Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Take a fascinating journey through an underground pagan temple and four impressive churches to understand the very early stages of Christianity. See original relics from the Crucifixion of Christ and soil from the Holy Land.
Please note: In the event that certain areas of one of the churches are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites. As a result, the overall duration will remain unchanged
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please note: In the event that certain areas of one of the churches are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites. As a result, the overall duration will remain unchanged
An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered.
Wear comfortable walking shoes: a moderate amount of walking is involved.
This tour is not wheelchair-accessible.
This tour is subject to weather conditions and/or liturgic-calendar events. If canceled you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
Not recommended for people with claustrophobia
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Live professional guide
Entrance fees
All Fees and Taxes
Headsets to hear clear your guide
Optional gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
What To Expect
Basilica of San Clemente
You will enjoy a fascinating journey deep underground St. Clement's Basilica, a few meters away from the Colosseum. You will go through three layers of ancient monuments built on top of each other, and learn about forgotten pagan cults, early Christianity, and mystic symbolism. You will visit the best preserved Temple of Mithras and touch the underground river flowing below the streets of Rome and below the Colosseum. You will marvel at ancient mosaics and at the stories they portray. You will appreciate the intimacy of a small group of maximum 10 people
Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
Having learned about paganism, the early persecutions and the martyrs, make a walk to the Cathedral of Rome, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, and find out why it is known as “Mother and head of all churches on Earth”. Be impressed by the beauty of the golden interior and the ancient frescos and hear about Emperor Constantine and why he legalized Christianity in 313.
Options
English Private : 4 Churches
2.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs Private guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a Private Tour Option.
Spanish Shared : 5 Churches
3.5 hrs Small Group Tour: This option is for a 3.5 hrs tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major
German Private : 4 Churches
2.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs Private guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a Private Tour Option.
German Private : 5 Churches
3.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a Private tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major
English Shared : 4 Churches
2.5 hrs Small Group Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a small group of a maximum of 10 participants
English Shared : 5 Churches
3.5 hrs Small Group Tour: This option is for a 3.5 hrs tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major
Italian Private : 4 Churches
2.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs Private guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a Private Tour Option.
French Private : 4 Churches
2.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs Private guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a Private Tour Option.
Italian Private : 5 Churches
3.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a Private tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major
Portuguese Private: 4 Churches
2.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs Private guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a Private Tour Option.
English Private : 5 Churches
3.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a Private tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major
Spanish Private : 4 Churches
2.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs Private guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a Private Tour Option.
Spanish Private : 5 Churches
3.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a Private tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major
Spanish Shared : 4 Churches
2.5 hrs Small Group Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a small group of a maximum of 10 participants
French Private : 5 Churches
3.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a Private tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major
Portuguese Private: 5 Churches
3.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a Private tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major
Reviews
74 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing tour
Jan V,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I would highly recommend. Our tour guide Kiara was knowledgeable and made the tour amazing. Seeing the relics was a humbling experience. The Bascilica’s were beautiful. A must see in Rome
Arguably the best tour we...
Karen W,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Arguably the best tour we have ever been on! Our guide was amazing. His historical knowledge was unmatched.
Daniel was an outstanding...
Josephine L,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Daniel was an outstanding tour guide. We received an in depth explanation of all the churches. It made the Jubilarian experience extraordinary. He was knowledgeable and explained complex subjects in an understandable manner - a fine skill in a tour guide. He was respectful of the holy sites.
Wonderful!
Vanessa C,
Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful! Very educational and interesting. We enjoyed leaning about all the relics and walking through history. Our guide Daniel did a great job—I only wish we had a bit more time at the steps where Jesus walked.
Excellent
William P,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Outstanding. The best tour we took in Rome. Note there is a lot of walking as the buildings toured were generally a few blocks apart.
Worth the long walking
Eileen B,
Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was very interesting and our guide Francesca was excellent . She was knowledgeable and attentive . This was a lot of walking but even in the heat, it was worth it .
Fantastic tour of...
Geri A,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic tour of underground churches, churches and so much more. Francesca was an excellent guide -extremely knowledgeable and made the tour a 5 star.
Hidden gems on this tour
Jennifer A,
Sep 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We explored an active archeological site and learned more about Roman architecture. I was moved by the devotion of people visiting the Holy Stairs. I enjoyed the tour and our guide provided us with great insight into the sites we visited.
Exceptional guided tour with Francesca 🙏
Radha G,
Aug 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Francesca was my tour guide and she was exceptionally thorough and thoughtful in her explanation of the four churches that we visited. It was very helpful to hear the explanation from Francesca while climbing down the levels of centuries from 12th to 4th to 1st AD and see the waters of ancient Rome at the Basilica of San Clemente. She thoroughly explained the frescos, the statues, the stones used in building the church and it's history. Then I took the opportunity to climb the Scala Santa on my knees and walk through Porta Sancti in Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano. Francesca took the time also to explain the differences in the art work among the frescos and paintings seen in the churches and their time period. At the Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, it was unbelievable to see some of the relics of the crucifixion of Christ and the copy of the shroud of Turin. I highly recommend this walking tour to see the 4 holy churches and the relics., and having a guide like Francesca adds more depth in the understanding of the visit. Grazie Francesca. I hope to do this tour when I visit Rome again!
Great tour
Dianne H,
Aug 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour! It was really interesting. We visited places we wouldn’t have known about had we not been on this tour. Our tour guide was really knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend!
From €75.00
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