San Clemente is a fascinating site! There is a nice-enough church at ground level, but underneath that is one of the earliest Christian churches, with possibly the earliest known inscription in modern Italian. And underneath that is an ancient temple of Mithras! Really interesting, and I think it was 5 € for admission to the extensive excavations.

San Clemente has been a favorite of mine ever since I first visited Rome. I have accompanied many friends and family members tthere o see the layers beneath layers of the city.

The fascinating tidbit is that mystery Ngaio Marsh wrote a novel which takes place in the labyrinths beneath the church, so it always heightens my memory when I re-read "When in Rome." If you liked visiting the church (or are thinking of visiting it), try reading this murder mystery, too!

PS: The charming trattoria across the street (Hostaria i Clementini) is a good place to stop for a Roman lunch if the church is closed for siesta.

In a city with such an amazing history and awe inspiring sites, San Clemente's exterior, compared to the many other churches, is unassuming. It is the treasures that lie within, that topped everything else that Rome has to offer.

I found that with each level you descend, the sense of history builds. It was a true lesson in humility, and in some ways a much more personal experience as compared to the many other sites in Rome, as it seems that not so many tourists make it to this little gem.

The Basilica di San Clemente is definitely a must-see for those interested in seeing firsthand how the city of Rome is built above its history. The current baslica is beautiful in its own right but to go beneath ($5 euro fee) to the earlier church below and then to go even further below to the Mithriac temple upon which the church was built is a fascinating look at ancient Rome. This is a nice little walk south from the Colosseum. Absolutely worth the walk and the fee!