Roma Trip Overview
A visit of the 12th century Basilica of San Clemente reveals a gleaming gold mosaic above the central apse. St. Clement’s transformed over centuries from a private home that was the site of a secret Christian worship in the first century to an imposing basilica. What laid beneath the Basilica was unknown until 1860, when flooding led an Irish Dominican Roman Catholic priest and archaeologist into the levels beneath the basilica floor.
Excavations are ongoing. Today, you can descend up to 100 feet underground over three levels. At the first level we will find a 4th century Basilica, long forgotten after the construction of the 12th century Basilica above. Underneath, find the remains of an ancient pagan Mitraic temple. Lower still, ruins of ancient Roman homes.
A short walk away, visit the Basilica of St. Peter in Chains. The altar holds the chains that were said to bind St. Peter while he was a prisoner in Jerusalem. Here, also experience Michelangelo’s famous sculpture: the Moses.
Additional Info
Duration: 2 hours
Starts: Roma, Italy
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Historical & Heritage Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting Roma, Lazio, Italy
A visit of the 12th century Basilica of San Clemente reveals a gleaming gold mosaic above the central apse. St. Clement’s transformed over centuries from a private home that was the site of a secret Christian worship in the first century to an imposing basilica. What laid beneath the Basilica was unknown until 1860, when flooding led an Irish Dominican Roman Catholic priest and archaeologist into the levels beneath the basilica floor.
Excavations are ongoing. Today, you can descend up to 100 feet underground over three levels. At the first level we will find a 4th century Basilica, long forgotten after the construction of the 12th century Basilica above. Underneath, find the remains of an ancient pagan Mitraic temple. Lower still, ruins of ancient Roman homes.
A short walk away, visit the Basilica of St. Peter in Chains. The altar holds the chains that were said to bind St. Peter while he was a prisoner in Jerusalem. Here, also experience Michelangelo’s famous sculpture: the Moses.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Basilica of San Clemente, Via Labicana 95, 00184 Rome Italy
Visit of the Basilica of San Clemente in Laterano and the archeological site.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Mitreo di San Clemente, Via Labicana 95, 00184 Rome Italy
Part of the visit of the archeological site under the Basilica of S. Clemente.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli 4/a, 00184 Rome Italy
Visit of St. Peter in Chains and Michelangelo’s Moses.
Duration: 30 minutes
Pass By: Scalinata dei Borgia, Piazza di San Francesco di Paola, 3371, 00184 Rome Italy
View from St. Peter in Chains Basilica.
