Underground Rome Private Tour: San Clemente, St. Peter in Chains & Ludus Magnus
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 fascinatingunderground 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.
What’s 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
Exclusions
- Tip or gratuity
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Transportation to/from attractions
PLEASE NOTE
- Public transportation nearby
- Dress code
Important Information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not stroller accessible
- Pets are not allowed
- Infants must not sit on laps; infant seats are not available
- A smart casual dress code is required: shoulders and knees must be covered to enter churches. Entry may be denied if not respected
- The tour operates in all weather conditions; please dress accordingly
- A moderate amount of walking is involved — comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended
- The order of the itinerary may vary based on weather conditions or operational needs beyond our control
- Meeting time: Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time
- The guide will be waiting with a sign showing your name and will provide your admission tickets
- Please ensure that the correct contact details (names and phone numbers) are provided. We are not responsible for issues caused by incorrect information
What do I need to bring?
- 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)
Cancellation policy
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 3 days or less before the event
Starting/Meeting Point
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Meeting Point
The meeting point is in Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli, directly in front of the Basilica.
Your guide will be waiting with a sign displaying your name for easy recognition.
Please note: the meeting point may vary if the tour runs in reverse order. In that case, it will begin in front of the Basilica of San Clemente, located in Piazza San Clemente.
You will receive confirmation of the exact starting point prior to the tour. For any questions, feel free to contact our team.
Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli
Step into the Hidden Heart of Ancient Rome
Begin your journey with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets just beyond the Colosseum. Tucked away in a peaceful piazza near Via Cavour lies one of Rome’s best-kept secrets: the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains). This serene church is home to a powerful relic—the chains that once held St. Peter during his imprisonment in Jerusalem and Rome, now preserved beneath the main altar.
But what truly draws visitors here is a breathtaking work of Renaissance art: Michelangelo’s Moses. Towering and intense, this monumental statue was originally meant to be part of an ambitious tomb for Pope Julius II—an unrealized masterpiece that was supposed to feature 47 figures. Though the full project was never completed, Michelangelo’s Moses alone captures the strength, tension, and divinity that define his genius.
With every step, this walk reveals not just history, but the soul of the Eternal City—where faith, legend, and artistic brilliance intertwine.
Ludus Magnus
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Leaving San Pietro in Vincoli, your walk continues toward one of Rome’s lesser-known but most fascinating archaeological sites: the Ludus Magnus, the ancient training school of gladiators located just northeast of the Colosseum. Built by Emperor Domitian in the late 1st century A.D., this vast brick complex once stood three stories tall and was centered around a large, porticoed courtyard.
Surrounding the courtyard were rows of rectangular rooms that served as living quarters for gladiators. At its heart lay the most striking feature: a miniature amphitheater, where fighters would train and rehearse for the deadly spectacles held in the nearby Colosseum.
After approximately 30 minutes of exploration and insight into the world of gladiators, the tour continues toward the Basilica of San Clemente, unveiling yet another layer of Rome’s incredible past.
Basilica of San Clemente
Your final stop is the Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano, located along Via San Giovanni in Laterano. This remarkable 12th-century church is not just a place of worship, but a true journey through time. Built as a three-level archaeological complex, each layer of the basilica represents a different chapter in Rome’s history.
Beneath the current medieval basilica, constructed around 1100 AD, lie the remains of a 4th-century Christian church dedicated to Pope St. Clement, the third successor of St. Peter. Even further below, excavations reveal traces of a Roman-era villa, likely dating back to the late Republic.
Walking through San Clemente is like descending through centuries—from the Middle Ages, through early Christianity, and deep into the heart of pagan Rome—offering an unforgettable ending to your exploration of the Eternal City’s layered past.
You can start this experience at the following places.
Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli
Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli, 00184 RM Roma, IT
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25 years of experience
Tour in The City was founded in 1990 in response to the ever increasing demand for customized guided tours, in order to visit one of the most important art collections in the World, the eternal city Rome.
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Must-see attractions
Colosseum
The Colosseum, Rome’s legendary ancient arena, once echoed with gladiator battles and grand shows, and now stands as a powerful symbol of the city's eternal legacy.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is a masterpiece of Roman ingenuity, crowned by its iconic dome and central oculus, serving as a temple-turned-church for almost two millennia.
Roman Forum
Once the center of ancient Roman society, the Roman Forum is a vast archaeological park showcasing temples, civic buildings, and storied ruins.
Vatican City
Vatican City, the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church, holds a wealth of art, history, and faith, housing St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill, one of Rome’s famed seven hills, was the site of imperial palaces and offers breathtaking views over the city and its ancient ruins.
Galleria Borghese
The Galleria Borghese, set within the lush Villa Borghese gardens, showcases a stunning collection of sculptures and paintings by masters such as Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica, the crown jewel of Vatican City, is a majestic architectural marvel housing Michelangelo’s Pietà and the soaring dome he masterfully designed.
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel, famed for Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring ceiling frescoes, is both a masterpiece of Renaissance art and the sacred setting of the papal conclave.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo, once Emperor Hadrian’s grand mausoleum, now serves as a museum with sweeping views of Rome and a rich history as a fortress and papal stronghold.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain, Rome's largest and most iconic Baroque fountain, is famed for its stunning sculptures.
Testimonials
Hear From Our Happy Explorers!
Martin G
A hot visit to the Colosseum!
Had to collect tickets from a shop near to the Colosseum – lady there was most helpful in explaining where we needed to go and to download apps to our phones for the self audio guide (also gave us some free water with the heat!). Found the entrance easy and then enjoyed the tour – only issue was that the GPS signal wasnt great inside so it was difficult to sync the audio guide to what we were looking at. Took a break before doing the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum – we went on a very hot day and it was hard work walking around – make sure you have plenty of water!! Surfaces were very uneven – which is understandble considering its an ancient monument.
Martin G
FamilyOfFive
Amazing place to visit, weak audio guide
Such an amazing place to visit, it’s easy to understand why this is a must see! The sites were fantastic, but the audio tour was too generic. There were some interesting clips, but not enough about what we were looking at when we were at different points and too much generic history. In retrospect we would have got a lot more from a guide, but it was very nice to go at our own pace.
FamilyOfFive
Eva N
Unforgettable experience!
This tour was nothing short of amazing! From start to finish, everything was organized, engaging, and informative. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of the Colosseum to life with fascinating stories, little-known facts, and a real passion for Ancient Rome.
The skip-the-line access was a huge plus—no waiting around in the hot sun! We also got upgraded for an Arena tour and got to explore areas that aren’t always open to the public, which made the experience feel exclusive and even more special.
Eva N
Poppy B
Very good customer service from Dolly
I was due to travel in August on this holiday however due to operational reasons, the tour may not have run and I was made aware straight away. I dealt with a women called Dolly and she offered me alternative options and we decided to refund the tour which was done promptly. Dolly gave me some brilliant advice and some useful insight to Rome.She was fab!
Poppy B
Tom P
Good day out
Really enjoyed the experience, can’t remember the tour guide’s name but he was very good. Very informative and detailed on the tour which kept me engaged about the history. It wasn’t as busy as usual which was also a pleasant experience. Highly enjoyable, many thanks.
Tom P
James C
Well worth it
Really well organised and our guide was great. Really informative and engaging. You wasn’t rushed and had a nice flow to it.
Would highly recommend this. Not sure you’d capture everything without the guide.
James C
Testimonials
Hear From Our Happy Explorers!
Martin G
A hot visit to the Colosseum!
Had to collect tickets from a shop near to the Colosseum – lady there was most helpful in explaining where we needed to go and to download apps to our phones for the self audio guide (also gave us some free water with the heat!). Found the entrance easy and then enjoyed the tour – only issue was that the GPS signal wasnt great inside so it was difficult to sync the audio guide to what we were looking at. Took a break before doing the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum – we went on a very hot day and it was hard work walking around – make sure you have plenty of water!! Surfaces were very uneven – which is understandble considering its an ancient monument.
Martin G
FamilyOfFive
Amazing place to visit, weak audio guide
Such an amazing place to visit, it’s easy to understand why this is a must see! The sites were fantastic, but the audio tour was too generic. There were some interesting clips, but not enough about what we were looking at when we were at different points and too much generic history. In retrospect we would have got a lot more from a guide, but it was very nice to go at our own pace.
FamilyOfFive
Eva N
Unforgettable experience!
This tour was nothing short of amazing! From start to finish, everything was organized, engaging, and informative. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of the Colosseum to life with fascinating stories, little-known facts, and a real passion for Ancient Rome.
The skip-the-line access was a huge plus—no waiting around in the hot sun! We also got upgraded for an Arena tour and got to explore areas that aren’t always open to the public, which made the experience feel exclusive and even more special.
Eva N
Poppy B
Very good customer service from Dolly
I was due to travel in August on this holiday however due to operational reasons, the tour may not have run and I was made aware straight away. I dealt with a women called Dolly and she offered me alternative options and we decided to refund the tour which was done promptly. Dolly gave me some brilliant advice and some useful insight to Rome.She was fab!
Poppy B
Tom P
Good day out
Really enjoyed the experience, can’t remember the tour guide’s name but he was very good. Very informative and detailed on the tour which kept me engaged about the history. It wasn’t as busy as usual which was also a pleasant experience. Highly enjoyable, many thanks.
Tom P
James C
Well worth it
Really well organised and our guide was great. Really informative and engaging. You wasn’t rushed and had a nice flow to it.
Would highly recommend this. Not sure you’d capture everything without the guide.
James C
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