San Clemente Church in Laterano - Rome

Yes, I've done this several times and look forward to doing it again this summer! The stairs are not very difficult but do use the railings and take your time. Good walking shoes will help because the stones (stairs and walkways) are uneven and can be damp. Remember, you are traveling back many centuries - they didn't have our building codes back then! Honestly: this is for me one of the more breathtaking experiences in Rome!

I visited the San Clemente this week. It's a very beautiful little church. The stairs aren't difficult, but it is a bit dark downstairs.
I would recommend to also visit the nearby San Giovanni in Laterano. That cathedral is very big, but also wonderful!

Yes, I agree that it is very much well worth seeing. My memory is that some of the stairs are a bit easier than some of the others but there was always a safe way up and down. At the time my knees were bothering me and I don't remember having any trouble at all.

Thank you Robert, Michel and Nigel! I was so hoping to see this fascinating church - now that I know there are railings it is definitely on our to-do list. I always carry a small flashlight so that will help with the darker areas.

We did this a long time ago and then a few years ago after the 2000 renovations of so many churches and monuments in Rome. The first time it was not easy to do; the second time, it is all well railed stairs and such and much easier. An interesting experience. But don't neglect the great Michelangelo Moses at San Pietro en Vincoli very near San Clemente. It is among his 3 greatest works and amazing.

We've been to the San Clemente Church two times and liked our experience. The three levels are each interesting and provide three different eras.

It is well worth your time.

Buon viaggio,

Thank you Jane - there seems to be lots to see in that neighborhood. I have compiled a day-to-day notebook so we don't forget anything. And thank you too RB - this forum is so great for the number of people sharing their experience..

For digging about under churches, there are at least two more. There's a very cool one, the Basilica di San Crisogono in Trastevere, and there is also under the Basilica Santa Maria Sopra Minerva near the Pantheon.

Both have incredible stories to tell....

At least one neat elephant too....

Nigel, so I'm not the only one who knows about Crisogono! If memory serves, Crisogono is believed to be the first church built in Rome as a church.

One surprising thing about churches in Italy (not just Rome) is that many of them have lower levels that can be fascinating. You might have to look around to find a staff person to tell you how to access them (and there is often a nominal amount to pay). It's always been worth it. And if you're there during hot weather, this can be a nice break.

OK, a lower level church to discover, but this time in Assisi. Santa Maria Maggiore was badly damaged by the 97 earthquake. During the work they discovered that under the lower level (ancient Roman temple) there is the partial remains of an Etruscan temple. Santa Maria Maggiore was the cathedral church in Assisi until early 1000 when San Rufino was built. Think of it: for over 2700 years that was considered a sacred space by every culture that lived there. The art, culture, history to be found in the churches of Italy can be a powerful experience of where we stand in human history.

Yes Robert, kind of puts our few years on this earth in perspective, doesn't it. But isn't the Assisi church Santa Maria degli Angeli, the big one in the lower town near the train station?
We will be in Assisi the Monday after we arrive, can't wait.