Basilica of San Clemente — Attraction in Rome

Once upon a time in the bustling city of Rome, there stood a magnificent church known as the Basilica of San Clemente. Located in the heart of the city, this holy place was a symbol of faith and devotion for the people of Rome.

The history of the basilica dates back to the 4th century when it was built over an ancient Roman temple dedicated to the god Mithras. However, it was not until the 12th century that the church was rebuilt and given its current name in honor of Pope St. Clement I, the third successor of St. Peter.

As one entered the basilica, they were greeted by the grandeur of its architecture. The ceiling was adorned with beautiful frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible, and the walls were decorated with intricate mosaics. The altar, made of pure marble, was a sight to behold, and the golden cross that stood tall behind it added to the majestic ambiance of the church.

But what made the Basilica of San Clemente truly unique was its underground levels. Beneath the main church, there were two more levels that could be accessed by descending a flight of stairs. The first level was a 4th-century basilica, which was discovered during the excavation of the church in the 19th century. It was a simple structure with bare walls, but it held a special charm that transported one back in time.

However, it was the second level that held the most fascination. Here, one could find the remains of the ancient Roman temple that once stood on the same site. The columns and arches of the temple were still intact, and one could almost imagine the rituals and ceremonies that took place here centuries ago.

Legend has it that beneath the temple, there was a secret passage that led to the underworld. Many believed that this was the reason why the Basilica of San Clemente was built on this particular site, as it was believed to be a gateway to the afterlife.

The Basilica of San Clemente became a popular pilgrimage site, and people from all over the world came to pay their respects and seek solace in this holy place. The church also became a popular tourist attraction, and visitors were in awe of its history and architecture.

Today, the Basilica of San Clemente continues to stand tall, a testament to the rich history and culture of Rome. It is a place where the past and present coexist, and where one can experience the beauty of different eras in one single place. The Basilica of San Clemente will forever be a cherished part of the city, a symbol of faith, and a reminder of the glorious...

Piu bella. The Basilica di San Clemente (Basilica of St. Clement) is an early Christian basilica in Rome dedicated to Pope St. Clement (d. 99 AD).

The church has a beautiful interior, but it is especially notable for its three historical layers. The 12th-century basilica is built on top of a well-preserved 4th-century church (with many frescoes), which was built next to a 3rd-century Mithraic Temple. For an admission fee, it is possible to explore the excavations of the lower two levels, which is a fascinating journey into the history of Rome.

The main, upper church of San Clemente is one of the most richly decorated churches in Rome. The vast majority of its architecture and art dates from its construction in the early 12th century. The entrance is on the left aisle.

The most striking sight is the 12th-century apse mosaic, in a golden-bronze color and featuring a large crucifix in the center. Growing from and around the crucifix are vines, associating the cross with the Tree of Life.

In the center of the apse is a throne, whose back is part of a martyr's tomb. Under a baldacchino, the high altar contains the relics of St. Clement of Rome and St. Ignatius of Antioch.

An altar in the back of the church on the left contains the relics of St. Servulus (6th century). Nearby is the 15th-century tombof Cardinal Venerio, which incorporates the 6th-century baldacchino. Directly across, on the right side of the altar, is the tomb of Cardinal B. Roverella by A. Bregno and G. Dalmata (1476).

Near the entrance in the left aisle is the Chapel of St. Catherine of Alexandria, featuring frescoes by Masolino de Panicale (early 15th century). The west front of the church consists of a 4th-century portico and a 12th-century atrium.

Entrance to the lower church is via the sacristy, off the right aisle. Here there are 19th-century copies of the frescoes in the lower church.

At the foot of the steps descending from the upper church is the narthex of the lower church, whose colonnades were bricked up in the 9th century. The columns are still visible in the wall. The atrium lies directly under that of the upper church, and has not yet been excavated. Its portico can be seen from the outside, in a depression in the street to the east of the...

Totally amazing and worth the 10euro entrance fee, but not without problems. Opening hours are confused. Postings on Google say that the site opens at 9​.​45am. Physical signs at the church say that it opens at 10​.​30. In real life it appears to open around 10am.

The top level 12th century basilica dedicated to ​St ​C​lement of ​Rome, who is mentioned in the ​B​ible​ ​(​Phil 4.3) is free. The coffered ceiling and mosaic apse are beautiful.

It costs 10e ​to go down underneath into the archeological area. This ​is where the problems really begin. When I arrived about 10 it was nearly empty, and no line, no crowd. but the lady at the ticket desk, won't sell tickets. You must buy online. If I didn't have a smartphone and if I didn't have ​I​talian data service, I'd be out of luck. This is the first stupidity.

Next there are signs everywhere that a covid reinforced green pass and ffp2 mask is absolutely mandatory. However when I flashed my covid card, the lady was disinterested as if I were an idiot. ​Nobody including her were wearing a mask. Obviously those are old rules which are​ ​no longer applicable, yet no one has bothered to remove the numerous poster signs. This is the 2nd stupidity.

Next downstairs in the fee area there are numerous signs that no photos are permitted. This seems common in Italy, especially when delicate painted surfaces may become faded from flash, however this archeological site is primarily rocks and brick. Or maybe it is valid in the Sistine​ Chapel​ where a million tourists would be holding up the line with selfies. But Clement was almost empty. I think they just want to sell you postcards in the gift shop along the way out. This is the third stupidity. On the positive, the multiple layers built upon each other are fantastic and overall the good...