, he kept the group engaged with constant banter, jokes, and friendly conversation. He had a wonderful ability to make history feel accessible and entertaining rather than overwhelming. As someone who enjoys a little humor mixed in with learning, I really appreciated his style. He welcomed questions, encouraged interaction, and created a relaxed atmosphere where everyone felt comfortable participating. I found myself laughing as much as I was learning. By the end of the tour, I had a much deeper appreciation for the history of Rome and one of its most fascinating sites. If you're considering a visit to San Clemente, I highly recommend this tour—and if you're lucky enough to have David as your guide, you're in for a treat. Thank you, David, for making an already amazing place even more memorable! 🇮🇹✨
A an extraordinary place! A unique guide!
Julian W,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I were fortunate enough to have David as our guide for a trip to The Colosseum - and incredibly informative and highly entertaining experience! At the end of the Colosseum tour, David mentioned that he'd be guiding a tour around the Basilica di San Clementi that afternoon and, having had such a educative - but fun! - tour of The Colosseum, we readily signed-up. David knows his home city of Rome extremely well and has a very natural - and entertaining! - way of getting others to understand the wondrous history of this place that I doubt few other tour guides are able to. The Basilica di San Clementi is a truly extraordinary place, but one needs someone like David to really bring home its quite staggering story. An amazing tour, and well worth one's time. We would readily do this tour again the next time we're in Rome. Thank you for an amazing day!
Perfect intimate tour on our honeymoon!
P5197VXjackiep,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00After our amazing Colosseum and Roman Forum tour with David, he mentioned that he would be leading a private tour of the Basilica of San Clemente later that day. Since we were on our honeymoon and looking for a more personal experience, it was the perfect suggestion. David’s knowledge of the Basilica of San Clemente was truly remarkable. As we descended through the different layers of the church and into the ancient structures below, it felt as though he was taking us back in time to when each level was originally built. His ability to explain the history, culture, and significance of what we were seeing made the experience come alive in a way that no guidebook ever could. The private setting allowed us to ask questions and fully immerse ourselves in the experience. David’s passion for history, combined with his great sense of humor, kept us engaged throughout the entire tour. We left not only with a greater understanding of San Clemente’s incredible history but also with memories that will stay with us long after our honeymoon. If you’re visiting Rome and want an experience that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions, we cannot recommend this tour enough. Thank you, David, for sharing your knowledge and helping make our honeymoon even more special.
David was an excellent tour guy.
Monika A,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00David was an excellent guide and the tour was very interesting. Would recommend this to anybody interested in history.
The Best Tour in Rome - Really!
jdf4743,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00David makes any tour he does fascinating and worth every penny but this tour is especially a “not to miss” in Rome. He makes the past come alive in ruins that are before Christ - history right under your feet! David’s own deep interest in the past comes through in everything he says. My 17-year-old didn’t want it to end so that’s about the best praise one can give!
Amazing Tour / Great Guide
nathancI8873JO,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00David Battaglino was our tour guide, and hands down, he was the best we’ve ever had! He’s incredibly funny, and deeply knowledgeable about the history of the Basilica (and all of Rome). I can’t recommend him highly enough. This tour is an absolute must-do. It takes you deep underground beneath the church, where you get to explore the layers of ancient Rome. It gives you a completely new perspective on just how old and rich the city’s history really is. 10/10 — we’re recommending this experience and David to everyone we know heading to Rome. Book it!.
A must see!
138makaelah,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was our second tour with David because he was so incredible during our Colosseum tour that we just had to book another one with him! The church was absolutely beautiful, and the history behind it was fascinating. David once again made the experience unforgettable with how engaging, funny, and knowledgeable he was throughout the tour. We even took his card so we could contact him again if we return to Rome — we would absolutely book another tour with him in the future. Highly recommend!
The greatest experience we had in Rome
mathiasbZ6556LJ,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00You can visit Rome and think you understand the culture, but. Going 20 meters below the surface and seeing how Rome actually was built. That gives a whole other view. We will both highly recommend everyone who actually wants to learn about the history of Rome and its many faiths.
DAVID BATtAGLINO- Unforgettable Tour Guid
Michelle M,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00David Battaglino is truly a one-of-a-kind guide in Rome. His outstanding sense of humor and ability to engage with everyone makes every tour unforgettable—he’s never, ever boring. I’ve toured with him multiple times over the last 15 years, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every single one. His vast knowledge coupled with his unique way of presenting it keeps you interested and entertained the entire time. Once you tour with David, all other guides will bore you to tears. He sets the bar that high. See you again in a year or two David!
David is the best tour guide in the world and San Clemente was amazing!
349evanh,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00David is the best tour guide we have ever had in our lives. He was referred to us by my sister and we will be referring him to all of our friends and family when they visit Rome. We toured both San Clemente and the Colosseum and couldn’t have been happier with the time spent on his tours. David’s deep knowledge of Rome was on full display during the San Clemente tour. He was able to share the history of how Rome was built in a light and engaging way that kept us captivated the whole tour. He also, went above and beyond by recommending restaurants and places to visit that we would have never found on our own. It was a once in a lifetime experience. Look no further than David and his tours. 11 out of 10 stars!
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Operated by City Walkers Tours