During this tour, you’ll delve into the fascinating archaeological layers that make Rome so unique with me, an experienced archaeologist who has worked at both of the underground sites we’ll explore!
Roam beneath the Eternal City on my Hidden Underground Rome tour. This tour is among my favourites, not least because I get to show people an unknown side of my city. What’s more, explore Hidden Underground Rome with me and you’ll be in the company of an expert, with a PhD in Ancient Roman archaeology, who loves nothing more than drilling down into Rome’s fascinating history.
Over the course of three hours, we’ll explore the subterranean levels of the Basilica of San Clemente and the remarkable Catacombs of Domitilla.
Nowhere is time more present than during a visit to the Basilica of San Clemente. Here, just a stone’s throw from the Colosseum, you can journey back centuries by descending below the 12th-century basilica down to the fourth-century church below.
Adorned with fascinating frescoes, immersive inscriptions, this church has to be seen to be believed. Buried beneath the basilica above, it’s an emotive, eerie place, where you can still imagine the lives of the monks to whom it was home. But if this remnant of the Rome of the Popes is captivating, wait until you descend even further to the second-century pagan buildings below.
Going even deeper below the church, we’ll come upon the Mithraeum, a temple to the enigmatic eastern god Mithras, to whom bloody sacrifices were made on the altar you’ll see before you. After learning all about this mysterious cult, whose influence spread throughout the Roman Empire, we’ll go even deeper to explore the residential foundations dating to the Roman Republic.
Against the soothing sound of a subterranean stream, we’ll fully explore this intriguing area. This was in all likelihood the home of the city mint. See if you can spot its traces as we explore deep below the medieval basilica.
From there, we will venture to the Catacombs of Domitilla, among the oldest in the city and one of the few still containing bones. I have a close, personal connection to these catacombs, having worked here for a few years with a team of Austrian archaeologists. During our studies, we carried out a series of 3D laser scans revealing the enormity of their dimensions, making me the best person to guide you through their labyrinthine tunnels!
Descending into this first century CE burial site, we’ll walk among the shades of some 150,000 of Rome’s infernal population. Both Christians and pagans were buried here, and each has left us incredible traces in the form of the Hypogeum of the Good Shepherd and the Cemetery of the Aurelian Flavians. Discover the catacombs with me and I’ll show you the highlights.
As with all my tours, my Hidden Underground Rome tour grants skip-the-line entrance to all sites, allowing you to discover the Eternal City without any of the usual hassle. So get in touch with me now and let’s start exploring!
100% refund up to 2 weeks prior to the start of your tour.
50% refund from 2 weeks up to 72 hours prior to the start of your tour.
When canceled less than 72 hours before the start of your tour, we will do our best to reschedule you or issue you a credit to use on any of our upcoming tours. This credit won’t expire until you use it!
I always purchase your tickets in advance (to save any waiting in line) so they are non-refundable.
If you have a medical emergency, or your travel plans change due to unforeseen circumstances, please contact me as soon as possible at hello@ninainrome.com or call me at +39 3314451245. I will work with you to make your time with me as stress-free as possible.
Where do we meet for the tour?
The tour generally begins at your hotel, where I will pick you up directly in the lobby. However, if your hotel is located far from the city center, I will provide you with a central meeting point where we can start the tour. In this case you will get full details of the exact location in the confirmation form I will send you upon booking your walking tour.
Will there be a bathroom break or a rest stop during your Rome Sweet Home walking tour?
Yes! There will be at least one or two bathroom stops along the way.
Can I take pictures during the Secrets from Below Tour?
Pictures are allowed, without flash in San Clemente Basilica. No pictures in the Catacombs of Domitilla. Please do share your best ones on Facebook or Instagram!
Is the underground tour accessible for wheelchairs and strollers and claustrophobic people?
Going underground can be overwhelming for those who may be claustrophobic or experience sensory differences, as there are tight spaces along the tour and it is often dark. Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the places, the tour is not ADA accessible. There are few flights of stairs and no elevator access. Strollers can either be carried up or stored for the duration of the tour.
What should I wear for the underground tour?
There are no further special requirements but, as this is an underground tour and it is always a little bit chilly underground, warm clothes (suitable for 12℃/53F) and flat shoes are recommended. The lighting is sufficient and the structures are dry.
Is this tour mostly indoors or outdoors?
This tour is mostly indoors.
How much do your tours cost?
Pricing varies with each tour. It depends on the number of participants, admission fees, transportation costs and other factors. I will always try to budget the tours to your needs!
How soon should I book?
Some of my guests book my tours many months in advance, some others at the last minute. In general, a few weeks’ notice is wise, especially in the busier months (from May to October).
Are gift certificates available for this tour?
Yes, gift certificates are available for all of my tours!
✔️ Make sure to bring your phone or camera to take amazing pictures!
✔️ Bring with you a bottle of water (NO GLASS), we will be able to refill it during the tour 😉
✔️ Sunscreen and a hat are always highly recommended, especially during the summertime!
✔ ️ I’d recommend wearing a comfy pair of shoes or sneakers as this tour involves quite a bit of underground walking!
