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Rome: Underground Temples and Crucifixion Relics Walking Tour

4.8 Great 92 reviews
|
2h 30m–3h 30m
|
German, Portuguese, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Free cancellation Instant confirmation Live guide

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
92 reviews
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Ratings collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor

Overview

Guidekin summary

Early Christianity from below: an underground pagan temple and four or five churches with relics said to come from the Crucifixion and soil from the Holy Land, with a live guide and headsets, in shared and private versions. Entrance fees, guide and headsets are included at €75 per person, pickup and tips are not. Not wheelchair accessible.

From the guide

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.

Please note: In the event that certain areas of one of the churches are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites. As a result, the overall duration will remain unchanged

Tour options

The operator sells this tour in 16 versions. Prices are the operator's current list for two travellers; the calendar shows the exact figure for your date and party.

Spanish Shared : 4 Churches

from €75 / person
Guide: Spanish

2.5 hrs Small Group Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a small group of a maximum of 10 participants

English Shared : 4 Churches

from €75 / person
Guide: English

2.5 hrs Small Group Tour: This option is for a 2.5 hrs guided tour of 4 churches/basilicas in a small group of a maximum of 10 participants

English Shared : 5 Churches

from €95 / person
Guide: English

3.5 hrs Small Group Tour: This option is for a 3.5 hrs tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major

Spanish Shared : 5 Churches

from €95 / person
Guide: Spanish

3.5 hrs Small Group Tour: This option is for a 3.5 hrs tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major

Spanish Private : 4 Churches

from €369 / person (for 2+ people)
Guide: Spanish

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.

French Private : 4 Churches

from €369 / person (for 2+ people)
Guide: French

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.

English Private : 4 Churches

from €369 / person (for 2+ people)
Guide: English

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.

German Private : 4 Churches

from €369 / person (for 2+ people)
Guide: German

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.

Portuguese Private: 4 Churches

from €369 / person (for 2+ people)
Guide: Portuguese

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.

Italian Private : 4 Churches

from €369 / person (for 2+ people)
Guide: Italian

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.

English Private : 5 Churches

from €409 / person (for 2+ people)
Guide: English

3.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a Private tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major

Portuguese Private: 5 Churches

from €409 / person (for 2+ people)
Guide: Portuguese

3.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a Private tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major

French Private : 5 Churches

from €409 / person (for 2+ people)
Guide: French

3.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a Private tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major

Italian Private : 5 Churches

from €409 / person (for 2+ people)
Guide: Italian

3.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a Private tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major

Spanish Private : 5 Churches

from €409 / person (for 2+ people)
Guide: Spanish

3.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a Private tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major

German Private : 5 Churches

from €409 / person (for 2+ people)
Guide: German

3.5 hrs Private Tour: This option is for a Private tour of 5 relevant churches: the 4 of the regular option plus the Basilica of St. Mary Major

Schedule & Availability

Runs daily
Departures: 09:00, 12:00, 15:00
Available year-round

This tour runs daily, departing at 09:00, 12:00, 15:00. It runs year-round. These are the operator’s scheduled departures, not a live seat count: availability is confirmed at checkout. Schedule last checked September 12, 2026.

What's Included

Live professional guide
Entrance fees
All Fees and Taxes
Headsets to hear clear your guide

What's Not Included

Optional gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

Basilica of San Clemente Stop 1
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
1h 15m
Admission included
Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano Stop 2
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.
30 min
Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs Stop 3
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.
15 min
Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme Stop 4
Finally, walk to the church built with earth brought from the Holy land, the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem and see the other Holy Relics secured by Helena including a nail from the Crucifixion, the walnut board Pontius Pilate put above the cross as well as the wood of the Cross Jesus was crucified on. See also fragments of the wall from the cave of the nativity in Bethlehem and two thorns of the crown of the Passion of Christ.
30 min
Choose to extend your journey to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where stun... Stop 5
Choose to extend your journey to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where stunning mosaics and sacred relics offer insight into the church's importance in Christian history.
1h
Admission included

Departure & Return

Start point

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.

Additional Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Please note: In the event that certain areas of one of the churches are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites. As a result, the overall duration will remain unchanged
  • 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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

1+ daysFull refund
0-1 daysNo refund
From € 75 / person