Rome Underground Tour for Kids with Saint Clement's Church & Crypt of Capuchins

About this tour

Descend through two millennia of Roman history in this 2.5-hour underground adventure. Start at the Basilica of Saint Clement, where you'll navigate four distinct levels—from medieval church down to a 1st-century Mithra temple and Roman warehouse 15 metres below street level. Then explore the Capuchin Crypt's bone-lined chambers, where thousands of monks' remains create an unforgettable visual narrative. A guide trained in keeping young minds engaged uses games, illustrations and interactive tools to bring each era to life.

Highlights

• Four historical layers beneath one basilica, spanning two thousand years
• Ancient Mithra temple and Roman storage rooms largely intact underground
• Capuchin Crypt's intricate skeletal décor tells monastic history
• Kid-focused guide uses games and visual aids to maintain engagement
• Fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs throughout
• Mix of eerie atmosphere and age-appropriate storytelling

What to expect

You'll start at street level and work your way down through the Basilica of Saint Clement, each descent revealing a different era. The deepest sections feel genuinely old—Roman brick, faded frescoes, the weight of centuries. The Capuchin Crypt is visually striking and memorable, though the bone arrangements can feel unsettling; your guide frames it as respectful commemoration rather than macabre spectacle. Interactive elements—colouring sheets, puzzles, theatrical narration—help younger children stay focused and curious rather than frightened. Expect to move slowly and spend time examining details rather than rushing through.

Good to know