Jun 19, 2025

Basilica of San Clemente Rome

Church with Roman ruins

"The "Basilica of San Clemente" is the one old building in Rome that managed to blow me away, when the Pantheon and Colosseum didn't really..."

Living in Rome, it's easy to get used to all the history there is around me. Pantheon? Seen it a million times. Colosseum? Yep, pretty cool I guess. But every now and then I visit something that completely blows me away - this is how I felt when I visited the Basilica of San Clemente.

San Clemente is a church that looks just like any other in Rome - just down the road from the Colosseum and the Forum and easily overlooked. If you go in, it's just like any other Italian church, with gold mosaics, frescoes and a beautiful peaceful courtyard. 

But if you go underneath, that's where the real magic starts - there are actually three levels, and you can go down into the ruins and see them all. The deepest level dates back to the 1st century, with an altar used by the cult of Mithras. There's running water, showing how far down you are and taking you back to what it must have been like there all those years ago. 

Up a level is another impressive church, used between the 4th and 9th century, with high ceilings and well-preserved frescoes.

Then you go up again and you're back in the 'modern' church, blinking in the light, before stepping out of the church's walls and back in the midst of the chaos of 21st century Rome. It's a great experience, with as much history and architectural wow as the better known sites in Rome - but without the crowds of tourists.

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Via Labicana 95

Entry:

10

Find your way with 152 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Rome guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Rome

Gelateria Fassi

A space for your dreams

"Gelateria Fassi" in Rome is a historical gelato shop almost all locals know. The atmosphere takes you back in time, and it's open 24/7, too!

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Max

Giudice

Jun 30, 2025

Al Gallo Rosso

Where pizza becomes lifestyle

"Al Gallo Rosso" in Rome is loud, informal and sincere. The perfect pizzeria to take your friends for some arrosticini to enjoy the company of each other!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Max

Giudice

Jun 30, 2025

Parco della Caffarella

Roman countryside

"Parco della Caffarella" in Rome has been my gym, my mountain, my restaurant, my first date. I wouldn't be the same today without this piece of nature...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Max

Giudice

Jun 30, 2025

Caffè Ciamei

Oldest license for coffee in Rome

"Caffè Ciamei" has the oldest coffee license in Rome and it's still one of my favorite places in town to get a cup. Try their cremina instead of sugar!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Max

Giudice

Jun 30, 2025

Via dei Cappellari

Like in old Rome

"Via dei Cappellari" is a little side street that is completely reminiscent of the Old Rome, with its staying away from the logic of profit...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Max

Giudice

Jun 30, 2025

Porta s. Sebastiano

Like a Roman soldier

"Porta s. Sebastiano" used to be an ancient entrance to the city of Rome. Today, you can walk along the walls and enjoy the stunning views...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Max

Giudice

Jun 30, 2025

SiTenne

Dressing the past

"SiTenne" in Rome isn't just a vintage clothes shop. I wouldn't have fallen in love with it if it was. You'll always find a perfect, friendly ambience here

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Rudy

Di Giacomo

Jun 21, 2025

CSOA eXSnia

Fight for a better Rome

CSOA eXSnia in Rome is in my opinion one of the most culturally vivid and beautiful places in the city, a 'self-managed occupied social center'...

002-building
Art & culture
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Matteo

Mueller-Thies

Jun 20, 2025

Osteria Dar Bruttone

In the name of tradition

"Osteria Dar Bruttone" in Rome makes some of tastiest carbonara (with or without artichokes) you can get your hands on. Also try their Porchetta...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Max

Giudice

Jun 19, 2025

Cecilia Metella's Tomb

A peaceful garden

"Cecilia Metella's Tomb" is a bit outside Rome's city center, but I love coming here to write among the ancient buildings & the Appia Antica road...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Max

Giudice

Jun 19, 2025

Pasticceria Boccione

Historic Jewish bakery

"Pasticceria Boccione" in Rome is not for you if you're after pretty, Instagrammable desserts! But every pastry is just delicious in this Jewish bakery...

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Alexandra

Turney

Jun 19, 2025

La Fraschetta

Cheap wine and a friendly welcome

"La Fraschetta" is a neighborhood hangout in Rome for the locals -- Sandro doesn't get many customers who aren't Italian men in their fifties or older!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Alexandra

Turney

Jun 19, 2025

Heading to Rome?

152 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Rome?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

152 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Rome

Get to know our other Spotters from Rome

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
25
Filters