Christian Rome and Underground: Half Day Semi-Private Tour
Rome, IT
77% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Skip the line - Half day Tour
- Discover underground treasures
- Visit historic St. John Lateran Basilica
- Explore St. Clement's Basilica on 3 levels
- See Michelangelo's statue of Moses at St. Peter's in Chains Basilica
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Duration 3 hours
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Small group tour
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Professional guide included
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Entrance ticket to San Clemente
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Headphones for groups of 9+
Embark on a captivating half-day tour of Christian Rome and uncover the hidden treasures of its underground basilicas. Join a small group as you skip the line and explore the ancient wonders within some of the most sensational churches. The adventure begins at the iconic St. John Lateran Basilica, the oldest of the four Papal Basilicas and known as "The Church of Rome". Delve deeper into history as you visit the multi-level St. Clement's Basilica, which dates back to the 1st century and holds the altar of Mithras. The journey concludes at St. Peter's in Chains Basilica, famous for its chains and the awe-inspiring statue of Moses by Michelangelo. With its rich religious heritage and underground marvels, this half-day tour offers a truly remarkable experience for those seeking a deeper understanding of Christian Rome.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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3 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in Italian, French, Spanish; Castilian, English
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore the Christian heritage of Rome on a captivating 3-hour semi-private tour, uncovering underground treasures and historic churches.
Included
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3 hours professional guide -
Headphones (from 9 people)
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Entrance ticket to the basilica of san clemente
Excluded
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Tips -
Pickup and drop-off
What to expect
Laterano Caffè
Meeting point tour
10 minutes
Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
The Papal Archbasilica, the major archpriestal cathedral of the Most Holy Savior and of Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist in the Lateran, better known as the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, is, by definition, the "mother of all the churches in the world", and represents the ideal among pagan era and Christian era. The Basilica, which stands near Mount Celio, was built on the same site as the basilica built by Constantine, around 314, on land already owned by the noble Lateran family, from which the whole area takes its name. In his Annals, Tacitus recounts that the houses and lands owned by the Laterans were confiscated from them by the Emperor Nero after the conspiracy of the "Pisos": the consul Plautius Lateran conspired, failing, against the emperor Nero who condemned him to death and he deprived him of goods and land, in favor of the Imperial Exchequer.
60 minutes
Ss. Quattro Coronati
On the slopes of the Celio, there is one of the most impressive monuments, rich in history, art and spirituality of Rome: the monastery of the Santi Quattro Coronati. Founded in the mid-5th century AD. on the remains of a Roman domus, it is one of the most important basilicas of Carolingian Rome. After so many centuries, its charm remains unchanged, so much so that the impression you get when you cross its threshold is that of immersing yourself in an ancient atmosphere suspended in time, far from the chaos and frenetic rhythms of the modern city. The church, which takes its name from the tradition of the martyrdom of four Roman soldiers and five stonecutters, was completely rebuilt following the fire that devastated the city in 1084. At the beginning of the thirteenth century, the building with the monks' cells, the splendid cloister and the luxurious fortified cardinal's palace were added to the original complex, the entrance of which is dominated by the massive Torre Maggiore.
20 minutes
Admission Included
Basilica of San Clemente
The Basilica of San Clemente in Laterano is one of the most interesting and ancient basilicas in Rome, built before 385 and dedicated to San Clemente, the third pope after Saint Peter. It consists of two superimposed churches, built on top of Roman buildings from the Republican age and on the remains of a temple of the god Mithras. On the left side of the facade is the bell tower, built between the end of the 17th and the beginning of the 18th century. The lower basilica preserves several frescoes, including the representation of the "Legend of Sisinno", some fragments of the relics of Saint Cyril, evangelizer and inventor together with his brother Methodius, of the Glagolitic alphabet, from which the Cyrillic one was derived. Going down to an even lower level, there are Roman buildings from the imperial age and a Mithraeum of which a marble altar is preserved with the representation of the killing of the bull by Mithras.
60 minutes
Admission Included
San Pietro in Vincoli
San Pietro in bonds was founded in the 5th century by the Empress Eudoxia, to guard the precious relic: the chain with which St. Peter, a prisoner in Jerusalem, had been tied, and which today is preserved under the high altar, and is displayed to the faithful on August 1st of each year. Rebuilt in the 8th century, further interventions on the façade and portico were made in the 1500s, while the interior was modified in the 18th century. In front of the church stands a portico with five arches supported by octagonal pillars which bear the coat of arms of Pope Julius II in the capitals. The interior of the basilica-shaped church is divided into three naves, separated by 20 Doric columns of Greek marble. The Basilica is above all famous because, since 1545, it has hosted one of the masterpieces of Renaissance art: Michelangelo Buonarroti's Moses, the colossal statue, sculpted in 1513, to decorate the funerary monument of Julius II.
30 minutes
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller -
Public transportation options are available nearby
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Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
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Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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This tour is intended as a walk which enters underground areas and places of worship: Should anyone feel uncomfortable in underground spaces, the guide can deal with it; those people will comfortably sit in the top church, while the rest of the group will visit the underground. It is advisable to wear confortable shoes such as sport trainers and to respect the churches dress code: trousers should touch the knee and shoulders should be covered; tourists may consider bringing a scarf to wear at necessity.
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A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women
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Provide the Correct address of your accommodation , hotel, B&B
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Provide the correct phone number with international country code
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check that you provide all the details to the agency
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Without this information we can not guarantee the correct service
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Emergency number also operational via whatsapp
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One day before please call to confirm the pick up
What our experts say
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking. -
Bring a scarf for the dress code.
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Consider a nearby lunch at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali.
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Don't miss the mosaics in San Clemente.
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Check out the nearby Santa Maria in Domnica.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Introducing the small group tour of Christian Rome and its underground Basilicas! This half-day tour allows you to explore the hidden treasures of some of the most sensational churches in Rome. Begin your journey in the Lateran area, where you will visit the impressive St. John Lateran Basilica, known as "The Church of Rome" and considered the mother of all churches. Discover the historical significance of this Papal Basilica, the oldest of its kind.What to expect?
During this tour, you can anticipate a captivating experience that takes you below the surface to explore the hidden gems of Rome's Christian history. Visit St. Clement's Basilica, a unique church built on three different levels spanning from the 1st to the 12th century. Uncover the secrets of its underground floors, including the mesmerizing 1st-century altar of Mithras. Conclude your journey at St. Peter's in Chains Basilica, renowned for its historical chains and the magnificent Moses statue crafted by Michelangelo for the tomb of Pope Julius II.Who is this for?
This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and anyone curious about the rich Christian heritage of Rome. Whether you're a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a couple seeking a unique cultural experience, this tour caters to all who wish to delve deep into the fascinating underground world of ancient basilicas.Why book this?
Book this small group tour to uncover the hidden treasures beneath Rome's surface. Immerse yourself in centuries-old history and marvel at the stunning architecture and artworks within these magnificent churches. Your knowledgeable guide will provide captivating insights into each location, bringing the past to life. This exclusive tour takes you off the beaten path, allowing you to explore the underground wonders that most tourists never get to see. Prepare for a truly unforgettable journey through the heart of Christian Rome.Good to know
Please note that this tour has a duration of approximately 180 minutes, ensuring you have ample time to fully appreciate the sites visited. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you will explore these ancient churches on foot. Don't forget your camera to capture the breathtaking sights and unique treasures hidden within the underground basilicas. Remember, this is a small group tour, providing a more intimate and personalized experience for each participant.Reviews
Feedback from previous participants highlights the awe-inspiring nature of this tour. Reviewers have praised the knowledgeable guides who offer engaging stories and expert insights into the history and significance of each site. Travelers have expressed their delight in witnessing the underground wonders and beautifully preserved artifacts. Many have stated that this tour exceeded their expectations, allowing them to uncover a hidden side of Rome's Christian heritage. Overall, participants have found this tour to be a truly enlightening and memorable experience.
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