Private Underground Rome: Cults and Mysteries

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. We'll leave Rome's city center by passing by the Coliseum and the Therms of Caracalla - the main ancient Roman baths. Leaving the city you will see the ancient Aurigal Walls and gate of St. Sebastian, used as check-point during Roman Empire's era. Appian road was built by order of censor Appius Claudius Caecus in 312 B.C. and it had important military, cultural and commercial significance, that's why in antiquity it was called «the queen of all roads ». The oldest stretch of the road is paved with tightly wrapped stones, which lay on a layer of pebbles and cement. Soon the Romans began to build along the road monumental tombs, aqueducts and magnificent monuments, the decoration of which became a matter of prestige.

   Passes by

2. During our first stop we'll visit the Quo Vadis Church, built on the spot where a landmark meeting for Christianity took place. Legend says while Apostle Peter was escaping from Rome from persecutions, Jesus Christ appeared to him on the Appian road. «Where do you go, Lord?» asked the apostle. The answer was: «I'm going to Rome to be crucified again.» Ashamed of his escape, St Peter then decided to come back to the city. In the very center of the church called «Domine Quo Vadis» we will see Jesus' footprints.

   30 min

3. We'll then proceed to the church of St. Sebastian, where the relics of this Roman saint are hosted. And finally we will descend to the Catacombs of St. Sebastian, where frescoes of Christian themes are well preserved: Oranta, Jesus in nursery, Moses, a cycle of frescoes about Ion.

   40 minAdmission included

4. Our next destination are the huge catacombs of St. Callisto. This complex was formed during the 2nd-4th centuries on the basis of several previously existing burial zones, which gradually expanded and merged into a single complex by the end of the 4th century. Going underground we can admire many frescoes and inscriptions related to life and death of the Christian community's members of that era.

   1 hAdmission included

5. Back in downtown Rome, let your guide introduce you to the Basilica of St. Clemente, a unique archaeological complex that includes the upper level (a medieval basilica built in the 12th century AD), the middle level (an early Christian basilica built in the 4th century AD), and the lower level (two structures dated 1st century AD). In the early Christian basilica, unique frescoes of the 9th century were preserved, including the first known inscriptions in the common Italian language. At the end of the tour you'll be dropped off at your hotel or at a place of your choice in Rome.

   1 hAdmission included

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Know before you go

How it compares in Rome

• Its from-price is 734% above the median of the 8352 experiences we list in Rome.
• It is longer than most of them.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Rome

Rome layers nearly three thousand years of history into one walkable city, from the Colosseum and Forum to Baroque piazzas and Vatican art.

Ancient Rome is still in plain sight. The Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill sit together at the city's heart, the Pantheon still stands with its open oculus, and fragments of temples and aqueducts turn up between apartment blocks. Across the Tiber, Vatican City holds St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling.

Top-ranked sights in Rome: Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel.

See all 8352 experiences in Rome