Your complete guide to the Vatican Grottoes inside St. Peter's Basilica

Vatican Grottoes | An ancient memorial space

Beneath St. Peter's Basilica lies the Vatican Grottoes, a fascinating underground area filled with tombs of Popes, church leaders, and other important figures from Rome's history. There are also invaluable ancient works of art and relics in these hidden grottoes. Many people come here each year to explore this lesser-visited part of the Vatican. Keep reading to learn more about the Grottoes, what's inside, and how you can visit this special place.

Note: Entrance to the Vatican Grottoes is free year-round, but if you're interested in guided tours or special events, tickets can be purchased online.

What to see inside the Vatican Grottoes?

• Clementine Chapel: The main highlight of the Vatican Grottoes, the Clementine Chapel or the Chapel of St. Peter, contains the sepulcher containing the alleged remains of the Apostle Peter.
• Chapel of the Madonna of Bocciata: Inside this chapel is a fresco of Madonna called ‘Madonna Della Bocciata,’ referring to her swollen face. An ancient legend says that her face bled after a drunk soldier threw a bowl at the fresco after losing a game.
• Tomb of Pope John Paul II: Pope John Paul II's tomb, marked by a simple white marble slab, draws countless pilgrims. Moved to the St. Sebastian Chapel in 2011 after his beatification, it became a focal point for devotion.
• Tomb of Queen Christina of Sweden: Next to the tomb of John Paul II is the tomb of Queen Christina of Sweden. Adorned with simple white marble and decorative corners, the tomb was constructed in the 20th century.
• Tomb of Pope Pius XII: The Tomb of Pope Pius XII is a modest burial site in the Vatican Grottoes, marked by a marble slab with his name and dates. His papacy during World War II, including his diplomatic efforts and actions during the Holocaust, remains a topic of both praise and debate.
• The Tomb of the Stuarts: On the left aisle lies the remains of the last few members of the royal Stuart family. Buried here are James III, Charles Edward and Cardinal Henry Benedict.
• Chapel of St. Longinus: This chapel holds the tomb of St. Longinus, a Roman soldier who is believed to have pierced the body of Christ with a lance.
• Empty Tomb for Benedict XVI: As morbid as it sounds, there is an empty tomb inside the Vatican Grottoes built for Pope Benedict XVI. At age 78, he was the oldest elected Pope, who served his Papacy from 2005 to 2013.
• Tomb of Queen Charlotte of Cyprus: Built with white marble is the tomb of Queen Charlotte of Cyprus. The oldest and only surviving daughter of King John II and Helena Palaiologina, Charlotte served as Queen between 1458 and 1464.
• Archeological Rooms: During the 16th century, Pope Paul V commissioned the extension of the Grottoes to include parts of the Old St. Peter’s Basilica. Inside the Grottoes are six archeological rooms with parts from the old Church including tombs, frescoes, and other structures.