Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano Tours

Visitors to the Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano can see not only the present-day church, but also an older church and even older excavations underneath. Evidence suggests that the oldest building on this site likely dates from at least the 1st century B.C.E. It was the home of a wealthy Roman that was probably destroyed during a fire in 64 C.E., but even that structure is thought to have been built on the foundation of an even older building.
Other lower levels of the church have been excavated to reveal a room used in the 2nd century for worship of the cult of Mithras, as well as a 4th century basilica. The church you see at street level today was begun in the late 11th century and features an ornately decorated interior. A visit to the Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano is a fascinating step back in time.

Practical Info

The Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano is located on the Piazza San Clemente, and the excavations are open to visitors Monday-Saturday from 9am-12:30pm and from 3pm-6pm, and on Sundays and state holidays from 12pm-6pm. Admission is €5 for adults, €3.50 for students under 26 with student ID, and no photography is allowed.