Basilica di San Clemente

This past weekend I went to my first Mass in Rome. I was excited to be able to go to church here and head to a new chiesa every Sunday to celebrate my religion in the city which is famous for bordering the center of the Catholic faith, Vatican City. I chose to attend Basilica di San Clemente for the sole reason that it was conveniently located near my apartment and I wanted to be able to find it easily so I wouldn't show up late. However, after researching the Basilica, I found out that it is a tourist attraction that many flock to.

What makes this church so unique compared to the others around the city and one that many put on their list of places to see is the fact that is is actuallt three layers, all with a story of its own. One enters through the street level of Via San Giovanni in Laterno into a 12th century church, beautifully kept and a place where Mass is still celebrated. The ceiling shows an intricate Apse Mosaic, Triumph of the Cross, and where Mass is currently held was preserved from where the choir sang in the 6th century.


Go down a level and one reaches the 4th century church, where frescoes detailing the life of St. Clement can be found. It is also where a"deep pit" was discovered, which is thought to be a baptismal font. The street level church was built over the original in 1108. These first two levels are dedicated to this martyred fourth Pope.

The bottommost layer are ancient Roman buildings and a temple of Mithras. Mithraism was an all male cult brought from Persia in the 1st century, which was a rival to Christianity. When the 4th century church was built, the Temple of Mithras was deilberately destroyed but a room used for ritual banquets still remained. The sound of rushing water can still be heard, which is attributed to a lost spring or an ancient aqueduct.

This rich and unique history is definitely draws people to Basilica di San Clemente. All three layers are open for visitors to roam throughout, with a 3 euro charge. Excavations are still being completed by the Irish Dominicans, since much of the bottom layers have yet to be uncovered.


1. "Basilica San Clemente Roma." Basilica of San Clemente Rome. 19 May 2009 .

2. Picture of mosaic and info. - "Bailica di San Clemente, Rome." Basilica di San Clemente - Rome, Italy. 2005. Sacred Destinations. 17 May 2009 .

3. Publishing, DK. Rome (Eyewitness Travel Guides). New York: DK Travel, 2006.