Small-Group Tour of Roman Catacombs & St. Clement's Undergrounds
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore a surprising lesser-known gem in the city center before jumping outside the city walls to the mazy Roman Catacombs. Go deep underground in a dark world of secret cults and ancient wall paintings with a small-group guided tour.
Visit 2 contrasting underground sights with an expert guide. Discover the place of a hidden cult 14 meters below St. Clement’s Basilica and descend into the twisty tunnels of the Catacombs of Domitilla.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered
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 a full refund
This tour will have a maximum of 10 participants
You will need to be at the meeting point 5 minutes before the starting time
Not recommended for people with claustrophobia
What To Expect
Basilica of San Clemente
Meet your guide at the meeting point and then venture deep underground the Basilica of San Clemente, below its foundations into a mystical world of ancient cults and legends. Journey through several layers of history and earth, down to 14 meters below ground. Live the excitement of gradually exploring the later structures built on top of it on your way up to the surface. Go back in time down to the deepest point and discover the best-preserved Mithraic temple of the city. Find out about the pagan faith of Ancient Romans before Christianity and be intrigued by its sectarian and esoteric flavour. Touch the waters of an underground river before going higher into the remains of the 4th Century Basilica, built on top of the martyr’s house and below the actual one. Walk along its imposing walls and be fascinated by the ancient frescoes while learning about the scenes and the lives of the martyrs they portray.
Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)
Get onboard a comfortable air-conditioned minivan and travel along the Ancient Appian Way to the largest Catacombs in Rome. The round trip takes approx. 30 minutes.
Options
German Tour
Small-Group Tour: This option is for a 3-hour guided tour of the Roman Catacombs and the undergrounds of St. Clement's Basilica in German
Private Tour in Portuguese
Private Tour: This option is for a 3-hour Private guided tour of the Roman Catacombs and the undergrounds of St. Clement's Basilica
Spanish Tour
Small-Group Tour: This option is for a 3-hour guided tour of the Roman Catacombs and the undergrounds of St. Clement's Basilica in Spanish
Private Tour in Italian
Private Tour: This option is for a 3-hour Private guided tour of the Roman Catacombs and the undergrounds of St. Clement's Basilica
English Tour
Small-Group Tour: This option is for a 3-hour guided tour of the Roman Catacombs and the undergrounds of St. Clement's Basilica in English
Private Tour in Spanish
Private Tour: This option is for a 3-hour Private guided tour of the Roman Catacombs and the undergrounds of St. Clement's Basilica
Portuguese Tour
Small-Group Tour: This option is for a 3-hour guided tour of the Roman Catacombs and the undergrounds of St. Clement's Basilica in Portuguese
Italian Tour
Small-Group Tour: This option is for a 3-hour guided tour of the Roman Catacombs and the undergrounds of St. Clement's Basilica in Italian
Private Tour in German
Private Tour: This option is for a 3-hour Private guided tour of the Roman Catacombs and the undergrounds of St. Clement's Basilica
Private Tour in English
Private Tour: This option is for a 3-hour Private guided tour of the Roman Catacombs and the undergrounds of St. Clement's Basilica
French Tour
Small-Group Tour: This option is for a 3-hour guided tour of the Roman Catacombs and the undergrounds of St. Clement's Basilica in French
Private Tour in French
Private Tour: This option is for a 3-hour Private guided tour of the Roman Catacombs and the undergrounds of St. Clement's Basilica
What‘s Included
Live professional guide
Luggage deposit in our office for the duration of the tour
Sterilised headsets to hear the guide clearly
Full on-site assistance
All entrance and transport fees
Hotel Pick-up and drop-off
Optional gratuities
Food and drinks
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
31 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very interesting but no skulls or bones
Amy T,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00This is a very neat tour but you are not allowed to take photos or videos. This is not the excursion to see skulls or bones.
The storytelling style...
Rebecca R,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The storytelling style of this tour is perfect for the sites. We learned a lot and were amazed by the discoveries.
St Clemente’s.
Nicola D,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was excellent made the tour so interesting. The catacombs were fascinating and st Clements was so beautiful.
Top leadership
W2023REbernhards,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There were three of us as a family, and so the tour felt very personal. The tour was very competent, informative and entertaining. Highly recommended!
Oldie, but goodie
Scott C,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00While the catacombs were cool, the best part is the undergrounds. It's amazing to be standing in/on a building so old and in such good condition. Worth your hard earned money.
This is a fantastic tour...
Christopher B,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a fantastic tour of a true catacomb and detailed tour of San Clemente. The guide, Daniel, was probably the best tour guide I have experienced over the years of using Viator
We enjoyed the tour. The...
Deanne T,Jun 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We enjoyed the tour. The church was our favorite spot. We saw up close the different layers of time under the church and how they built one on top of the other on top of the other. Plus the temperature was very cool on a hot day.
Interesting
Angela S,May 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Good experience and Interesting information. Small group experience was appreciated. Ample time at locations and reliable start and end times.
Rome’s layered history
Donna S,Apr 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was outstanding. Knowledgeable and friendly. Layers and layers of history to explore. We would highly recommend this tour.
Erneste, the tour guide,...
Helen F,Mar 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Erneste, the tour guide, was excellent, and guided us around the two sites expertly. He knew his subject inside and out, and was able to communicate clearly and engagingly and answer the questions that everyone in the group asked. Both sites were fascinating, and gave a real insight into the way that people lived, worshipped and honoured their dead, and the way that each site had developed over time. The minibus transfer between the sites was smooth, and the vehicle was clean, comfortable and well-maintained. The radio equipment worked really well, enabling all of our small group to hear the guide clearly. I would have given this tour five stars, but I'm reducing that to four because the day before the tour we were contacted by the local tour operator to say that "unfortunately, we are currently facing some issues with our tour guide" and requesting that we changed the time of the tour from morning to afternoon. The communication throughout the changes was good, and luckily, we were able to be flexible, but as they couldn't provide what we originally booked I don't feel I can give the full five stars.
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