Art and History Tours

Underground Rome Tour

(102 reviews)

Explore the Undergrounds of Rome in one of the most fascinating tours of the Eternal City.

Tour features

Local Guide Certified Official Guide

Tour languages Italian, English, French

Duration 3 hours

Tour size Private

Accessibility Accessible to wheelchairs

Itinerary

1st Stop
Embark on the tour from the iconic Triton's Fountain in Barberini Square, showcasing one of Bernini's masterpieces.
2nd Stop
Located near the square, the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini houses the Capuchin Crypt. Here, around 4,000 mummified and skeletal remains of Capuchin friars are displayed in six rooms, showcasing their belief in resurrection through funereal art.
3rd Stop
Just a short stroll away, you'll uncover the hidden depths of the four-tiered Church of St. Clemens. This ancient Basilica, constructed atop a 4th-century church, rests upon a 2nd-century Mitraic temple and dwelling. Delve further below to reach the lowest level housing the 1st-century Roman mint - a truly remarkable experience awaits.
4th Stop
The tour proceeds to the 12th-century fortified monastery and Church of SS. Quattro Coronati, dedicated to the Four Holy Crowned Ones, a group of sculptors martyred by Diocletian for refusing to create a statue of Aesculapius. This church holds significance for sculptors and marble masons.
5th Stop
The Basilica of St. John in Lateran, the cathedral of Rome, holds the distinction of being the first church built in the city and serves as the head of all Catholic churches worldwide. For a millennium, the Popes resided adjacent to this historic site before relocating to the Vatican.

Tour details

Full description

Dive into the Underground Wonders of Rome on this captivating tour, exploring the city's hidden layers of history. Discover ancient temples, houses, and cemeteries buried beneath today’s streets, revealing the Eternal City’s fascinating past.

Begin at Barberini Square, marveling at Bernini’s Triton Fountain, one of his most exquisite works. From there, visit the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini and its eerie Capuchin Crypt. This macabre masterpiece features the skeletal remains of 4,000 friars arranged in intricate patterns, forming chandeliers, clocks, and symbolic art that reflect their belief in resurrection.

A short walk leads to the four-layered Church of St. Clemente, where you’ll descend through time. Explore a 4th-century basilica, a 2nd-century Mithraic temple, and a 1st-century Roman mint, uncovering the city's ancient secrets.

Next, visit the fortified Church of SS. Quattro Coronati, dedicated to sculptors martyred under Diocletian. Admire its Medieval cloister, the oldest bell tower in Rome, and the Chapel of St. Sylvester, adorned with stunning 13th-century frescoes.

Conclude at the majestic Basilica of St. John in Lateran, Rome’s first church and the seat of the Pope before the Vatican era. Outside, marvel at the towering Egyptian obelisk, the tallest in the world, brought from Thebes by Emperor Constantius II in 357 AD.

This unforgettable journey through Rome’s underground treasures combines history, art, and mystery in the heart of the Eternal City.