Underground Rome: San Clemente, St. Peter in Chains & Ludus Magnus

Description
Underground Rome: Secrets, Ruins & Wonders Beneath the Eternal City
An unforgettable journey through hidden masterpieces, ancient legends, and archaeological marvels beneath the surface of Rome.
Step off the beaten path and dive into a side of Rome that few visitors ever experience. This tour takes you through the city’s most fascinating underground layers, where centuries of history come alive beneath your feet.
Your adventure begins in the peaceful Piazza San Pietro in Vincoli, where you'll visit the basilica that houses the Chains of Saint Peter and Michelangelo’s mighty Moses—a Renaissance masterpiece filled with power and intensity, a place where faith and genius merge.
From there, walk to the ruins of the Ludus Magnus, the ancient gladiator training school. Peer into its exposed subterranean remains, including a mini amphitheater where warriors once prepared for combat in the Colosseum. You can almost hear the echoes of swords and shouts still lingering in the stones.
The tour reaches its climax at the extraordinary Basilica of San Clemente, a true archaeological treasure built across three historical levels. Descend from the 12th-century basilica to a 4th-century Christian church, and deeper still into the underground ruins of a Roman home and pagan temple. These excavations offer a rare and powerful window into the spiritual, political, and everyday life of ancient Rome.
This is more than a tour—it's a deep, immersive experience into the hidden layers of the Eternal City. It's perfect for curious travelers, history lovers, and anyone eager to explore the mystery and beauty buried beneath Rome’s surface.
Included
- Private licensed tour guide exclusively for your group
- Entry ticket to the underground levels of the Basilica of San Clemente
- Guided visit inside the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains)
- Exterior visit and explanation of the Ludus Magnus gladiator training school ruins
- Historical commentary on Roman, medieval, and Renaissance art and architecture
- Flexible itinerary with a personalized pace
- Meeting point assistance
- On-site and remote customer support during the experience
Excluded
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Transportation to/from attractions
Know before you go
- Valid photo ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID)
- Comfortable walking shoes – the tour includes walking over cobblestones and uneven surfaces
- A bottle of water, especially during warmer months
- Weather-appropriate accessories (umbrella/raincoat in case of rain, hat and sunscreen in summer)
Dress Code
- Smart casual attire
- Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter religious sites (for both men and women)