Discover the underground remains of the ancient Villa of Marcus Aurelius

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1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

During this tour you will discover a basement normally closed to the public. You will descend into the basement of a medieval hospital to discover the ruins of the Villa of one of the most famous Roman emperors: Marcus Aurelius.
Below ground you will also discover another unique place: the remains of the Villa of the ancient Roman general Licinius Sura, conqueror of present-day Romania.
Our Specialist Guide will also tell you about the personal lives of these historical figures, from the youth of Marcus Aurelius to the love life of General Licinius Sura.
But this is just a taste of what awaits you! You will discover one of the holiest places in Christianity, the complex of St. John Lateran; you will then move on to the medieval history of the hospital that experienced the arrival of the tragic Black Death; and finally end your tour by strolling through the ruins of an ancient Roman quarter hidden in an unexpected place.
You cannot miss this experience in the Eternal City!

What's Included

Entrance fees and guide.
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1

    Meet us at the Obelisk of St. John to discover its amazing history and the ancient pagan cults that were celebrated at its feet.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

    Explore this sacred area by discovering the history of the first Basilica of Christianity, dedicated to St. John the Baptist; the Scala Santa DA Gesù, and the first baptistery built in Rome.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3

    You will explore the basement of St. John's Hospital, walking among the remains of the ancient Roman villas of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and General Licinius Sura, the conqueror of present-day Romania. In addition, you will have the opportunity to walk among the remains of an ancient Roman quarter that has been preserved almost perfectly among the foundations of today's hospital. Finally, you will also discover the fascinating medieval history of this hospital, culminating during the Black Death.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Underground Rome

Tags

Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Archaeology Tours
Small Group
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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