UNDERGROUND ROME

Descrizione prodotto

This leisurely program is specifically designed to introduce guests to the extraordinary treasures hidden, if not locked away, throughout Rome’s dense historic center. The Roman Houses at Celio Hill and the underground of the Basilica of St. Clement.

The Roman Complex Houses (Case Romane del Celio) goes back to the second century and was formed from at least three dwelling. The complex of buildings was transformed into porticoes buildings in the first half of the third century; they had shops at street level while living areas were created on the upper floors. From the end of the third century to the beginning of the fourth century the entire block was restored, it was transformed into a large, high-class apartment. The decoration project is thought to have been created in this phase.

The house was transformed once more in the second half of the fourth century, a confessional was created in the form of a rectangular raised niche and was decorated with frescos on Christian themes. It was in this period that Saints Joseph and Paul were martyred and buried in the house.

The Basilica overlooking the house was built in the fifth century, the foundations of which cut through parts of the Case Romane del Celio. The Domus Romane del Celio continued to be a cult location in successive centuries. An oratory was constructed in one of the porticoed rooms, it contains frescoes from the late medieval period, including a rare image of the crucifixion in which Christ is fully-clothed. The houses were abandoned after this period and they eventually became buried.

After this visit program will continue by a walking experience of the nearby area (outside visit of the Coliseum, Constantine Arch and archeological area) or a visit to the underground of the IV Century Basilica of St. Clement once a roman pagan temple; At San Clemente Basilica you’re in for some surprises. As you go from the top layer, which is a 14th-century basilica, you’ll continue down through a huge 4th-century basilica, a 2nd-century sanctuary of the mysterious Mithraic cult and, finally, to a well-preserved 1st-century Roman street, replete with herringbone tiling.