In 1857, the prior of the Basilica di San Clemente thought there might be something underneath his 12th-century church, already renowned for its relics and striking mosaic of the Crucifixion. When he excavated, he found not only the original, 4th-century basilica—with numerous frescoes—but a 2nd-century Mithraic cult temple and a 1st-century Roman home. Visit the church and descend through these layers of the city’s history.
Commune with underwater life at one of Belize’s many spots for scuba diving or snorkeling. / Courtesy of the Belize Tourism Board /
Barry Guimbellot
A fisherman feeds a tarpon near the small Belizean island of Caye Caulker.
Rio Frio Cave is one of the many caves offering wonders—from geologic to cultural—to explore.
The Lamanai archaeological site takes its name from the word for “submerged crocodile” in the Yucatec Mayan language.
From water sports and wildlife to the largest cave system in Central America, Belize provides plenty of ways to rejuvenate in fresh air.
Rene Mattes/age fotostock
BM04YH Apse of San Clemente Basilica, Rome
Trigger Image/Alamy
