Basilica of San Clemente
95 Via Labicana Roma
Welcome to the Basilica of San Clemente, a magnificent site that tells the story of Rome's layered history. This church is managed by the Irish Dominican Friars, who have overseen its care since 1677. Their dedication preserves both its spiritual significance and its historical treasures.
The present basilica, completed in the 12th century, is renowned for its stunning apse mosaic. Take a moment to admire the Tree of Life, where Christ on the cross stands at the center surrounded by vines on a vibrant golden background. The mosaic represents the line from scripture in the Gospel of John, Chapter 15, where Jesus proclaims “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love".
The church is home to the relics of Pope St. Clement I, the fourth pope of Rome, who was martyred in Crimea and whose relics have been placed under the main altar.
Every November 23, on the feast day of St. Clement, the Irish Dominicans, custodians of Rome’s Basilica of St. Clement, make a procession with the saint’s relics through the surrounding neighborhood.
The procession recalls the transfer of the relics of Saint Clement from Crimea to Rome by the brother-Saints Cyril and Methodius in the year 868. The relics were enshrined here in the Basilica, held to be erected over the house of St. Clement in Rome.
Visits to the underground can be made by purchasing a ticket at the kiosk at the side of the church. From here you can descend into its underground layers, uncovering nearly 2,000 years of history. The first level reveals the remains of a 4th-century Christian basilica, adorned with faded frescoes, including a depiction of Saint Clement, the church’s namesake. Below that, you’ll find the remnants of a 1st-century Roman building, believed to have been a Mithraeum, a temple dedicated to the god Mithras. This underground level preserves a ritual altar and evidence of a pagan religious cult that predates Christianity.
Tickets for the underground tour can be purchased online or at the basilica. It’s an unforgettable journey through the spiritual and architectural evolution of Rome.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
As I step into this both ancient and medieval church,
a tapestry of faith woven through the centuries,
I bring my heart before You in humility and hope.
Through the intercession of Pope Saint Clement I,
draw me closer to Your eternal love.
Guide me to deeper conversion,
and let this holy Jubilee Year be a time of renewal for my soul.
May the layers of history beneath my feet remind me
of Your enduring presence in all times and seasons.
Bless my pilgrimage, Lord, and grant me the grace
to leave here strengthened to share Your light with the world.
Amen.
Recommended Nearby:
Basilica of Santo Stefano Rotondo
An early Christian church dedicated to deacon and first martyr St. Stephan, is located on the Celio, one of the highest of the legendary seven hills of Rome.
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