St. Peter's tomb | Venture beneath the Basilica

Beneath the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica lies one of Christianity’s most sacred sites: the Tomb of St. Peter. Dating back to the 1st century, it’s where the apostle and close companion of Jesus is believed to be buried.

At first, no one was sure if this was really St. Peter's resting place—there was no name, and no remains were found. But then archaeologist Margherita Guarducci cracked the mystery. She deciphered ancient graffiti on the walls, revealing clues like "Peter is here." Sure enough, they eventually found bones that matched the time and place, confirming it was indeed St. Peter. Today, this tomb is a pilgrimage spot for millions, deeply rooted in the history of the faith.

St. Peter’s tomb in a nutshell

Location: The Tomb of St. Peter is located in the depths of St. Peter's Basilica in an area called the Vatican Necropolis. It is believed that after the death of St. Peter, he was buried on Vatican Hill, close to the site of his martyrdom.
How to visit: Visits to St. Peter's tomb are only possible with special permission. For more information on how to visit, please contact the Scavi office directly.
Fun fact about the tomb: The tomb features in the 2009 film, Angels & Demons, where a hidden container within it holds antimatter set to explode, threatening to destroy Vatican City and, symbolically, Catholicism itself.

More about Saint Peter

Exploring St. Peter’s tomb

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The tomb of St. Peter

The primary highlight is the tomb itself, believed to be the final resting place of St. Peter, located beneath the basilica.

The Red Wall

A significant archaeological find, the red wall features ancient graffiti and inscriptions that helped confirm the tomb's identity as St. Peter’s.

The Martyrium

View the structure built over the burial site, which includes early Christian artifacts and remains of the original shrine.

Historical and cultural significance of St. Peter’s tomb

The Tomb of St. Peter is deeply significant both historically and culturally. Historically, it is believed to be the burial site of St. Peter, one of Jesus Christ's apostles and the first Pope. St. Peter was crucified in Rome around 64 AD during Emperor Nero’s reign, who had blamed Christians for a massive fire in the city. After his execution, Peter was buried near the Vatican Necropolis.

In 326 AD, Emperor Constantine I ordered the construction of a grand basilica to honor St. Peter’s martyrdom, which was built over his burial site. This ancient basilica, known as Old St. Peter’s, was a major Christian landmark. Following its collapse, Pope Julius II commissioned the construction of a new basilica on the same sacred site to preserve the sanctity of St. Peter’s resting place. This new basilica eventually became the grand St. Peter’s Basilica we know today, continuing to serve as a pivotal spiritual and pilgrimage site for Christians around the world.

History of St. Peter's Basilica

Notable figures associated with St. Peter’s tomb

St. Peter

Known as one of Jesus Christ’s twelve apostles and the first Pope of the Catholic Church, St. Peter’s martyrdom and burial near the Vatican Necropolis established the site as a major pilgrimage destination for Christians. His leadership and sacrifice have made his resting place a focal point of Christian faith and tradition, and his tomb remains a powerful symbol of the early Christian church.

Emperor Nero

During his reign in the mid-1st century AD, Emperor Nero infamously persecuted Christians, scapegoating them for a devastating fire that ravaged Rome in 64 AD. Among those persecuted was St. Peter, who was crucified upside down, reportedly at his own request to avoid being crucified in the same manner as Jesus. St. Peter was buried near the site of his execution, which would later become a central location of Christian reverence.

Emperor Constantine I

Recognizing the significance of St. Peter’s burial site, Emperor Constantine I ordered the construction of a grand basilica around 326 AD to honor the apostle and commemorate his death. This basilica was built directly over St. Peter’s tomb at the Vatican Necropolis, marking the site as a place of immense religious importance and ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Pope Julius II

After the collapse of the original basilica constructed by Constantine, Pope Julius II initiated the construction of a new, larger St. Peter’s Basilica in the early 16th century. His efforts were aimed at preserving the sanctity of St. Peter’s burial site and ensuring that the basilica continued to serve as a monumental and sacred space for the Catholic Church.

Michelangelo

The renowned artist and architect Michelangelo designed the dome of the new St. Peter’s Basilica to be positioned directly above the apostle’s tomb. This architectural choice highlighted the tomb’s central place in the basilica and underscored its importance within the overall design of the church, reflecting the profound reverence given to St. Peter.

Bernini

The renowned architect and sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini played a crucial role in the design and decoration of the new St. Peter’s Basilica. His creation of the Baldacchino, a grand bronze canopy that stands above St. Peter’s tomb, highlights the importance of the site. Bernini’s work, including the design of the four massive columns in the basilica, emphasized the tomb’s central role in the church’s architecture and its spiritual significance.

Pope Pius XI

In the early 20th century, Pope Pius XI expressed a desire to be buried next to St. Peter’s tomb, further enhancing the site’s prestige. This led to extensive excavations and discoveries within the Vatican Necropolis, as the area became a prominent burial ground for many Popes and important figures. His wish and the subsequent excavations underscored the tomb’s enduring importance in the history of the Catholic Church.

Ludwig Kaas

A Catholic priest and scholar, Ludwig Kaas played a key role in uncovering significant relics during excavations in the Vatican Necropolis. His discovery of these relics, which were believed to belong to St. Peter, added to the historical and spiritual weight of the site. The relics, initially placed elsewhere for safekeeping, were later found and returned to the Church, reinforcing the belief in their connection to the apostle.

Pope Paul VI

Pope Paul VI, who led the Catholic Church during the mid-20th century, was instrumental in confirming the identification of the bones discovered in the necropolis as those of St. Peter. His public announcement of this finding affirmed the tomb’s significance and cemented its status as a central site of Christian veneration.

Visitor tips

When you visit St. Peter’s tomb, begin by checking out a wooden model of the basilica. It will give you a clear idea of what to expect as you explore the underground areas.
Be prepared to line up to view the tomb, as access is typically one person at a time.
Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered, as there are strict dress codes for entering religious sites. To gain deeper insight, consider booking a guided tour. This can provide valuable historical context and enhance your experience.
After visiting the tomb, take some time to explore the tombs of other Popes. From there, you can head up into St. Peter’s Basilica, which is a great way to skip the long lines at the main entrance.

Frequently asked questions about St. Peter's tomb

What does the tomb of St. Peter look like?

The tomb itself is relatively simple, consisting of a plain, rectangular burial niche. Above the tomb, there are inscriptions and a marble slab with a Latin inscription that says "Peter is here," which was placed there by Pope Paul VI in 1968.

How much time should I allocate to exploring St. Peter’s tomb?

You should allocate about 30 to 45 minutes for a visit to St. Peter’s tomb. This timeframe includes the tour of the Vatican Necropolis, where the tomb is located. The tour typically involves a guided walk through the underground burial sites, offering insights into the early Christian history and the significance of St. Peter’s tomb.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, or can I purchase them on the day of my visit?

Booking tickets in advance is essential for visiting St. Peter’s tomb, as tours are not usually available on the day of your visit. Due to high demand and limited availability, it is advisable to book at least a month in advance.

Are there any restrictions on photography or filming at St. Peter’s tomb?

Photography and filming are strictly prohibited at St. Peter’s tomb to maintain the sanctity and preservation of the site.

What is the best time to visit St. Peter’s tomb?

The best time to visit St. Peter’s tomb is early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak tourist hours. Scheduling your visit during the less crowded times can provide a more serene and reflective experience.

Has St. Peter’s tomb been definitively identified?

While there is strong evidence supporting that the tomb is indeed that of St. Peter, the identification is based on historical, archaeological, and tradition-based factors. The Vatican and many scholars believe it is St. Peter’s tomb, but definitive proof remains a matter of faith and interpretation of the evidence.