Basilica of San Clemente

The Basics

When visiting the San Clemente al Laterano, you can admire the present-day church—home to spectacular mosaics and the tombs of St. Clement and St. Cyril—before heading underground to tour the excavations below. Here, you’ll find well-preserved frescoes, a pagan temple dedicated to Mithras, and the remains of a Roman house.

There are thousands of years of history to take in at the basilica, so the best way to visit is by joining a private guided tour of the church and underground excavation sites with skip-the-line entry. Many tours of San Clemente al Laterano also visit the Capuchin Crypt and accompanying museum.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano is ideal for history buffs.

• Book a skip-the-line tour to avoid long waits, especially in the summer months.

• San Clemente is a Catholic church—modest clothing, covering shoulders and knees, and a respectful decorum are required.

• Photography is not allowed inside the basilica.

• The excavations beneath San Clemente are not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.

How to Get There

The Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano is located on Piazza San Clemente near the Colosseum. Take metro line B from the Termini train station to the Colosseo stop.

When to Get There

The church and underground excavations are open daily year-round; check the website for hours and mass times. The site is a cool reprieve from the summer heat, yet can be very crowded during this time.

San Clemente History

San Clemente was built on top of an older basilica dating from the fourth century, which in turn was built on the remains of a villa owned by a wealthy Roman, probably destroyed by the great fire in AD 64.

Ways to explore

A complete visit to the Basilica of San Clemente requires advance online booking. Once inside, admire the present-day church’s tombs and mosaics before heading underground to see the excavation areas. Considering the site’s thousands of years of history, it’s best experienced on a private or small-group guided tour with skip-the-line entry, especially in Rome’s busy summer. If you’d like to combine the Basilica of San Clemente with other underground attractions, many half-day tours also visit sites such as the Catacombs of Domitilla and the Case Romane del Celio.

Accessibility

The excavations beneath the Basilica of San Clemente are not wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Only what you can carry, as the church doesn’t allow large bags.

What to wear

Modest clothing that covers your legs and shoulders is required in keeping with Catholic church tradition.

Not allowed

Photography or filming, bulky bags, smoking, food, drinks

Amenities

Written guides, restrooms, gift shop

Address

The Basilica of San Clemente is in central Rome’s Celio neighborhood, a short walk east of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. It’s convenient to get there on foot from several of Rome’s ancient attractions, though you can also reach the church by car or public transportation.

Driving

Driving in bustling Rome isn’t recommended for non-residents, but taxis and rideshare apps are widely available to get you to the basilica.

Public transportation

The Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano is about a 10-minute walk from the Colosseo metro stop, which you can reach on line B from the Termini train station.

Best times to visit

The basilica requires prebooking for timed entry and mandates that you arrive at least five minutes before your scheduled visit.

Best days to visit

Open daily, the basilica’s biggest crowds are on weekends—visit on a weekday for a quieter experience.

Best months to visit

There’s no bad time to visit the church and underground areas, which offer a cool reprieve from summer heat but may be less packed in Rome’s relatively calm winter season.