Rome Sights

Basilica di San Clemente

#28 of 963 things to do in Rome

#64 of 6227 things to do in Italy

1 reviews | Write a review

  • Address
    • Via di San Giovanni in Laterano
  • Transport
    • Colosseo
  • Website
  • Phone
    • 06 774 00 21
  • Price
    • admission church/excavations free/€5
  • Hours
    • 9am-12.30pm & 3-6pm Mon-Sat, noon-6pm Sun

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Lonely Planet review for Basilica di San Clemente

Architectural time travel awaits at the Basilica di San Clemente, which lies between San Giovanni and the Colosseum. The 12th-­century church contains a stunning medieval mosaic in its apse, the Triumph of the Cross, with 12 doves symbolising the apostles. Figures around the cross include the Madonna and St John, as well as St John the Baptist and other saints. Though stunning, it’s eclipsed by the Renaissance frescoes in the Chapel of St Catherine, to the left of the entrance.

 

Traveller reviews for Basilica di San Clemente (1)

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    Time travel

    terryd543 recommends this,

    A visit to the Basilica di San Clemente is a literal walk through time. It's a treasure trove of art and religious history. While it's true that one cannot walk through Rome without encountering historical evidence of various eras, this gem of a church encapsulates 3,000 years of concentrated history in a relatively tiny area. Seeing frescos fifty feet below ground that were painted centuries ago, and hearing that rushing water that you know has been flowing since Rome was founded (at least), is a transporting experience that defies description. If you're going to the Colosseum, you can't not go to San Clemente. And, as a bonus, hardly any tourists know about it, so you won't be bothered by crowds.

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