Rome

Semi-Private St. Clemente & Quattro Coronati Church Tour

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from €42.00 EUR
Duration: 3 Hours
Organized by: Viator
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Embark on an unforgettable journey into the depths of Rome’s ancient history with our exclusive St. Clements Basilica and Quattro Coronati Church small-group tour. Explore layers of history, both above and below ground, as you uncover the treasures of the 12th-century Basilica of San Clemente and the 4th-century Santi Quattro Coronati, one of Rome’s most ancient basilicas.

Delve into the Basilica of San Clemente

Begin your tour at the Piazza di San Clemente, where you’ll meet your professional guide and enjoy skip-the-line access to the Basilica of San Clemente. Marvel at the stunning 13th-century mosaics adorning the apse of the basilica and the intricate cosmatesque floor.

Learn about the Schola Cantorum, which includes elements from the earlier 4th-century basilica, before descending into the underground ruins. Unearth the remnants of the former central nave and aisles while admiring frescoes depicting Saints Clement and Alexius (Sant’Alessio).

Unravel the Mysteries of the Mithraic Altar

Continue your descent into the subterranean layers of the basilica, where you’ll find a 3rd-century Mithraic altar in a small temple room. Explore the very lowest level beneath the church, which houses part of a 1st-century Roman home.

Journey to the Ancient Santi Quattro Coronati Church

Proceed to the 4th-century Santi Quattro Coronati Church, built in tribute to the four Roman soldiers executed for refusing to worship Esculapio. Visit the Oratorio di San Silvestro, adorned with 13th-century frescoes depicting episodes from the legend of Constantine.

Don’t miss the opportunity to delve into the fascinating layers of the Basilica of San Clemente and Santi Quattro Coronati Church. Reserve your place now and embark on a journey that will leave you captivated by the rich history of Rome.

Highlights

Visit the Basilica of San Clemente and its ancient underground ruins
Explore historic Santi Quattro Coronati and its Oratorio di San Silvestro
Skip-the-line entry to both basilicas to maximize your time inside
Expert guide to explain the impressive mosaics, frescoes, and cosmatesque work

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 1 day before tour starts.

Useful Info

Dedicated to the Pope who was third in succession after Saint Peter, it is one of the better preserved medieval Roman churches. Originally built in the V cent., and destroyed by the Normans in 1084 it was reconstructed in 1108 by Paschal II, on the mound of the previous edifice. (The original church had been built on ruins of the Imperial Period, and on an ancient Roman house of the Republican Period).

We enter the single aisled basilica from a side-door. The atrium, with its quadriportus is the only specimen of its kind in Rome (c. 1108). The aisles are separated by 16 Roman columns; the pavement is Cosmatesque. In the center is the beautiful Choir which had been in the lower Church. On the sides of the choir are the ambones, and a handsome Paschal candelabrum. The presbytery is separated from the choir by a screen of sculptured marble panels of the XII cent, (plutei and transenne). In the presbytery, which is above the crypt with the remains of Saint Clement, is the Tabernacle, supported by four noteworthy ancient columns of pavonazzetto. In the apse is the magnificent mosaic of the Triumph of the Cross, of the Roman school of the XII cent., radiant with colour, and harmonius in composition.

Here, the Crucifix, with 12 doves symbolizes the apostles above a multitude of persons. At the beginning of the left aisle, is the famous Chapel of Saint Catherine of Alexandria adorned with the graceful frescoes of Masolino da Panicale (1431 c), which portray: Scenes from the Lives of the Saint, and of Saint Ambrose; Crucifixion; Annunciation; Saint Christopher. From the Sacristy, we descend to the Lower Church.

Location

106 Via di San Giovanni in Laterano 41.889185972798,12.497500075988, Roma, Lazio 00184

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