A short walk from the Colosseum, the Basilica of San Clemente lets you explore Rome’s history by descending through the buildings beneath a working church. Start among the upper basilica’s golden mosaics and Cosmatesque marble floor, then visit the underground fourth-century church, with its medieval frescoes, and the deeper Roman remains, including a Mithraic shrine. The changing spaces reveal how Christian worship and earlier Roman life occupied the same site. Allow time for both the decorated church above and the archaeological levels below.
The church above ground
The Basilica of San Clemente is dedicated to Pope Clement I. Its upper church dates to the 12th century and is decorated with golden mosaics and a Cosmatesque marble floor. Frescoes and richly patterned surfaces give you plenty to look at before heading downstairs.
The church is close to the Colosseum, but its main draw lies below the level of the present basilica. Set aside time for the underground visit as well as the church itself. Renovation work may affect what you see above ground, so the excavations are a useful part of the visit even if scaffolding is present.
A fourth-century church below
The first underground level holds the remains of a fourth-century church. Medieval frescoes survive there, offering a different setting from the decorated basilica above. Moving between the two levels gives you a direct view of how the site developed over time, with one church built above another.
The lower areas have low ceilings and narrow corridors. Take care as you move through them, and allow time to look around rather than treating the descent as a quick passage between levels.
Roman buildings and a Mithraic shrine
Below the early Christian church are older Roman remains, including a building associated with a Mithraic shrine. Mithras was worshipped in a pagan cult, and the underground site preserves a glimpse of a religious setting that predates the church above it. The excavations also include remains of Roman houses.
The levels bring together spaces linked to different periods and practices at one address. Tickets are recommended in advance for access to the underground areas. If you have time, visit both lower levels: stopping at the fourth-century church alone means missing the deeper Roman remains.
Preguntas frecuentes
What is beneath the Basilica of San Clemente?
The underground levels contain a fourth-century church with medieval frescoes, as well as older Roman buildings and a Mithraic shrine.
Can you visit the underground levels?
Yes. The site includes two underground levels beneath the present basilica. Tickets in advance are recommended.
What should you look for inside the upper basilica?
Look for the golden mosaics and Cosmatesque marble floor.
Is the Basilica of San Clemente near the Colosseum?
Yes. It is a short walk from the Colosseum.
