Basilica San Clemente: Underground Guided Tour

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Explore the 12th-century Basilica of San Clemente, an archaeological wonder near the Colosseum. Descend through three levels of subterranean mystery, each layer revealing over 2,000 years of intriguing history. The basilica boasts a gold mosaic that adds a shimmering glow to its central aisle. Initially shrouded in mystery, the depths of San Clemente were uncovered in 1860 when a flood prompted an Irish Dominican priest and archaeologist to explore below. Ongoing excavations still unveil new secrets. Descend a hundred feet, and the first level reveals a forgotten 4th-century basilica, overshadowed by the 12th-century basilica built above it. Go deeper and find relics of an ancient Mithraic temple with its intact altar. Explore the skeletal remains of Roman houses, preserving a long-gone era. At the bottom, discover the underground spring that sparked the initial discovery.