Explore the Vatican Necropolis | Ancient Burial Grounds

Vatican Necropolis | Rome’s ancient burial ground

Beneath Vatican City lies the Vatican Necropolis, an ancient Roman burial ground believed to hold the grave of St. Peter. The word necropolis is a Greek term, quite literally meaning the “city of the dead.” The Vatican Necropolis is located about 5 to 12 meters below St. Peter’s Basilica. Although hidden for many years, excavations during the 1940s revealed its existence. We’ve put together a guide to visiting the Vatican Necropolis, including its origins, what to see, tips, and more!

Note: Due to the sensitive nature of the site and the preservation efforts required, the Necropolis tours are typically conducted by reservation only.

How to enter the Necropolis under the Vatican?

Requests to visit the Vatican Necropolis should be sent to the Excavations Office. If the person submitting the request is not the actual visitor, the visitor's name and e-mail address should be submitted along with the form.

Note: The requests should be submitted in written form by faxing the form to 39 06 69873017, or by visiting the Excavations Office in person. The exact number of participants, names of participants, the language of the guide, possible dates that you would like to visit, your e-mail address or fax number or a complete postal address should also be provided.

Plan your visit to the Vatican Necropolis

Opening hours

Monday-Friday: 9 am to 6 pm

Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm

Closed: All Sundays and Vatican Holidays (1 January, 6 January, 11 February, 13 March, 19 March, Monday after Easter, 23 April, 1 May, 29 June, 15 August, 8 September, 1 November, 8 December, 25 December, 26 December)

Note: The last visit starts at 3:30 pm (From April to September the last visit starts at 4:15 pm)

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Vatican Necropolis is during the spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October), not only to enjoy milder weather and fewer crowds but also to experience special events.

For instance, in May, the Vatican celebrates significant religious feasts like Pentecost, and in October, you can witness the opening of the synod, a Mass in which the Pope invites the whole Church to reflect on key themes important to its mission. It draws bishops and church leaders from around the world. These periods offer a unique spiritual atmosphere, making your visit to the Necropolis more meaningful and culturally enriching.

Location

Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

Find on Maps

The Vatican Necropolis is located beneath St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. This ancient city of the dead was uncovered during excavations in the 1940s, revealing a network of mausoleums, tombs, and what is believed to be the grave of St. Peter himself. Hidden below one of the world’s most iconic basilicas, it offers a glimpse into early Christian burial practices and Roman history.

Getting there

Metro: Take Line A of the Rome Metro. The closest station to the Vatican is the Ottaviano-S. Pietro station.

Train: Take the train from Roma Termini to the St Pietro train station.

Bus: 64, 34, 98, N98, 190F, 881, N904

More about getting to St. Peter's Basilica

Visitor information

Vatican Necropolis allows only a maximum of 250 visitors per day. Plan your visit and book tickets in advance so you don’t miss out on this must-see attraction.
Tour groups include only a small number of approximately 12 people and access is granted strictly only to those who are 15 years of age and above.
Keep in mind that the conditions at the Necropolis might not be suitable for everyone. The temperature and humidity are much higher underground, so if you have any pre-existing health conditions, you might want to skip this one.
Reach the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time of the visit.
The Necropolis is located beneath St. Peter's Basilica. And, the Necropolis is a sacred place. Dress appropriately.
Luggage, large bags, and backpacks/cameras have to be deposited in the locker area available to the right of the façade of the Basilica on the ground floor.

Main attractions in Vatican Necropolis

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The Tomb of St. Peter

This is the most significant site within the Necropolis. It’s believed to be the burial place of St. Peter, one of Jesus’s apostles and the first Pope. The tomb is a focal point of Christian pilgrimage and has great religious significance.

Papal tombs

The Necropolis is home to the final resting places of numerous popes, including some of the early popes such as Pope Pius XI and significant figures in Catholic history. These tombs are revered as part of the rich tapestry of the church's heritage.

Ancient mausoleums

The site features elaborate Roman mausoleums, which showcase the grandeur of ancient burial practices. These tombs often include intricate carvings and architectural elements reflecting the craftsmanship of the era.

The Grottoes

Beneath St. Peter's Basilica, you can explore the Grottoes, where many early Christian martyrs and saints are buried. This area provides a profound connection to the early Christian community and its traditions.

Frescoes

Some burial chambers in the Necropolis are decorated with beautifully preserved frescoes. These artworks enhance the tombs' aesthetic appeal and offer a glimpse into the religious and cultural expressions of the time.

History of the Vatican Necropolis in a nutshell

The Vatican Necropolis has a rich history tied to Christianity and the papacy, beginning in the 1st century AD with the burial of Saint Peter, an apostle of Jesus and the first pope. His grave became a revered site for early Christians.

During the 4th century construction of the first St. Peter's Basilica, workers uncovered an extensive necropolis, which was then incorporated into the basilica's foundations. This discovery linked the site directly to the early Christian tradition. Over the centuries, the Necropolis became the final resting place for numerous popes and important Catholic figures like Pope Linus, Pope Anacletus and Pope Evaristus, enhancing its significance and solidifying its status as a profoundly sacred site.

Detailed history of St. Peter's Basilica

Book tickets to St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica Entry with Audio Guide

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Flexible duration

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St. Peter's Basilica Reserved Entry Tickets with Dome Access

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1 hr. 30 min. - 2 hr.

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Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour with St. Peter's Basilica

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2 hr. - 3 hr.

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St. Peter’s Basilica and Papal Tombs Guided Tour

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1 hr. - 2 hr.

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Excavations of the Necropolis

Excavations under St. Peter’s Basilica began in the 1940s and continued until 1949, under the sponsorship of the Vatican. This work began at the request of Pope Pius XI, who wished to be buried near the grave of Peter the Apostle. Initially, the excavation began with the aim of locating the actual burial site of St. Peter.

After years of uncovering the remains of the site, certain areas of Emperor Constantine’s Basilica were found along with 15 mausoleums, and Pagan and Christian tombs. Many former popes are also believed to be buried at the Vatican Necropolis making this site a holy one, visited by many every year.

Frequently asked questions about the Vatican Necropolis

How do I get tickets to the Vatican Necropolis?

The only way to get tickets is to book them directly with the Scavi office.

What is the difference between a cemetery and a necropolis?

A cemetery is a burial site for the deceased, while a necropolis is a large, elaborate cemetery located outside the city. Necropolis or nekropolis refers to the "city of the dead."

Does my Vatican Scavi tour include a guided tour?

Yes, the Scavi institution provides a licensed guide to accompany visitors.

Is photography allowed inside the Vatican Necropolis?

No, photography is not permitted inside the Vatican Necropolis.

How long is the Vatican Necropolis Tour?

A tour of just the Vatican Necropolis takes about 1 - 2 hours.

What is the dress code for visiting the Vatican Necropolis?

As with all Vatican sites, visitors must follow a strict dress code. Shoulders and knees must be covered, and modest attire is required as the Necropolis is considered a sacred place.

Are there any accessibility accommodations for visitors with mobility issues?

Unfortunately, due to the ancient and narrow underground structures, the Vatican Necropolis is not wheelchair accessible, and visitors must be able to navigate steps and uneven surfaces.