Michelangelo's Moses and St. Clemens Undergrounds Tour

Explore the early Christian churches, ancient Roman ruins and the mysterious undergrounds on our unique tour

Tour Features

Local Guide

Certified Official Guide

Tour Languages

English, Italian

Duration

3 hours

Tour Size Options

Private

Itinerary

We will begin our tour at the Church of St. Clement and its underground levels. The basilica, built in the 12th century, stands above an ancient Roman house, a Mithraic temple, and a paleo-Christian church. During this visit, we will explore the majestic interior of the current basilica, richly adorned with apse mosaics, medieval frescoes, and marble statues. Then, we will descend three levels beneath the church to uncover its subterranean layers, which reveal the ancient history of Rome.
Leaving the Basilica of St. Clement, we will continue our tour to the ruins of the Ludus Magnus, an ancient gladiator training school located on the northeast side of the Colosseum. Built by Emperor Domitian in the 1st century AD, this complex is considered the largest of the gladiatorial schools in Rome. Although much of the structure remains hidden beneath the street level, we will explore the visible ruins and learn about the gladiators' lives and their close connection to the Colosseum.
A short walk through the city center will bring us to Colle Oppio Park, where we will encounter the ancient ruins of the Domus Aurea, Emperor Nero's “Golden House.” Built in 64 AD, this vast palace complex was the most opulent and costly structure in Rome, featuring over 150 rooms adorned with white marble, ivory, precious mosaics, and frescoes.
At the end of our history-focused journey, we will visit the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli. This early Christian basilica houses an important relic: the chains that were used to bind Saint Peter during his imprisonment in Jerusalem. In addition to this sacred artifact, the church is home to many significant artworks, including Michelangelo’s dramatic Moses statue—one of the greatest masterpieces of the Italian genius.

Tour Details

Full Description

This tour takes you on a journey through some of Rome's most significant historical and archaeological sites. You will explore ancient churches, hidden underground ruins, and remnants of imperial grandeur, all while learning about the rich history of Rome from early Christianity to the height of the Roman Empire. Highlights include a visit to the Church of St. Clement, the ruins of the Ludus Magnus gladiator school, Nero's Domus Aurea, and the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli, home to Michelangelo’s Moses and important Christian relics.