About this experience
With this 2-hours walking tour in the area around the Colosseum, you will learn about its use in Middle Ages. Your guide will tell about decay and reuse of Colosseum in the "dark age", when hosted workshops, stables, warehouses and fortress. Different legends depicted the Colosseum as location for black magic, till it was rehabilitated as a place of worship by the Church, with the Via Crucis.
The tour will continue to the Basilica of Saint Clement, with its three-tiered complex of buildings: from the foundations of Republic era villa, to the present Basilica built in the height of Middle Ages. In between, around 200a.D. was a sanctuary of the cult of Mithras, Iranian god, testimony of Eastern religions competitors of early Christianity.
The tour will end visiting the Basilica of Saint Quatto Coronati, an oasis of silence behind the Colosseum, hosting a beautiful cosmatesque cloister and S. Silvester chapel, with frescoes that narrate the legend of the conversion of Constantine
At a glance
- Duration: 2 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 2 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Ticket entrance to Saint Clement Basilica
Not included
- Colosseum entrance ticket. The tour is only outside
Itinerary and highlights
This monument was erected to celebrate the victory of Constantine over Maxentius, and he declared Christianity public worship. This arch is one of major examples of monuments built with intensive use of spolia, by reusing reliefs from 2nd century imperial monuments.
Listen to the history of Colosseum in Middle Ages: its decline and new function
The gym where gladiators used to train for the fights
Three different churches one on top of the other, dated back to three different eras
Listen to the legend about the "Donation of Constantine": was a decree used by the Emperor, supposedly to transfer authority over Rome to the Pope
Meeting and pickup information
- In front of the Arch of Constantine, on the colosseum side. The guide will hold a board showing "Rome tours with local guide"
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Maria Tours
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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