Rome underground hidden temples, ruins, and secret basilicas

Secrets Beneath Rome: An Underground Journey Through San Clemente, Ancient Temples & Hidden Basilicas Private guided tour or audio guided experience — just steps from the Colosseum Step away from the crowds of the Colosseum and discover a side of Rome that most visitors never see — a hidden world beneath the streets, where layer upon layer of history awaits. Your journey begins with a short and pleasant walk through the charming neighborhood that surrounds the Colosseum. Soon you’ll find yourself in an intimate piazza off Via Cavour, standing before the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli. Inside, an extraordinary treasure awaits: the two sets of chains that once bound St. Peter, and one of the most powerful sculptures ever created — Michelangelo’s Moses, carved with breathtaking detail and emotion. From there, your path leads to the haunting ruins of the Ludus Magnus, the ancient training ground for Rome’s gladiators. Imagine the clash of swords and the roar of the Colosseum crowds, knowing that these warriors once trained and lived here, connected to the arena through secret underground tunnels. The final chapter of your underground adventure brings you to the Basilica of San Clemente, one of the most fascinating and layered sites in the Eternal City. As you descend through its three underground levels, you’ll travel backwards through time: From the beautifully adorned 12th-century basilica, with its glittering mosaics; To the more austere 4th-century church buried below; And finally to a 1st-century Roman house and the evocative Mithraeum, an ancient pagan temple where the cult of Mithras was once practiced in secret rites. San Clemente is a place where you can literally touch the layers of Rome’s history with your hands — a living museum beneath the city.

We offer two ways to experience this incredible journey: You can choose a Private Guided Tour in English, which includes visits to San Pietro in Vincoli, the Ludus Magnus, and the full exploration of San Clemente and its underground world — ideal if you wish for deeper insights and personal storytelling.

Or, if you prefer to explore at your own pace, you can select our Audio Guided Tour of the Basilica of San Clemente, available in English, Italian, Spanish, French, and German — perfect for independent travelers.

Whichever option you choose, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation of Rome — not just the Rome of emperors and popes, but the Rome of secret cults, forgotten houses, and timeless faith, all hidden just below your feet.

Not suitable for

• Wheelchair users

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes
• Passport or ID card

Not allowed

• Electric wheelchairs
• Luggage or large bags
• Non-folding wheelchairs
• Pets
• Smoking
• Walking frames

Know before you go

• A dress code is required to enter all the churches: knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women. This dress code is strictly enforced, and entry will be refused if you fail to comply
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
• Dress code is smart casual
• For the Audio Guided Tour, we recommend using a smartphone produced in 2020 or later, with the latest operating system. Older devices may not support the app properly, and Headphones are highly recommended for optimal listening — please bring your own
• Not wheelchair accessible (due to stairs and uneven surfaces in underground areas)
• Operates in all weather conditions — please dress appropriately
• The tour operates within walking distance of all sites; no transportation is provided between stops