The Basilica of San Clemente, a journey through time in Roman history

Today we take you to discover the Church of San Clemente, a place that may seem similar to many others but which, in reality, preserves important and unimaginable treasures inside.

The Church of San Clemente is located in Piazza San Clemente, a few minutes walk from the Colosseum. With its underground archaeological complex, it undoubtedly represents one of the world's great treasures: a place that, in walking through the different constructions that were built there in previous centuries, manages to take us on an incredible journey through time.

From the sacristy you can access the 4th century church, where, in the darkness, cold and humidity, you can still see the medieval frescoes that decorate the walls, as well as some fragments of mosaics that covered the floor of the temple. Going even further down, you can access the 1st century area with its Mithraic temple and, through a narrow alley, a large and decidedly suggestive public building: here, around the foundations, flow the lost waters of ancient Rome. Finally, above the excavations, there is what is now the 12th century Basilica, with its magnificent mosaic, early Renaissance frescoes and the wonderful 6th century marble choir.