Every taxi driver, every tour guide, concierge, you get the drift said, "you must visit San Clemente" so we did. The church is actually three churches with an underground water source that gurgles while you walk. There is, as usally existing in ancient societies, an amalgamation of beliefs, religions and creeds housed in one place. There are no less than three saints buried here. But the biggest bonus is that my husband happened upon one of the parish priests, who knew of the priest that married us. He decided to give us a personal tour of the frescoes and gave me the best piece of advice EVER. Don't bring a camera; bring binoculars! The paintings were gorgeous, but you missed many a detail from where you were standing. With his patience and the zoom on the camera, we did see incredible detail. We were lucky to get such personal help (heavenly, one might say) and I must say that the church is a beautiful asset to Rome. Everyone was correct. YOU MUST GO!

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.