ROME UNDERGROUND TOUR

Explore Rome’s ancient subterranean world! An adventure beneath the city!

Rome is literally a city built upon its past. Beneath its streets and buildings lies an ancient world of passages, tombs, churches and homes from bygone eras. To see them is an experience you’ll never forget!

Join us for the Underground of Rome Tour. We’ll start at the famous Triton Fountain in Barberini Square. This 17th century work is one of Bernini’s best. He was hired by Pope Urban VIII to sculpt it to honor the completion of an aqueduct restoration project, Acqua Felice. Here we’ll see the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini and the world-renowned Capuchin Crypt.

Almost 4,000 Capuchin friars’ remains are here, but not entombed as one would think. Their bones and skulls are on display in a surreal arrangement of funereal art. They make a captivating presentation. There is a museum on site.

Our next stop is the Basilica San Clemente, a multi-layered historic site dating from the 12th century, at the top, to the 1st century, at the bottom. Colorful frescoes and mosaics line the walls and tell of medieval life. Its walkable levels include a 4th century church and Mithraic (pagan) temple and palazzo. Listen carefully and you’ll hear water still running through ancient pipes!

Optional

1- The Roman Catacombs. In 400 AD, Christians were considered pagans and were often executed. Visit the crypts of martyrs and popes via underground passages. See frescoes and sculpture representative of early Christian art.

2- The Church of Santi Quattro Coronati (Four Crowned Saints ). Four soldiers were put to death by the Emperor Diocletian for their refusal to engage in pagan practice. Four Crowned Saints Church is a classic example of the art and architecture of the Middle Ages. The Romanesque Cloister is one of Rome’s most peaceful and private enclaves. Ring the bell and one of the Augustinian nuns will admit you. You may also be granted admittance to the charming Chapel of St. Sylvester with its series of 700 year-old frescoes that tell the political and religious story of the times.

Our last stop is the Basilica of St. John Lateran, it is the oldest church and cathedral in Rome and it is known as the “Mother Church.” With its lavish ceiling, nave, Holy Door and statues of the Apostles, it is a work of art. For a thousand years, the Popes lived beside this cathedral. Outside in the Piazza is the tallest Egyptian obelisk in the world. This beautiful red granite monolith originated in Amun in Karnak, and was shipped to Alexandria in the 4th century. Constantius II had planned to bring it to Constantinople, but shipped it to Rome’s Circus Maximus in 357 AD instead. It was restored in 1588 and erected in Laterano where it is a remarkable sight.

This tour books quickly, so please don’t hesitate to contact us for information and reservations at info@raphaeltours.com.