Three Levels, So Many Masterpieces

The Basilica di San Clemente offers masterpieces on every level, from the medieval church down to the Roman rooms underground. Here's what you can't miss as you descend through time.

The Triumph of the Cross Mosaic

In the upper basilica (12th century), the absolute masterpiece is the apse mosaic: the Triumph of the Cross. The cross is depicted as a Tree of Life, branching out into twelve doves (the apostles), acanthus scrolls, animals and scenes of everyday life, all set against a dazzling gold background. It's one of the most beautiful and symbol-rich medieval mosaics in Rome.

The Cosmatesque Floor and the Schola Cantorum

Still in the upper basilica, don't miss:

  • The Cosmatesque floor, with its geometric designs in colored marble.
  • The schola cantorum, the marble enclosure for the choir, brought over from the earlier church.
  • The frescoes by Masolino in the Chapel of Santa Caterina, a masterpiece of the early Renaissance.

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The Early Christian Basilica (4th century)

Going down one level, you enter the early Christian basilica of the 4th century, in use for centuries before it was buried. It preserves frescoes from the early medieval period that recount the legend of San Clemente and other sacred episodes: among the oldest and most precious Christian fresco cycles in Rome.

The Mithraeum and the Roman Level (1st century)

At the deepest level stand the Roman buildings of the 1st century, including a Mithraeum: a temple dedicated to the god Mithras, a mystery cult widespread among Roman soldiers. You can still see the altar with the relief of Mithras slaying the bull, and the vaulted chamber where the rites took place. In the background you can hear the flow of an ancient water spring, still running today: a detail that makes the experience unforgettable.

How to Plan Your Visit

Follow the descent through time:

  1. Upper basilica (mosaic, Cosmatesque floor, Masolino's frescoes)
  2. Early Christian basilica (frescoes with the legend of San Clemente)
  3. Roman level (Mithraeum and the spring)

In about 45 minutes to 1 hour you experience all three levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the masterpiece of San Clemente? The apse mosaic of the Triumph of the Cross (12th century), with the cross as a Tree of Life on a gold background: one of the most beautiful medieval mosaics in Rome.

What are the frescoes by Masolino? An early Renaissance cycle in the Chapel of Santa Caterina, the work of Masolino da Panicale, among the finest decorations in the upper basilica.

What is the Mithraeum of San Clemente? A 1st-century temple dedicated to the god Mithras, on the deepest underground level, with the altar depicting Mithras slaying the bull: evidence of a Roman mystery cult.

Is it true you can hear water underground? Yes: on the Roman level you can hear the flow of an ancient spring that's still running, one of the most evocative aspects of visiting the excavations.

How much time do you need to see all the levels? About 45 minutes to 1 hour to descend at your leisure through the three levels, from the medieval basilica to the Roman Mithraeum.

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Article #335 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026