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Underground Rome Tour: Hidden Gems Beneath the Eternal City

Underground Rome Tour: Hidden Gems Beneath the Eternal City cover image
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Private
On raphaeltours.com we mainly offer private experiences. This means that the tour is not shared with other guests and can always be tailored to your needs upon request.
Skip the Line
This tour includes skip-the-line access, allowing you to bypass long queues and enter attractions directly. Save time and make the most of your experience.

Tour Description

Discover Rome’s hidden past on a fascinating underground tour exploring the subterraneans of San Nicola in Carcere, the Ara Maxima of Hercules, and the Mithraeum beneath the Circus Maximus. History beneath your feet!

Key Information

  • Experience Private, Walking
  • Guided by Licensed national tour guide
  • Duration 2 hours
  • Starting times (Customizable) Morning, Afternoon
  • Languages English, Italian, Spanish, French, German
  • Pickup available Upon request

Highlights

  • Explore Ancient Roman Temples beneath San Nicola in Carcere, built over three Republican-era sanctuaries
  • Visit the Ara Maxima of Hercules, one of the oldest legendary shrines in Rome
  • Descend into the Mithraeum under Circus Maximus, a secretive temple dedicated to the god Mithras
  • Experience Rome’s hidden history in atmospheric underground sites away from the crowds
  • Learn about ancient religions, myths, and architecture with an expert private guide
  • Step through 2,000 years of history in just two unforgettable hours

Itinerary

  • 1
    1

    Subterraneans of San Nicola in Carcere

    Begin your journey beneath this church built over three ancient Roman temples. Explore the well-preserved ruins, pagan altars, and columns hidden below the street level—traces of Republican-era Rome.

  • 2
    2

    Ara Maxima of Hercules

    Step inside the crypt of Santa Maria in Cosmedin to see one of Rome’s oldest shrines. Learn about the legend of Hercules and Cacus, and the mythological significance of this sacred spot.

  • 3
    3

    Mithraeum of Circus Maximus

    End the tour in the atmospheric temple of Mithras, hidden beneath the ancient chariot racing stadium. Discover the secretive rituals of the Mithraic cult, the symbolism of the altar, and the temple’s role in imperial Rome.

Full Description

Step beneath the bustling streets of modern Rome and journey into its hidden past on this captivating 2-hour underground tour. Explore three fascinating subterranean sites that reveal the city's layered history, myths, and forgotten places.

Begin at the subterraneans of San Nicola in Carcere, a lesser-known gem built over the ruins of three ancient Roman temples from the Republican era. Descend beneath the church to walk among ancient columns and hidden passageways where pagan rituals once took place.

Next, visit the Ara Maxima of Hercules, tucked beneath the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. According to legend, this was one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Rome, marking the spot where Hercules was believed to have defeated the monster Cacus.

Conclude your underground adventure at the Mithraeum of the Circus Maximus, a mysterious temple dedicated to the god Mithras. Marvel at the preserved altar and symbolic carvings that reveal the secrets of this ancient mystery cult, once popular among Roman soldiers.

Perfect for history lovers and curious travelers, this tour offers a unique glimpse into Rome’s hidden religious and architectural layers, far from the crowds and into the depths of the Eternal City.

 

Tour Gallery

A collection of photos showcasing the tour experience and destinations

What is included

Included

  • Private, expert English-speaking guide
  • Entry to the underground sites of San Nicola in Carcere, Ara Maxima of Hercules, and the Mithraeum of Circus Maximus

Not included

  • Food and Drinks
  • Gratuities (optional, but appreciated)
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off available upon request (additional charge may apply – please inquire when booking)

Recommendations

Tips and Tricks

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes – the underground sites include stairs, uneven floors, and ancient stone pathways.
  • Bring a light jacket or sweater – it can be cool and damp below ground, even in summer.

Not suitable for

  • Visitors with mobility issues – the tour includes stairs, uneven floors, and narrow passageways
  • Those who suffer from claustrophobia – some spaces are confined and dimly lit

Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5

Based on 5 reviews

  • Brian H. United States

    So cool and different! There was so much history to discover, and the guide was a fantastic storyteller

  • Daniel W. United States

    We loved exploring a different side of the city, and the guide’s storytelling made it really entertaining. It was a nice break from the crowds too, totally recommended!

Book Underground Rome Tour: Hidden Gems Beneath the Eternal City

Please allow our travel agents up to 24 hours to get back to you.

Underground Rome Tour: Hidden Gems Beneath the Eternal City

Private
On raphaeltours.com we mainly offer private experiences. This means that the tour is not shared with other guests and can always be tailored to your needs upon request.
Skip the Line
This tour includes skip-the-line access, allowing you to bypass long queues and enter attractions directly. Save time and make the most of your experience.
Starting at
89 €
105 $
78 £
145 CA$
158 A$
per person

Please allow our travel agents up to 24 hours to get back to you.

Your tour guides in Rome

Bruno image

Bruno

Tour Guide in: English, Italian

Bruno is a walking history book with a spark—his deep knowledge and lively stories make the past come alive in a fun, unforgettable way!

Qualifications

  • University Degree in Management of Cultural Heritage
Donato image

Donato

Tour Guide in: Italian, English

Donato is an archaeologist at heart and a natural storyteller—he makes ancient sites fascinating for both adults and kids, mixing knowledge with humour.

Qualifications

  • Phd in Archeology

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Private
On raphaeltours.com we mainly offer private experiences. This means that the tour is not shared with other guests and can always be tailored to your needs upon request.
Skip-the-line
This tour includes skip-the-line access, allowing you to bypass long queues and enter attractions directly. Save time and make the most of your experience.
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The tour is designed to be fully accessible for wheelchair users and people with mobility issues. We will do our best to make sure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

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Private
On raphaeltours.com we mainly offer private experiences. This means that the tour is not shared with other guests and can always be tailored to your needs upon request.
Skip-the-line
This tour includes skip-the-line access, allowing you to bypass long queues and enter attractions directly. Save time and make the most of your experience.
Accessible
The tour is designed to be fully accessible for wheelchair users and people with mobility issues. We will do our best to make sure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

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from 79 € per person

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