We visited a number of basilicas in Rome and enjoyed this one greatly, perhaps for its differences. we we fortunate to arrive early enough to tour the two lower levels--really the amazing part for us, to walk through a church where so many saints walked, to go down deep to the old Roman homes underneath. The lights are dim and walkways can be surprising, so take your time. Worth the trip if you want to experience Christian Rome.

San Clemente was a very unique visit among all the churches to see in Italy. The only disappointment is that photos of the underground are not permitted. Seeing the different "layers" of history all in one location is well worth the visit.

Stumbled onto it by chance. It was breathtaking, walking through the underground levels covering 2,000 years of Roman history...the ancient Roman house, the Roman alley and not to mention a running spring. Amazing feeling...sadly they don't allow photographs and the time duration of 30 minutes doesn't do justice .

Something different to experience, in addition to a “modern” church ancient history beneath. This time of the year now crowds but the entrance fee was higher (12eur) compared to an online booking (10eur). Open 10-12:30, 14-17:30 this time of the year.

Extremely interesting place but we did this with a guide who was excellent and explained all the frescos and items within the church and underground which made it come to life. Impressive to see the underground and water running through. Highly recommend.

Very interesting! The church itself is beautiful, but it’s incredible to be able to explore the excavations - fourth and first century AD cite beneath it. Can order tickets in advance online. It a quick 30/45 minute visit, 5 minute walk from the Colosseum.

Simply stunning church just 5 or 10 mins walk from the Colosseum, this was a beautiful and peaceful stop on a busy day. From the outside, it is a tall plain white set of walls, but as soon as you step through the doors into a beautiful courtyard, it is clear this is another of Rome’s hidden gems. The current basilica is gorgeous. Ornately decorated but quite small. I took a few minutes to sit on the benches and enjoy the peaceful beauty. To the right, is where the magic begins! A small exhibition shows the excavation and the layers underneath the church. You have to pay €10 to go down into this section. There is a set of rooms featuring a 4th century church with ancient frescos and walls, but the really unique part is when you descend to the oldest part, dating back to the 1st century. It’s darker, narrower, damper! You see the remains of a Mithras temple and rooms that were used. The water supply bubbles nearby. The leaflet you get and signage is minimal in terms of information, and you are not allowed to take photos unfortunately. However I found this much more fascinating than the Colosseum that I had been to an hour previously. Rome is so crowded, but a visit to this fascinating piece of history, free of crowds was a real highlight of my trip.

Takes a bit of finding but absolutely worth it for the Roman archaeology. 3 layers of history, current top layer,typical church, seen plenty and alluch the same. Second layer 4th century church, star of the show ,the lowest layer ancient Rome. Hose,alley,school and mithraeum. The Roman era is definitely the most interesting, worth the walk

This is a really interesting site, with it´s three layers of Roman history. Best is the deepest part of it. Too bad photos are not allowed (but we saw some take photos anyway). You have to book a time slot but we did it just before we went in late in the afternoon. Stairs and rather dark.

This church and history is a secret gem in Rome. Has excavation from a first century, 4th century and 12th century church. If you book from the website or ahead of time you save 2 euros per person (10 versus 12). Amazing preserves history and a beautiful church. Our teens enjoyed visiting this site as well.