Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour
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.
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.
What's included in Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
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.
Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs
Learn about the Emperor’s mother, St. Helena, and her pilgrimage to Jerusalem to recover the artifacts, safeguarded by the early underground church in the Holy Land. Among those, see the Holy Stairs, the original stairs of the praetorium which Jesus climbed at his judgment.
Inclusions
- Live professional guide
- Entrance fees
- All Fees and Taxes
- Headsets to hear clear your guide
- Optional gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please be at the meeting point 5 minutes before the tour starts in order to complete the signup and setup the headsets.
- 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
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Meet us at Piazza di San Clemente, 00184 Rome. Please arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled starting time. Look for a member of staff holding a yellow label.
