Basilica of San Clemente
Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano
A “time-travelling” church with three layers: a 12th-century basilica above a 4th-century church, above a 1st-century Roman house and a Mithraic temple.
The Basilica of San Clemente is only about 400 metres from the Colosseum, yet it is one of the most unusual archaeological sites in Rome. The ground-level church dates from the 12th century, and its apse features a fine gold-ground mosaic of the Tree of Life. Below is the 4th-century early church, whose medieval frescoes survive. The lowest level holds a 1st-century Roman house and an underground temple to Mithras. You can even hear the sound of an underground stream. The upper church is free to enter, while the underground remains require a ticket. Photography is not allowed inside. Opening hours are split into morning and afternoon sessions. The lower levels are closed on Sunday mornings because of Mass. It is best to avoid the lunchtime closure. The site can be combined with visits to the Colosseum and the Lateran Basilica.
Opening hours
09:00–12:30 and 15:00–18:00 (Sundays afternoon only)
Nearby sights
- Colosseum
- San Pietro in Vincoli
- Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
- Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
- Baths of Caracalla
- Circus Maximus
- Roman Forum / Palatine Hill
- Trajan's Market & Imperial Fora