Vatican Grottoes
Explore the ancient Roman necropolis beneath St. Peter's Basilica, including the believed tomb of St. Peter. A sacred, historical journey.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat.
Vatican Grottoes
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the ancient Roman necropolis beneath St. Peter's Basilica, including the believed tomb of St. Peter. A sacred, historical journey.
"A profoundly moving experience connecting history, faith, and archaeology in the most powerful way. "
🎯 Book via Official Scavi Office
Email the Scavi office directly for tour requests; confirmation and payment follow.
📍 Find the Entrance Early
Access is outside St. Peter's Square; read instructions carefully to avoid missing your tour.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
St. Peter's Tomb
Center of the Necropolis
Stand at the believed resting place of Saint Peter, a profoundly moving experience connecting faith, history, and archaeology.
Ancient Roman Road and Tombs
Throughout the Necropolis
Walk along an ancient Roman road lined with well-preserved tombs, mausoleums, and early Christian inscriptions.
Model of Old St. Peter's Basilica
Exhibition area
See a model showcasing the original St. Peter's Basilica, offering historical context to the site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Necropolis Tour Well in Advance
Prepare for an Underground, Confined Space
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
The Vatican necropolis?
🎯 Book via Official Scavi Office
Email the Scavi office directly for tour requests; confirmation and payment follow.
📍 Find the Entrance Early
Access is outside St. Peter's Square; read instructions carefully to avoid missing your tour.
Can I Realistically Do the Vatican Necropolis at 15:15 and Enter the Museums by 16:30?
Vatican Necropolis Tour
🚫 No Photos Allowed
Photography is strictly prohibited within the excavation site.
💧 Humid but Cooler Inside
It can be humid, but the underground temperature is manageable, even in summer.
Vatican necropolis free or email reservation and payment necessary?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book via Official Scavi Office
Email the Scavi office directly for tour requests; confirmation and payment follow.
📍 Find the Entrance Early
Access is outside St. Peter's Square; read instructions carefully to avoid missing your tour.
🚫 No Photos Allowed
Photography is strictly prohibited within the excavation site.
💧 Humid but Cooler Inside
It can be humid, but the underground temperature is manageable, even in summer.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven ancient surfaces.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe the Vatican Necropolis tour as a profoundly moving and unforgettable experience, offering a unique connection to history and faith. The chance to see St. Peter's tomb and walk through ancient Roman ruins beneath the Basilica is a highlight for many. However, the strict booking requirements and confined underground space are important considerations.
"Visiting the Vatican Necropolis is a truly magical experience. Walking beneath the Vatican itself, through authentic Roman ruins, feels like stepping back in time. The atmosphere is unlike anything else in Rome - quiet, ancient, and filled with reverence.
The path takes you along an old Roman road, lined with tombs, and leads to what is believed to be the resting place of Saint Peter. Standing there, seeing the bones of St. Peter, the Prince of the Apostles, is profoundly moving — a moment that connects history, faith, and archaeology in the most powerful way.
The necropolis lies 3 to 11 meters below the floor of the central nave of Saint Peter’s Basilica, under the level of the Vatican Grottoes. It was rediscovered thanks to excavations commissioned by Pope Pius XII between 1939 and 1958. Today, it offers one of the most significant windows into the origins of Christianity and the history of the Basilica itself.
That said, it’s important to note: this is a confined underground space. It is not recommended for those who are claustrophobic or have difficulty breathing.
For anyone else, though, the visit is unforgettable — a rare chance to walk under the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica and touch the raw, ancient stones of Rome. Sacred, timeless, and deeply moving."
Reita Hackaj
"Brilliant tour, excellent guide. There are ongoing excavations. Model of the old St Peters Basilica is shown. Humid ++ but cooler down in the Necropolis and still manageable in summer.
My most special tour and pilgrimage on my Italian trip. Not to be missed to see and pay respect to the bones of the first person ever to named 'Rock' i.e. Peter.
Essential visit for a Catholic Pilgrim.
Booking weeks beforehand essential through the official site required as you will be invited to your tour if it is available on your dates and visit then confirmed upon payment.
Access to this place is actually outside St Peters Square and not easy to find and most people in St Peters Basilica have no idea on where to access this tour. Go early and read the instructions on where to go thoroughly to make sure you get to your tour on time.
No photos allowed in the excavation site."
Martin Ng
"Highlight of the Vatican visit. You need to book in advance through the official website. We paid €20 per person for the tour, which lasted about 1h30. It’s an extremely sacred and moving excavation. You get the chance to see the remains (bones) of Saint Peter and the original place where he was buried.
Access is a bit tricky, as you must go through the Swiss Guard and a security check. After passing the guards, just continue straight ahead to the Scavi.
Next time I come to Rome, I want to do this visit again."
João Victor Martins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The entrance is located outside St. Peter's Square, not inside the Basilica. You'll need to go through Swiss Guard security. Follow instructions from your booking confirmation carefully, as many visitors are unsure of the exact location.
The Vatican City is accessible by public transport in Rome. The nearest Metro station is Ottaviano-S. Pietro, about a 10-15 minute walk away. Buses also serve the area.
No, access to the Necropolis is from an external entrance near St. Peter's Square. You cannot enter from within the Basilica itself.
Your booking confirmation will provide specific directions. It's recommended to arrive early and familiarize yourself with the route beforehand to ensure you don't miss your tour time.
Parking in the Vatican area can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or a taxi to reach the vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Booking is essential and must be done weeks or months in advance through the official Vatican Excavations Office website. They will confirm your visit based on availability.
The tour typically costs around €20 per person. Prices can vary slightly, and booking directly through the official site is recommended.
Tours are scheduled throughout the day, but availability is limited. You request your preferred dates and times, and the Excavations Office confirms based on their schedule.
No, same-day tickets are not available. Advance booking is mandatory due to the limited capacity and high demand.
It's crucial to arrive on time. Missing your slot may result in forfeiture of your booking, as rescheduling is difficult due to limited availability.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The tour involves descending into an ancient Roman burial site beneath St. Peter's Basilica. You'll walk along old Roman roads, see tombs, and learn about early Christianity and the history of the Basilica from a knowledgeable guide.
The Necropolis is an underground, confined space. It is not recommended for individuals who are claustrophobic or have respiratory issues.
No, photography is strictly prohibited within the excavation site to preserve the ancient artifacts and maintain the solemn atmosphere.
The guided tour typically lasts about 1.5 hours, providing an in-depth exploration of the site.
Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven ancient surfaces. The underground temperature is generally cooler than outside, but it can be humid.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the area around St. Peter's Square and the Vatican offers numerous cafes, trattorias, and restaurants for a meal before or after your tour.
Food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the Necropolis to protect the ancient site.
No, there are no dining facilities within the Necropolis itself. You'll need to eat before or after your tour in the surrounding Vatican area.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely not. Photography, including with mobile phones, is strictly forbidden inside the Necropolis to protect the delicate ancient remains and artifacts.
While you can't photograph inside, you can take photos of St. Peter's Square and the exterior of St. Peter's Basilica before or after your tour.
The ban is in place to preserve the integrity of the ancient site, prevent damage to artifacts, and maintain the solemn, sacred atmosphere of the burial grounds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family is interested in history and archaeology, and your children are old enough to appreciate a guided tour without excessive movement or noise, it can be a very educational experience. However, it's essential to book well in advance and be aware of the no-photography rule. For younger children, exploring St. Peter's Basilica and Square might be more engaging.
🙏 Religious Pilgrims
The tour provides a profound sense of reverence and historical continuity. It's a chance to pay respects in a sacred space that predates the current Basilica. Many pilgrims describe it as a moving and unforgettable moment of faith and historical immersion. Booking in advance is crucial to ensure this essential pilgrimage experience.
🏛️ History & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Guides are typically well-versed in the archaeological significance of the site, explaining the context of the findings and their importance in understanding the evolution of Rome and its religious landscape. It's a rare opportunity to explore a protected historical site that is both sacred and scientifically significant.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Scavi Tour: A Journey Through History
Excavations commissioned by Pope Pius XII between 1939 and 1958 brought this hidden world to light, revealing what is believed to be the tomb of Saint Peter himself. Standing at this sacred spot is described as a profoundly moving and humbling experience, connecting visitors directly to a pivotal figure in Christian history. The atmosphere is one of reverence and quiet contemplation, a stark contrast to the bustling Vatican City above.
It's crucial to understand that this is a confined underground space. Visitors with claustrophobia or breathing difficulties should reconsider. However, for those who can manage the environment, it's an unforgettable journey into the origins of Christianity and the very foundations of St. Peter's Basilica. The guides are highly knowledgeable, enriching the experience with historical context and archaeological insights.
Booking Your Necropolis Visit: Essential Steps
Be prepared for limited availability. The office will respond with confirmation of your visit based on their schedule. It's advisable to check your emails regularly and respond promptly once a confirmation is received. Payment is usually processed after your visit is confirmed. Many visitors recommend booking weeks, if not months, in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Access to the Necropolis is from an external entrance, not from within St. Peter's Basilica. It's vital to read all instructions provided by the Excavations Office carefully regarding the meeting point and time. Arriving early is recommended to navigate security and find the correct entrance, ensuring you don't miss your allocated tour slot.
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