Colosseum & Basilica of San Clemente Undergrounds Access

Journey through centuries of Roman history—from grand ruins to hidden underground sanctuaries.

Getting started

Start at the Touristation Aracoeli office (Piazza Ara Coeli 16). Present your voucher and receive your entry tickets along with assistance. Begin with a 25-minute multimedia video that visually narrates the evolution of ancient Rome.

You’ll make your way on foot to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Be prepared for a short security check and ticket validation at each monument. Carry a valid ID—this may be required for entry.

What to expect

Roman Forum

Once the bustling heart of ancient Rome, the Forum was the political, religious, and commercial center of the city.

• Walk among temples, arches, and the remains of public buildings.

• Discover the site of Julius Caesar’s cremation and ancient marketplaces.

Palatine Hill

One of Rome’s seven hills, Palatine Hill is steeped in mythology and imperial history.

• Explore what’s believed to be the birthplace of Rome.

• Visit the ruins of imperial palaces and enjoy sweeping views of the city.

Colosseum

The most iconic amphitheater in the world, known for gladiator battles and Roman spectacles.

• Enter with timed access—skip the long general lines.

• Explore the first two levels and the museum at your own pace.

Basilica of San Clemente

A multi-layered time capsule revealing Rome’s religious and civic evolution.

• Visit a 12th-century basilica with ornate mosaics and Renaissance frescoes.

• Descend to a 4th-century church featuring early medieval artwork.

• Go further underground to a 1st-century Mithraic temple and Roman-era buildings.

Colosseum & Basilica of San Clemente Undergrounds Access

Discover the Colosseum and Basilica of San Clemente on this comprehensive sightseeing tour that includes multimedia presentations, guided access to ancient landmarks, and underground explorations beneath historic churches. This tour covers four major POIs: the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, the Colosseum, and the Basilica of San Clemente, each with its own unique features and historical significance. The tour duration is approximately 4 hours, providing a well-rounded experience with timed entry to each site and over two dozen languages available for multimedia guides. Guests will spend about an hour at the Colosseum and half an hour exploring the Basilica of San Clemente's underground layers, ensuring ample time to absorb the rich history and architectural details. With this tour, you'll gain access to some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, including the largest amphitheater ever built—the Colosseum—and delve into layers of religious transformation within the Basilica of San Clemente.

Explore Roman Forum

Your tour stops at the Roman Forum where visitors can wander freely through over 25 acres of ruins that date back to the 7th century BCE. Established as a political and commercial center, this site includes numerous structures such as the Temple of Saturn built in 498 BCE and the Basilica Aemilia dating from 179 BCE. The forum covers an area of approximately 200,000 square feet and features more than 50 monuments and buildings, each with its own historical significance. Guests typically spend around 30 minutes exploring this vast space, uncovering stories of emperors, senators, and citizens who shaped ancient Rome’s history. The Roman Forum stands out for its unparalleled collection of well-preserved ruins compared to other sites in Rome, offering a deep dive into the political and social life of the Roman Empire.

Discover Palatine Hill

At Palatine Hill, guests can explore one of Rome’s seven hills where emperors once lived and ruled. The hill covers an area of about 25 acres and is home to several notable structures like the Flavian Palace built in the 1st century CE and the Farnese Gardens from the Renaissance era. Visitors will spend approximately 30 minutes on this historic site, learning about its role as a residential palace for Roman emperors such as Augustus and Tiberius. Palatine Hill is unique due to its continuous use throughout different periods of Rome’s history, making it an essential stop for those interested in the city’s imperial past.

Step into Colosseum

Your tour continues with a visit to the Colosseum, where guests can step inside this iconic amphitheater built between 72 and 80 CE. The largest ancient amphitheater ever constructed, it spans an impressive 620 feet in length and 513 feet in width, accommodating up to 50,000 spectators at its peak capacity. Visitors will spend about one hour exploring the Colosseum’s intricate architecture, including the hypogeum—a network of underground tunnels and chambers beneath the arena floor—and the tiered seating areas designed for different social classes. The Colosseum is renowned for its architectural achievements and historical significance as a venue for gladiatorial games and public spectacles.

Descend to Basilica of San Clemente

The tour concludes with an underground exploration beneath the Basilica of San Clemente, where guests can uncover three layers of history dating back to the 1st century CE. The basilica itself was built in the early 4th century and sits atop a Roman-era building complex that includes a Mithraic temple from the 2nd century CE. Visitors will spend approximately 30 minutes descending through these layers, examining artifacts such as frescoes depicting scenes of Christian worship and pagan rituals. This site is unique for its layered history, offering insights into religious transformations in Rome over centuries.

Tour Highlights

• Start with a 25-minute multimedia video at tour start
• Wander freely through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
• Step into the Colosseum with timed entry for one hour
• Audio guides in over two dozen languages available
• Descend beneath the Basilica of San Clemente to explore its layers
• Uncover mysteries of Mithraic worship in a 1st-century underground temple
• Timed access ensures minimal wait time and optimal site coverage
• Guided tour provides historical context for key sites

Perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture buffs, and culture seekers, this guided sightseeing tour offers an immersive experience through Rome’s most significant landmarks. The 4-hour format allows you to explore the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Colosseum, and Basilica of San Clemente, providing a comprehensive understanding of ancient and medieval Rome while enjoying multimedia presentations and expert commentary.