About this experience
Discover one of Rome’s best-kept secrets with this private 1-hour guided tour of the Case Romane del Celio, an extraordinary underground complex hidden beneath the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo. Wander through a maze of well-preserved ancient Roman homes, and admire the beautiful and vibrant frescoes that once adorned the walls of these elite residences. Your expert guide will lead you through this fascinating site, revealing its layers of history - from homes for elite families to early Christian devotion. For an even richer experience, choose to extend your tour with a 30-minute visit to the stunning Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo above. Known as the “Church of the Chandeliers”, it’s renowned for its glittering interior and spiritual atmosphere.
At a glance
- Duration: 1 hr–1 hr 30 min
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 1 hr–1 hr 30 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Bringing food, drinks, pets, luggage or large bags is not allowed
- It’s recommended to have a moderate level of fitness to join this tour since there is a moderate amount of walking involved and you will be walking on uneven surfaces and climbing some steps and stairs
What is included
- Headsets to hear the guide clearly
- Expert live guide
- Entrance to and guided tour of the Roman houses on the Caelian Hill
- Entrance to and live guide at Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo (only if this option is selected)
Not included
- Entrance to and live guide at Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo (unless chosen during purchase)
- Food and drinks
- Optional gratuities
- Pick-up and drop-off
Itinerary and highlights
Your journey begins at the Case Romane del Celio, a remarkably preserved underground complex dating from the 2nd to the 4th century AD. As you walk through this ancient Roman houses and centuries-old corridors, you’ll discover how these residences evolved from a noble 2nd-century domus to a 3rd-century apartment block, and later back to an elite family home. Wandering through multi-level rooms, you’ll get a truly immersive glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome. Along the way, marvel at vibrant frescoes depicting both mythological scenes and early Christian imagery, showcasing the site’s evolving history. As you explore, your guide will reveal how this space gradually transformed into a place of Christian veneration, adding yet another fascinating layer to its rich past.
Extend your journey with a 30-minute visit to the elegant Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, built directly atop the ancient homes. Admire the soaring ceilings, grand chandeliers, and marble details as your guide shares the fascinating history of the church and its association with early Christian saints. This peaceful, spiritually rich space adds a final, awe-inspiring touch to your exploration of Rome’s layered history.
Meeting and pickup information
- Meet us outside the entrance of the Case Romane del Celio, Clivo di Scauro 3, 00184 Rome. Look for a member of staff holding a yellow Touriks sign.
Languages and tickets
- German — Guide
- Portuguese — Guide
- English — Guide
- Italian — Guide
- French — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- TOURIKS
Accessibility and practical details
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Entrance to and live guide at Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo is not included, unless chosen during purchase
- Photography is not allowed inside the Roman houses on the Caelian Hill
- Please note that if you choose to extend your tour to the basilica, modest clothing is required for entry (knees and shoulders should be covered)
- Bringing food, drinks, pets, luggage or large bags is not allowed
- It’s recommended to have a moderate level of fitness to join this tour since there is a moderate amount of walking involved and you will be walking on uneven surfaces and climbing some steps and stairs
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved and you will be walking on uneven surfaces and climbing some steps and stairs
- This tour is accessible for wheelchair users, with the exception of the Confessio room, which cannot be visited by wheelchair
- We recommend you to bring your own headphones in order to minimise plastic waste
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Wheelchair accessible
This tour is accessible for wheelchair users, with the exception of the Confessio room, which cannot be visited by wheelchair
What is the cancellation policy?
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