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.
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.
Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
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.
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
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.
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 BasilicaThe only way to get tickets is to book them directly with the Scavi office.
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."
Yes, the Scavi institution provides a licensed guide to accompany visitors.
No, photography is not permitted inside the Vatican Necropolis.
A tour of just the Vatican Necropolis takes about 1 - 2 hours.
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.
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.
