Basilica of San Clemente with its underground houses and Mithraeum - The Neronian Nimpheum - Arch of Dolabella - Clivus Scauri - Celian Roman Houses
	Descend into the deepest levels of Ancient Rome to see the houses and the sanctuaries, the baths and the alleys where once people lived ......

The church of San Clemente, dedicated to the third pope after St. Peter, is a treasure trove for art and archaeology lovers. The deepest level under the church reveals two buildings, separated by a narrow street: an Insula (condominium) with a chapel dedicated to the cult of Mithra, the Sun god, and a  massive square building that was identified as the I° century “Mint” of Rome. While the sanctuary of Mithra was destroyed, Christians started to use the big building as a place for their secret celebrations, In the 4th century, on this exact spot, but a few feet higher a church arose, dedicated to St. Clemente, and decorated with beautiful frescoes. During the norman sacking of 1084 the church was destroyed but a few years later a new one, was rebuilt immediately on top. The mosaic in the church's apse is considered one of the most beautiful in existence. A few steps from St. Clemente on the Celian hill, we visit a corner of Rome that seems to have been left untouched for 2000 years: the "Roman Houses”. These buildings which date back to Imperial times are a testament to the lifestyle of those days: colourful frescoes mix pagan and christian subjects, revealing the confusion of what was a period of great change. A beautiful fountain decorating the inner courtyard and a thermal bath that belonged to a rich domus will complete our exploration of an ancient roman house.

 Reservation

Reservation is not required.

 Entrance Fee

5,00 euros entrance fee to San Clemente and 6,00 euros to The Roman Houses

 Transportation

Easy  walk from one place to the other

 Walking difficulty

San Clemente: two ramps of stairs to go down. Roman Houses: narrow passageways. No access to wheel chairs.

 Duration

About 4 hours including the two visits and the several monumental remains  that are found in the area, along the way from San Clemente to the Houses