The Basilica of San Clemente & The Caelian Roman Houses

An Exclusive Journey Through Time Step beneath the vibrant streets of modern Rome to discover a subterranean world where centuries of history are seamlessly layered, offering a rare glimpse into the city’s eternal soul.

The Basilica of San Clemente: A Masterpiece of Stratification

Nestled just moments from the Colosseum, on the historic path toward St. John Lateran, lies the Basilica of San Clemente. Dedicated to Pope Clement I—the third successor to St. Peter—this site is a breathtaking testament to Rome’s architectural evolution.

The upper Basilica, a 12th-century jewel, greets visitors with its shimmering golden apse mosaic. This “Tree of Life” masterpiece, teeming with symbolic figures, serves as the gateway to our descent through time. As we explore the upper level, we admire the 13th-century tabernacle and the Renaissance brilliance of Masolino da Panicale’s frescoes in the Chapel of St. Catherine, later refined by the Baroque elegance of Carlo Fontana.

Descending into the Subterranean Wonders

The true magic of San Clemente lies beneath the surface, where ten meters of archaeological heritage await:

• The Paleo-Christian Basilica (4th – 5th Century): We descend to the second level to wander through the original early Christian church. Here, amidst ancient columns, you will marvel at 8th-century frescoes, including the famous “Miracle of St. Clement,” which features one of the earliest recorded inscriptions in the Italian vernacular.
• The Imperial Roman Level & The Mithraeum: Reaching the third and deepest level, we step into the 1st century AD. Explore the imposing remains of what is believed to be the Imperial Mint and a Roman residence later transformed into a Mithraeum—a mysterious temple dedicated to the sun god Mithras. These structures, separated by a narrow Roman alleyway, were eventually entombed to provide the very foundation for the Basilica above.

The Roman Houses of the Caelian Hill

Following a scenic 15-minute walk, our journey continues at the Basilica of Saints John and Paul. Beneath this sacred site lies one of Rome’s best-kept secrets: the Case Romane del Celio.

Tradition holds that this complex was the site of the martyrdom of Saints John and Paul in 362 AD. Excavations have unveiled an extraordinary labyrinth of spaces, ranging from a multi-story plebeian residence to an opulent private villa (domus) complete with its own thermal baths.

By the late 3rd century, these structures were merged into a single grand estate, later sealed by Senator Pammachius around 410 AD to support the construction of the current Basilica. Today, you can wander through rooms adorned with exquisite, original frescoes from the 3rd and 4th centuries—an unparalleled encounter with the domestic grandeur of Ancient Rome.