San Clemente and the Roman Houses of the Caelian Hill
Visit the Basilica of San Clemente
Begin the journey near the Colosseum and walk along the historic route that leads toward the Basilica of Saint John Lateran.
Enter the Basilica of San Clemente, one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in Rome, where nearly two thousand years of history exist in layered form beneath a single church.
Learn the story of Pope Clement I, the third successor of Saint Peter, to whom the basilica is dedicated.
Observe the peaceful courtyard before stepping inside the upper basilica.
Explore the Upper Basilica
Admire the magnificent 12th-century apse mosaic known as the Tree of Life, a radiant composition filled with biblical symbolism, animals, saints, and flowing vines representing the triumph of Christianity.
Examine the Cosmatesque marble floor and the elegant 13th-century tabernacle, which reflect the refined artistic traditions of medieval Rome.
Enter the Chapel of Saint Catherine and admire the Renaissance fresco cycle created by Masolino da Panicale.
Observe architectural elements later refined during the Baroque period by Carlo Fontana.
Descend into the Paleo-Christian Basilica
Move to the lower archaeological level to discover the earlier 4th-century basilica buried beneath the present church.
Walk among ancient columns and architectural remains that once formed a large early Christian place of worship.
Observe remarkable frescoes dating from the 8th century, including the famous Miracle of Saint Clement scene, which contains one of the earliest written examples of the Italian vernacular language.
Understand how the medieval basilica above was constructed after the earlier church was buried and reinforced.
Explore the Roman Level and the Mithraeum
Continue deeper underground to reach the remains of first-century Roman structures.
Walk through the remains of Roman buildings believed to include sections of the Imperial Mint and a residential complex.
Enter the mysterious underground temple dedicated to Mithras and learn about the secret rituals practiced by followers of the Mithraic cult.
Observe the narrow Roman street that once separated these structures before they were sealed to support the basilica above.
Walk to the Caelian Hill
Leave San Clemente and walk through the historic streets of the Caelian Hill, one of the traditional seven hills of Rome.
Enjoy a pleasant walk toward the nearby church that preserves another hidden archaeological treasure.
Discover the Roman Houses beneath the Basilica of Saints John and Paul
Enter the underground complex known as the Case Romane del Celio, one of the most remarkably preserved residential areas of ancient Rome.
Explore interconnected rooms that once formed both a plebeian residence and an elegant Roman domus, complete with private spaces and decorative halls.
Admire the exceptional wall paintings from the 3rd and 4th centuries that depict mythological scenes, ornamental motifs, and early Christian symbolism.
Learn about the tradition that associates this site with the martyrdom of Saints John and Paul in 362 AD.
Conclude the visit with a deeper understanding of how Roman domestic life, aristocratic estates, and early Christian worship evolved within the same urban environment across centuries.
