Basilica di San Clemente and the Case Romane del Celio

Sue, It has been awhile since we were last at the Case Romane but it wasn’t at all crowded. It’s particularly for the traveller who wants to dig into less-visited sites, not on the main “must do” route. We enjoyed it enormously.

Another interesting site is https://www.palazzovalentini.it/en/ but tickets in advance are crucial.

Thanks Laurel......I really appreciate that info! I think it's certainly worth trying to just show up as it looks like an amazing site. I will definitely look into your other suggestion as well.

I should have noted that I have visited Rome before and have done all the "must dos" so I am absolutely seeking out those less visited places.

Thanks again!

Sue, regarding San Clemente, after reading the website over and over, my deductive powers lead me to believe that it is mandatory to book in advance. Perhaps there is no on-site facility for buying tickets? Anyway, it's now 9.30 am in Rome and there are at least 24 tickets available for each half-hour time slot from 10.00 to the last tour at 5.30 pm. Like you, I'm on a return visit and want those "lesser" attractions. So, it looks like if you decide to go, you can book on the same day.

As to less visited sites...Nearby is Santo Stefano Rotondo, an extraordinary early Christian Church.

I also mentioned a few sites from our last return trip in 2024 here: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/rome-again-sites-you-might-not-otherwise-visit. Maybe some new-to-you?

I understand that much of the interior of the church (San Clemente) is
undergoing restoration and covered in scaffolding. Is it still worth a
visit at this time, especially for the lower levels?

Sue, frequent poster Kim offered up this in a recent thread on 9/14:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/back-to-rome-looking-for-unique-lesser-known-areas-of-interest

"I can attest - I was at San Clemente a week ago today and while you can see a couple of the side chapels, the bulk of the "current" church is hidden by scaffolding that has hustings on it - so you can't even see through the pipes of the scaffolding to what is behind.
Yes the ancient church is fascinating,and the Mithraic altar below that as well - but I definitely look forward to going back some day and seeing the mosaics in all their glory."

"Worth it" questions being subjective, only you can answer whether a partial experience will be enough.

Thanks Kate for saving me from retyping !

I don't think prior booking is required, but if I overheard correctly, I heard a manager there tell a prospective visitor that it is is a euro or two cheaper to book ahead online instead of buying at the box office,

Just to be clear: The scaffolding upstairs has absolutely no effect on one's ability to visit the lower church and the Mithraic temple.

Been to San Clemente on two trips to Rome. First time didn’t go underneath. Mosaics were beautiful. Second time just went underneath which we found fascinating. Didn’t book tickets ahead of time and when we arrived cashier suggested we buy online since indeed a euro or so cheaper than buying from her. So we bought them online from there in the lobby.

Kim, I remembered your post because it was so timely! Glad you didn't mind me using it; wasn't sure you'd see Sue's question.