DIG DEEPER

If you’ve only seen the Eternal City from above the ground you may have missed half of its treasures. Follow your guide on a trail through its darkest recesses and gain insight into Rome’s origins and development over the centuries.

Nestled beneath the hustle and bustle of this modern day metropolis lies its silent, eerie underground twin city of ancient streets, domus, necropolises and temples. You will be led on a subterranean journey back in time past some of the capital’s most fascinating locations. As you dig deeper into Rome’s hidden layers, your private guide will animate your journey with historical curiosities and explanations. Ancient ruins, mysterious wall decorations and exciting discoveries will be pointed out along the way.

The first stop on your tour will bring you to the impressive multi-levelled Church of San Clemente. Marvel at every step as you uncover centuries of history concealed below ground-level. The present-day 12th century basilica sits atop the remains of an earlier 4th century church, which in turn was built over a 3rd century pagan sanctuary dedicated to the god Mithras and a 2nd century Roman dwelling. Also known as the lasagna church, the Basilica of San Clemente is undoubtedly the best possible place to take in the overlapping layers of Roman history.

Next, explore the underground level of San Nicola in Carcere, an 11th century church that houses Roman excavations. As you look on in awe, your guide will tell the story of the remains of three pagan temples dedicated to Janus, Juno and Hope hidden right here beneath the marble floor. Columns from the temples were incorporated into the church’s structure and are still visible today. Here the past and the very ancient past merge and coexist, offering the present-day visitor a magnificent display of superimposed archaeological eras.

Top off your tour with a thrilling descent into the underground maze of a catacomb and take a peek at the early centuries of Christian faith. Dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, catacombs are human-made subterranean tunnels and cubicles used as burial places by Rome’s first Christian communities. Located outside the city, as it was illegal to inter a dead body within the walls, the catacombs were also used for religious practices, such as commemorative services and feasts. Rome’s martyrs were given final rest in these underground sites and it is here that the worship of saints and relics originated. You will listen to stories of persecutions and discover how Christianity managed to survive and thrive in Pagan Rome. Your guide will accompany you through dimly-lit labyrinthine passageways, past funerary chambers and elucidate the meaning of the paintings, carved symbols and inscriptions that decorate the walls.