Basilica of San Clemente Rome
Church with Roman ruins
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.
Find your way with 152 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Rome
Mercato fonte Egeria
Take back your vegetables
The market next to the Egeria water plant in Rome, or the "Mercato fonte Egeria", is an opportunity to meet regional farmers and buy fresh local produce!
by
Max
Giudice
Pasticceria Regoli
A Roman breakfast
"Pasticceria Regoli" is the real deal in Rome. Open for generations, come here to get one of their delicious flagship maritozzi...
by
Max
Giudice
Pizzeria Ostiense
Roman vibes on pizza
"Pizzeria Ostiense" in Rome makes typical pizza that has Romans come in droves! What's also good here are the 'fritti', which deserve a special mention...
by
Max
Giudice
Villa Latina
Fresh breeze, pines and Roman tombs
"Villa Latina" is not the best known of Rome's parks, but it's along an ancient road where you feel time never passed & ancient Romans are still around...
by
Max
Giudice
Parco di Tor Fiscale
Aqueducts and the sky
"Parco di Tor Fiscale" in Rome is a hidden treasure. It combines nature and views of mountains with aqueducts and is a journey for the mind & soul...
by
Max
Giudice
Coppedè Neighborhood
Architecture and symbols
The magical neighborhood of "Coppedè" is entirely different from the rest of Rome - go visit it and you'll know what I mean...
by
Max
Giudice
S. Maria della Vittoria
A theater in a church
Up for dramas, love, emotions, or - why not - theatre? Well, then the church of "S. Maria della Vittoria" in Rome is your place.
by
Max
Giudice
Monte Mario
The king of Rome
"Monte Mario" in Rome and its amazing views is the kind of place I always come back to when I need to clear my mind...
by
Max
Giudice
Gianicolo
An explosive sunset
"Gianicolo" is a hill in Rome where you get the most amazing sunset views. Come here to chill with a friend - and see the canon fire every day at noon!
by
Max
Giudice
Palazzo Venezia Garden
A secret oasis
I come to the "Palazzo Venezia Garden" whenever I want to forget that I even am in Rome. It's perfect even for taking naps in the midst of it all...
by
Max
Giudice
Stadio dei Marmi
Your temple of sport
"Stadio dei Marmi" in Rome is a stadium where anyone can come to train for free, but the atmosphere is so chill, it's also great for reading your book...
by
Max
Giudice
Tram Depot
Retro coffee stop
"Tram Depot" in Rome feels like a shady oasis. This tiny bar is designed to resemble an old-fashioned tram depot with a vintage theme throughout...
by
Alexandra
Turney
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
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:
