Vatican Underground Tours | Vatican Necropolis Tours & Tickets

What is Vatican Necropolis?

The Vatican Necropolis is located beneath the Vatican City, between 5 and 12 meters below St. Peter's Basilica. The Vatican Necropolis was formerly a burial cemetery adjacent to the Circus of Caligula on the southern slope of the Vatican Hill. It was illegal to bury the dead within the city walls, according to Roman law. As a result, burial places arose along the roadsides outside the city cemeteries. If you are in the Vatican you would be remiss if you didn't go on a tour of the Necropolis. Here is all you need to know about going on Scavi Tours, or the Vatican Necropolis tour!

What Lies Under the Vatican City?

Beneath the Vatican City, or more accurately under St. Peter's Basilica, you will find the Vatican Necropolis. The site was discovered during the early years of the pontificate of Pius XII Pacelli (1939-1958), who undertook a series of archaeological explorations in the area of ​​the Vatican Confession and in the center of the Sacred Caves.

On Scavi tours or Vatican Necropolis tours, visitors are led down three levels to a 1st century AD Pagan burial ground with a few small clay and stone repositories, followed by the 5th century Pagan and Christian combined burial ground with several medium-sized stone mausolea and other ruins, including a fractured piece of a large triumphal arch.

Level 1: Dating back to the 4th century BC, this level was originally an Etruscan necropolis, used for burials by the ancient civilization that predated the Romans in Italy. The most notable find here is the Banditaccia Tomb, a large chamber tomb with painted walls depicting scenes of daily life and religious rituals.

Level 2: This level dates from the 1st to the 4th centuries AD and contains a mix of pagan and early Christian burials.

Level 3: This level dates from the 4th century AD and is named after Emperor Constantine, who built the first St. Peter's Basilica on this site. The most important find here is the Tomb of St. Peter, which is believed to contain the remains of the first pope.

The papal grotto is included within this labyrinth, as is a 12th-century early Christian church with grates in the roof that go up into the basilica's floor.

Brief history of Vatican Scavi

• The undergound originally served as an Etruscan necropolis, a burial ground dating back to the 4th century BC. Evidence of tombs, pottery, and other artifacts hint at their culture and rituals.
• With the rise of Christianity and the building of the first St. Peter's Basilica in the 4th century AD, the necropolis evolved into a Christian burial ground. Early popes and martyrs were likely laid to rest here.
• The exact location of St. Peter's tomb remained a mystery for centuries. Legends and traditions shrouded the necropolis in intrigue, attracting pilgrims and sparking archaeological interest.
• Limited excavations occurred sporadically, but systematic exploration wasn't undertaken until the late 19th century.
• The discovery of the Red Mausoleum, a large pagan structure possibly built for an emperor, and the Banditaccia Tomb, an Etruscan chamber tomb with vibrant artwork, became major highlights.