We visited the Basilica one afternoon in July. It was closed when we got there with a notice telling us it would open after about 40 mins. We sat on the benches outside and also had a lovely but cheap feed from the little shop across the road. Not the big sit down place but a very little pizza place, and I am sorry but I never go the name.

The Basilica was well worth the wait. It was fantastic looking all around the place and going down into the crypt area. The history of the place is awesome.

We were very glad we visited this place.

Jacquie

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.