Vatican Grottoes tours

4.2(121.9K ratings)
Expert guides. Unique insights.
Expert guides. Unique insights.
Tours in multiple languages
Tours in multiple languages
Top experiences in Rome
Top experiences in Rome



Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards St. Peter’s Basilica under a clear blue sky
Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards the entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica on a sunny day in Vatican City
Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards St. Peter’s Basilica under a clear blue sky
Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards the entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica under a clear blue sky
Vatican grottoes, Papal Tomb
English guided tour group exploring St. Peter's Basilica, Square and Papal Tombs in Vatican City, highlighting unique architecture and historical landmarks
Tour guide leading a group of tourists in front of St. Peter’s Basilica during a guided tour
Guided tour group exploring the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica and Papal Tombs in Vatican City
Tour group exploring the St Peters Basilica Tomb in the Grottoes, Rome
Statue of Veronica holding the Veil, a significant landmark inside St. Peter's Basilica, Rome
Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards St. Peter’s Basilica under a clear blue sky
Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards the entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica on a sunny day in Vatican City
Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards St. Peter’s Basilica under a clear blue sky
Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards the entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica under a clear blue sky
Vatican grottoes, Papal Tomb
English guided tour group exploring St. Peter's Basilica, Square and Papal Tombs in Vatican City, highlighting unique architecture and historical landmarks
Tour guide leading a group of tourists in front of St. Peter’s Basilica during a guided tour
Guided tour group exploring the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica and Papal Tombs in Vatican City
Tour group exploring the St Peters Basilica Tomb in the Grottoes, Rome
Statue of Veronica holding the Veil, a significant landmark inside St. Peter's Basilica, Rome
Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards St. Peter’s Basilica under a clear blue sky
Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards the entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica on a sunny day in Vatican City
Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards St. Peter’s Basilica under a clear blue sky
Tour guide leading a group of tourists towards the entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica under a clear blue sky
Vatican grottoes, Papal Tomb
English guided tour group exploring St. Peter's Basilica, Square and Papal Tombs in Vatican City, highlighting unique architecture and historical landmarks
Tour guide leading a group of tourists in front of St. Peter’s Basilica during a guided tour
Guided tour group exploring the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica and Papal Tombs in Vatican City
Tour group exploring the St Peters Basilica Tomb in the Grottoes, Rome
Statue of Veronica holding the Veil, a significant landmark inside St. Peter's Basilica, Rome
3.8(3.5K)

St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour

from
€12
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
1 hr.

Explore the chapels, altars, and crypts of St. Peter's Basilica with an expert guide.

  • An expert guide will lead you through the best of St. Peter's Basilica, from its chapels and altars to the sacred Papal Crypts.
  • Dive into art and architecture by Renaissance greats such as Donato Bramante and Carlo Maderno in your preferred language.
  • As you walk through the mosaic floors that tell the stories of saints and martyrs, keep an eye out for the awe-inspiring Baldachin by Bernini.
  • You can opt for a guide in your preferred language, with tours available in English, French, Spanish, and Italian.
  • After the tour, you can descend to the Vatican Grottoes and explore the Papal Tombs, learn about the legacy of the Clementine Chapel, and more.

Explore the chapels, altars, and crypts of St. Peter's Basilica with an expert guide.

  • An expert guide will lead you through the best of St. Peter's Basilica, from its chapels and altars to the sacred Papal Crypts.
  • Dive into art and architecture by Renaissance greats such as Donato Bramante and Carlo Maderno in your preferred language.
  • As you walk through the mosaic floors that tell the stories of saints and martyrs, keep an eye out for the awe-inspiring Baldachin by Bernini.
  • You can opt for a guide in your preferred language, with tours available in English, French, Spanish, and Italian.
  • After the tour, you can descend to the Vatican Grottoes and explore the Papal Tombs, learn about the legacy of the Clementine Chapel, and more.

Inclusions

  • Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
  • Expert English, French, Italian or Spanish-speaking guide
  • Assistance at meeting point
  • Tip: Check out Pietro Cavallini's Madonna della Bocciata fresco in the Vatican Grottoes and hear the story behind its unique name.
  • Strict dress code: knees and shoulders must be covered for all guests.
  • Mobile phones must remain on silent mode inside the Basilica.
  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible. The right semicircle of Saint Peter’s Square is equipped with ramp access to the Basilica. For any special requirements, contact accoglienza@fsp.va in advance.
  • Sign language guided tours are available in Italian at the Basilica. This service must be booked at least 48 hours in advance at the following email address: visiteguidate@fsp.va.
  • Expect a long wait at security, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to 2 hours!
  • Around religious holidays at the Vatican, parts of the tour, such as the Papal Tombs, may not be open. In this case, the tour of the Basilica itself will be extended.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Facade of St. Peter’s Basilica
Visitors exploring the Vatican Museums with a guide, viewing art and architecture, Rome, Italy.
Tour guide showing a group the Sistine Chapel ceiling during the Jubilee Gold Pass tour in Vatican Museums, Rome
Vatican Museum Gallery
Vatican Museums guided tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Vatican Museums guided tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling artwork.
Visitors at the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace
Facade of St. Peter’s Basilica
Visitors exploring the Vatican Museums with a guide, viewing art and architecture, Rome, Italy.
Tour guide showing a group the Sistine Chapel ceiling during the Jubilee Gold Pass tour in Vatican Museums, Rome
Vatican Museum Gallery
Vatican Museums guided tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Vatican Museums guided tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling artwork.
Visitors at the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace
Facade of St. Peter’s Basilica
Visitors exploring the Vatican Museums with a guide, viewing art and architecture, Rome, Italy.
Tour guide showing a group the Sistine Chapel ceiling during the Jubilee Gold Pass tour in Vatican Museums, Rome
Vatican Museum Gallery
Vatican Museums guided tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Vatican Museums guided tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling artwork.
Visitors at the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace
4.2(30.6K)

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

from
€59
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr. - 3 hr.

Explore Vatican City’s top 3 sites & Entry to the Basilica with a guided tour

  • Get the complete Vatican City experience on a guided tour of its three iconic sites: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.
  • Fast-track entry ensures you spend more time exploring and less time waiting at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
  • Marvel at Renaissance masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel, including Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment.
  • Get the flexibility to choose either the guided tour or a self-paced exploration of St. Peter's Basilica.
  • Head to St. Peter's Basilica via a secret door from the Sistine Chapel, saving you 20 minutes of walking and skipping a 2-hour queue.

Explore Vatican City’s top 3 sites & Entry to the Basilica with a guided tour

  • Get the complete Vatican City experience on a guided tour of its three iconic sites: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.
  • Fast-track entry ensures you spend more time exploring and less time waiting at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
  • Marvel at Renaissance masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel, including Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment.
  • Get the flexibility to choose either the guided tour or a self-paced exploration of St. Peter's Basilica.
  • Head to St. Peter's Basilica via a secret door from the Sistine Chapel, saving you 20 minutes of walking and skipping a 2-hour queue.

Inclusions

  • Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
  • Skip-the-line entry or guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
  • Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide
  • Headphones

Exclusions

  • Gratuities
  • Entry to St. Peter's Basilica Dome
  • Strict dress code: Knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
  • Accessibility: While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
  • Inside the Sistine Chapel, maintain silence—no chatter, phones, or photos allowed. Don’t worry, your guide will brief you beforehand.
  • Expect a considerable wait at the security line, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to an hour!
  • Please be aware that during the Jubilee Year, certain areas of the Vatican Museums may be inaccessible due to religious ceremonies. Additionally, entrance to St. Peter's Basilica may also experience unannounced closures. These circumstances are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Visitors at the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace
Tour guide leading a group towards the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome in Rome, highlighting its architectural grandeur
Statues on the  St. Peter’s Basilica Terrace
Tour guide leading a group towards the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica Dome in Rome, Italy
St. Peter's Basilica Dome interior view during guided tour, Rome, Italy.
Tour guide leading a group towards the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome in Rome, Italy
Tour guide leading a group towards the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica Dome in Rome, Italy
Interiors of St. Peter’s Basilica
Statue of St Sebastian at St. Peter’s Basilica
Details of the Interiors of St. Peter’s Basilica
Visitors at the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace
Tour guide leading a group towards the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome in Rome, highlighting its architectural grandeur
Statues on the  St. Peter’s Basilica Terrace
Tour guide leading a group towards the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica Dome in Rome, Italy
St. Peter's Basilica Dome interior view during guided tour, Rome, Italy.
Tour guide leading a group towards the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome in Rome, Italy
Tour guide leading a group towards the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica Dome in Rome, Italy
Interiors of St. Peter’s Basilica
Statue of St Sebastian at St. Peter’s Basilica
Details of the Interiors of St. Peter’s Basilica
Visitors at the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace
Tour guide leading a group towards the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome in Rome, highlighting its architectural grandeur
Statues on the  St. Peter’s Basilica Terrace
Tour guide leading a group towards the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica Dome in Rome, Italy
St. Peter's Basilica Dome interior view during guided tour, Rome, Italy.
Tour guide leading a group towards the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome in Rome, Italy
Tour guide leading a group towards the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica Dome in Rome, Italy
Interiors of St. Peter’s Basilica
Statue of St Sebastian at St. Peter’s Basilica
Details of the Interiors of St. Peter’s Basilica
4.2(3K)

St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour with Dome Access

from
€35
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr. - 3 hr.

Experience Basilica's Dome and uncover its stories with an expert guide.

  • Admire Michelangelo's genius up close while climbing the Dome and learn all about its legends in a guided tour.
  • This is one photo op you won't want to miss! Enjoy unparalleled views of the Eternal City, from the top of the Dome.
  • Explore the intricate art-filled interiors of St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Papal Crypts in the Vatican Grottoes.
  • Choose from 5 language options. On a French or English tour, you can opt to relish a sumptuous breakfast before you begin.

Experience Basilica's Dome and uncover its stories with an expert guide.

  • Admire Michelangelo's genius up close while climbing the Dome and learn all about its legends in a guided tour.
  • This is one photo op you won't want to miss! Enjoy unparalleled views of the Eternal City, from the top of the Dome.
  • Explore the intricate art-filled interiors of St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Papal Crypts in the Vatican Grottoes.
  • Choose from 5 language options. On a French or English tour, you can opt to relish a sumptuous breakfast before you begin.

Inclusions

  • Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and Dome with entry
  • Expert English, Spanish, French, German or Italian-speaking guide
  • Access by elevator to the base and stairs to the top
  • Breakfast (for French and English options, if selected)

Exclusions

  • Entry to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
  • Entry to the Necropolis / St. Peter’s Tomb / Scavi
  • Tip: While climbing the Dome, peek through special windows for rare views of the Basilica’s interiors below.
  • Strict dress code: Knees and shoulders must be covered for all guests.
  • The Dome is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with vertigo or claustrophobia. Even with elevator access, 320 steps must be climbed to reach the cupola.
  • Expect extended wait times at security, especially during peak hours, which may exceed 2 hours. Patience is key!
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
View of the Castel Sant Angelo\view of the St. Peter's Basilica
Castel Sant'Angelo, Hadrian's Mausoleum, ROme
Tour guide showing Jubilee Silver Pass holders around the historic Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, Italy
St. Peter's Basilica dome view with Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome during guided tour.
St. Peter's Basilica dome view during Vatican Gardens guided tour with Papal Audience, Rome.
Tour guide showing tourists around Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, Italy, part of the Jubilee Silver Pass tour including Vatican Museums and Catacombs
Interior view of Castel Sant'Angelo
St. Peter's Basilica dome view with Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome during guided tour.
Interior of St. Peter's Basilica, Rome
View of the Castel Sant Angelo\view of the St. Peter's Basilica
Castel Sant'Angelo, Hadrian's Mausoleum, ROme
Tour guide showing Jubilee Silver Pass holders around the historic Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, Italy
St. Peter's Basilica dome view with Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome during guided tour.
St. Peter's Basilica dome view during Vatican Gardens guided tour with Papal Audience, Rome.
Tour guide showing tourists around Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, Italy, part of the Jubilee Silver Pass tour including Vatican Museums and Catacombs
Interior view of Castel Sant'Angelo
St. Peter's Basilica dome view with Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome during guided tour.
Interior of St. Peter's Basilica, Rome
View of the Castel Sant Angelo\view of the St. Peter's Basilica
Castel Sant'Angelo, Hadrian's Mausoleum, ROme
Tour guide showing Jubilee Silver Pass holders around the historic Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, Italy
St. Peter's Basilica dome view with Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome during guided tour.
St. Peter's Basilica dome view during Vatican Gardens guided tour with Papal Audience, Rome.
Tour guide showing tourists around Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, Italy, part of the Jubilee Silver Pass tour including Vatican Museums and Catacombs
Interior view of Castel Sant'Angelo
St. Peter's Basilica dome view with Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome during guided tour.
Interior of St. Peter's Basilica, Rome
4.1(2.2K)

Combo (Save 5%): Castel Sant'Angelo + St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour

from €62
€58.90

5% off

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Guided tour

An unbeatable combo for neighboring sites in Rome!

  • Visit the riverside Castel Sant’Angelo, and St. Peter’s Basilica – the largest church in the world.
  • Your guide leads a group of under 20 guests to unravel the fortified passageways and gardens of Castel Sant’Angelo, a royal mausoleum-turned-fortress.
  • Inside the castle, be met with celestial sculptures and interesting rooms like the Grand Loggia, the breezy yet sheltered Courtyard of the Angel, and more.
  • Less than 1 km away yet in a different nation lies St. Peter’s Basilica, the crown jewel of the Vatican! Your guided tour continues here.
  • From the Papal Tombs to Bernini’s breathtaking bronze canopy and numerous niche chapels, absorb every nuance of the basilica’s narrative.

An unbeatable combo for neighboring sites in Rome!

  • Visit the riverside Castel Sant’Angelo, and St. Peter’s Basilica – the largest church in the world.
  • Your guide leads a group of under 20 guests to unravel the fortified passageways and gardens of Castel Sant’Angelo, a royal mausoleum-turned-fortress.
  • Inside the castle, be met with celestial sculptures and interesting rooms like the Grand Loggia, the breezy yet sheltered Courtyard of the Angel, and more.
  • Less than 1 km away yet in a different nation lies St. Peter’s Basilica, the crown jewel of the Vatican! Your guided tour continues here.
  • From the Papal Tombs to Bernini’s breathtaking bronze canopy and numerous niche chapels, absorb every nuance of the basilica’s narrative.

Inclusions

Castel Sant’Angelo

  • Guided tour of Castel Sant'Angelo with entry
  • Expert English-speaking guide
  • Group of up to 20 guests

St. Peter’s Basilica

  • Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and the Papal Tombs
  • Expert English-speaking guide
  • Tip: Keep an eye out for the discreet Passetto di Borgo which connects Castel Sant’Angelo to Vatican City!

Castel Sant’Angelo

  • Only some areas of the castle are suitable for the use of prams/strollers and wheelchairs.
  • If you are visiting with a baby or a toddler, get a carrier.
  • Keep in mind that your ticket is nominative, and you must present a valid ID matching your full name on the ticket for entry.

St. Peter’s Basilica

  • Strict dress code: knees and shoulders must be covered for all guests.
  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible. The right semicircle of Saint Peter’s Square is equipped with ramp access into the Basilica. For any special requirements, contact accoglienza@fsp.va in advance.
  • Sign language guided tours are available at the Basilica. This service must be booked at least 48 hours in advance at the following email address: visiteguidate@fsp.va.
  • Expect a long wait at security, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to an hour!
  • Around religious holidays at the Vatican, parts of the tour such as the Papal Tombs may not be open. In this case, the tour of the Basilica itself will be extended.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Tour guide showing a group of tourists the stunning interior of Saint Peter's Basilica during the 'Rome in a Day: Vatican Museums & Colosseum Guided Tour'
Group of tourists with escorted skip the line tickets entering the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in Rome, Italy
Tourists exploring the underground chambers of the Colosseum in Rome with the exclusive Rome Super Pass
Tour guide showing a group of tourists around the historic Colosseum in Rome, a highlight of the 'Rome in a Day: Guided Tour of Vatican Museums & Colosseum with Sistine Chapel'
Tour guide showing a group of tourists around the St. Peter's Basilica and the Cupola in Rome, a highlight of the Rome in a Day: Vatican Museums & Colosseum Guided Tour
Small-group guided tour participants exploring Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, Rome
Tourists exploring the historic Colosseum in Rome with the exclusive Rome Super Pass
Tour guide leading a group through the Colosseum Underground, with a view of Palatine Hill & Roman Forum in Rome, Italy
Roman Forum , Rome
Tour guide leading a group through the Colosseum Underground, with views of Palatine Hill & Roman Forum on a sunny day in Rome, Italy
Tour guide showing a group of tourists the stunning interior of Saint Peter's Basilica during the 'Rome in a Day: Vatican Museums & Colosseum Guided Tour'
Group of tourists with escorted skip the line tickets entering the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in Rome, Italy
Tourists exploring the underground chambers of the Colosseum in Rome with the exclusive Rome Super Pass
Tour guide showing a group of tourists around the historic Colosseum in Rome, a highlight of the 'Rome in a Day: Guided Tour of Vatican Museums & Colosseum with Sistine Chapel'
Tour guide showing a group of tourists around the St. Peter's Basilica and the Cupola in Rome, a highlight of the Rome in a Day: Vatican Museums & Colosseum Guided Tour
Small-group guided tour participants exploring Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, Rome
Tourists exploring the historic Colosseum in Rome with the exclusive Rome Super Pass
Tour guide leading a group through the Colosseum Underground, with a view of Palatine Hill & Roman Forum in Rome, Italy
Roman Forum , Rome
Tour guide leading a group through the Colosseum Underground, with views of Palatine Hill & Roman Forum on a sunny day in Rome, Italy
Tour guide showing a group of tourists the stunning interior of Saint Peter's Basilica during the 'Rome in a Day: Vatican Museums & Colosseum Guided Tour'
Group of tourists with escorted skip the line tickets entering the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in Rome, Italy
Tourists exploring the underground chambers of the Colosseum in Rome with the exclusive Rome Super Pass
Tour guide showing a group of tourists around the historic Colosseum in Rome, a highlight of the 'Rome in a Day: Guided Tour of Vatican Museums & Colosseum with Sistine Chapel'
Tour guide showing a group of tourists around the St. Peter's Basilica and the Cupola in Rome, a highlight of the Rome in a Day: Vatican Museums & Colosseum Guided Tour
Small-group guided tour participants exploring Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, Rome
Tourists exploring the historic Colosseum in Rome with the exclusive Rome Super Pass
Tour guide leading a group through the Colosseum Underground, with a view of Palatine Hill & Roman Forum in Rome, Italy
Roman Forum , Rome
Tour guide leading a group through the Colosseum Underground, with views of Palatine Hill & Roman Forum on a sunny day in Rome, Italy
4.4(1.8K)

Rome in a Day: Vatican Museums & Colosseum Guided Tour

from
€145
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
7 hr. - 9 hr.
  • Head to Rome's renowned spots Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on this expertly crafted tour.
  • Admire masterpieces by Renaissance maestros at the Vatican Museums followed by a visit to the Sistine Chapel and time to explore St. Peter's Basilica.
  • Head to the top of Palatine Hill for spectacular views of this ancient city.
  • At the Colosseum, your tour guide will offer intuitive commentary on the ancient amphitheater and the larger-than-life shows hosted here in the past.
  • Finish your full-day tour with a walk down the ancient path of the Roman Forum along the Via Sacra.
  • Head to Rome's renowned spots Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on this expertly crafted tour.
  • Admire masterpieces by Renaissance maestros at the Vatican Museums followed by a visit to the Sistine Chapel and time to explore St. Peter's Basilica.
  • Head to the top of Palatine Hill for spectacular views of this ancient city.
  • At the Colosseum, your tour guide will offer intuitive commentary on the ancient amphitheater and the larger-than-life shows hosted here in the past.
  • Finish your full-day tour with a walk down the ancient path of the Roman Forum along the Via Sacra.

Inclusions

  • Full-day guided tour of Rome
  • Expert English-speaking guide
  • Access to the Colosseum floors 1 & 2
  • Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
  • Access to Vatican Museums
  • Access to Sistine Chapel
  • Access to St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Audio headsets

Exclusions

  • Transport
  • Tip: Don't miss checking out Pietà by Michelangelo in St. Peter's Basilica, one of the most famous sculptures to exist in the world.
  • All visitors must carry a photo ID for security checks.
  • Please note that in case of unexpected closures of some of the areas inside the Museums, the guide may have to modify the itinerary slightly.
  • Please note that you will be able to visit St. Peter’s Basilica on your own. Your guide will not take you inside, since direct access from Vatican Museum is not possible.
  • St Peter’s Basilica is an active place of worship and may be closed without prior notice for religious events: in this case, the visit will be substituted by a visit to the Vatican Library.
  • Due to heightened security measures, you may experience delays in clearing security checks when entering venues. Guests with a pacemaker will need to show a certificate to bypass security screening
  • Facilities: Cloakroom at Vatican Museums
  • The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, people with mobility issues.
  • Strict Dress Code: In order to enter St.Peter's Basilica and Vatican Museums, one must abide by a dress code. Sleeveless blouses, miniskirts, shorts, and hats are not permitted. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.
  • Note that the following are not allowed inside Colosseum: large backpacks or pieces of luggage.
  • Note that the following are not allowed inside Vatican Museums: suitcases, backpacks, containers, umbrellas, walking sticks (except those required by disabled visitors), tripods for cameras and video cameras, signage of any kind.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Visitors on a private VIP tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter Basilica
Sculptures at the Vatican Museums
Gallery of Maps at the Vatican Museums
Private tour group exploring the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy
Visitor looking at the artwork on the ceiling of the Vatican Museums
Vatican Museums Staircase
St. Peter Basilica, Vatican
Altar of the St. Peter Basilica, Vatican
Visitors on a private VIP tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter Basilica
Sculptures at the Vatican Museums
Gallery of Maps at the Vatican Museums
Private tour group exploring the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy
Visitor looking at the artwork on the ceiling of the Vatican Museums
Vatican Museums Staircase
St. Peter Basilica, Vatican
Altar of the St. Peter Basilica, Vatican
Visitors on a private VIP tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter Basilica
Sculptures at the Vatican Museums
Gallery of Maps at the Vatican Museums
Private tour group exploring the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy
Visitor looking at the artwork on the ceiling of the Vatican Museums
Vatican Museums Staircase
St. Peter Basilica, Vatican
Altar of the St. Peter Basilica, Vatican
NEW

VIP Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Private Tour

from
€599
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
3 hr.

Experience the Vatican with a skip-the-line private tour tailored to your interests, at your pace.

  • Your Vatican, your way! Customize your tour to explore the sections that fascinate you most, like the Borgia Apartments or the Braccio Nuovo.
  • Bypass the ticketing lines and head straight to the Vatican Museums, giving you more time to explore.
  • Explore leisurely with lesser crowds, and delve deeper into the Vatican's wonders with ample time to appreciate each area.
  • Benefit from an expert guide as they bring the Vatican's history to life at the Pinoteca Gallery or Raphael's Rooms.

Experience the Vatican with a skip-the-line private tour tailored to your interests, at your pace.

  • Your Vatican, your way! Customize your tour to explore the sections that fascinate you most, like the Borgia Apartments or the Braccio Nuovo.
  • Bypass the ticketing lines and head straight to the Vatican Museums, giving you more time to explore.
  • Explore leisurely with lesser crowds, and delve deeper into the Vatican's wonders with ample time to appreciate each area.
  • Benefit from an expert guide as they bring the Vatican's history to life at the Pinoteca Gallery or Raphael's Rooms.

Inclusions

  • Private guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line access
  • Entry and private guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica (as per option selected)
  • Expert English/Spanish/French/German/Italian-speaking guide
  • Headsets
  • Tip: Unwind in the tranquil Cortile della Pigna, a hidden gem within the Vatican, featuring ancient sculptures like the iconic bronze pine cone.
  • Strict dress code: Knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
  • Accessibility: While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
  • Inside the Sistine Chapel, it's all about the quiet vibes. No chatting, no phones, and no photos, just pure admiration. But don't worry, an expert guide will fill you in on all the cool details before you step inside.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Vatican TicketsVatican Grottoes

What are Vatican Grottoes?

Vatican Grottoes is a massive spread of papal tombs situated right below St. Peter’s Basilica. Aside from the many artifacts, this area is the final resting place of over 90 popes, royalty, and other dignitaries. 

Every year, millions of tourists make their way to the tombs to pay their respects and get a close look at the papal tombs. We’ve put together a detailed guide to help you plan your visit to the Vatican Grottoes including its history, what’s inside, visitor tips, & more. 

Why visit the Vatican Grottoes?

Plan your visit to Vatican Grottoes

Vatican Grottoes
Vatican Grottoes

Origin of Vatican Grottoes

The Grottoes were established during the construction of the current St. Peter’s Basilica in the 17th century, built over the Old St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Necropolis, and Saint Peter’s tomb.

It took about 120 years to complete the Basilica, including the construction of the papal tombs and necropolis below the structure.

What’s inside the Grottoes?

Clementine Chapel (Chapel of St. Peter)

Clementine Chapel is the precious gem of the Vatican Grottoes, holding the chest that protects the sepulcher of Peter the Apostle. It makes up the center of the peribolos and is the only part of the cathedral to maintain its original purpose and function. Just like back in the day, people of faith make their way to the chapel to pay their respects. It is believed that the head of St. Peter lay above the tomb towards the back of the monument. The chapel gets its name from Clement VIII, who modified the ancient chapel in 1592.

Tomb of John Paul II (previous)

After the funeral of Pope John Paul II on April 8, 2005, his first tomb was placed towards the north end of the Grottoes, less than 100 feet from the tomb of St. Peter. He was placed in the spot where Pope John XXII previously lay, until he was moved to the St. Jerome Altar on June 3, 2001. A few years later in 2011, John Paul II was declared blessed and moved under the Altar of St. Sebastian. His body was placed in a cypress coffin as part of three traditional coffins that lay together. The outermost zinc casket was encrypted with three bronze plaques and a cross and placed in a larger casket which was shut using nails made of pure gold.

Chapel of the Madonna of Bocciata

The Chapel of Madonna of Bocciata is the oldest in the area around St. Peter’s sepulcher, commissioned by Gregory XIII in 1580. Inside the chapel is an elegant fresco painted by Pietro Cavallini, a renowned 14th-century artist. He called it the “Madonna della Bocciata” because Mary’s face is swollen in the painting. It is believed that a drunken soldier once threw a bowl at the image after losing a game, which made her face bleed. 

Icon of the Madonna Dolorosa & Reliefs of the Doctors of the Church

A massive depiction of the Holy Madonna is present in one corner of the Vatican Grottoes towards the south end. Here you can see Madonna painted in red and black clothes, slightly raising her arms, with an orange halo above her head. This image is surrounded by reliefs of the Doctors of the Church, preserved for many centuries.

Archaeological Rooms of Vatican Grottoes

Although the Old St. Peter’s Basilica was gravely destroyed, some parts of it remain buried below the new cathedral. Paul V extended the Vatican Grottoes in the 16th century with parts of the old basilica placed on its walls. There are six Archeological Rooms in total containing tombs, frescoes, and other structures from the old cathedral.

Funerary Monument of Calixtus III

A funerary monument of Pope Calixtus III lies at the south end of the grottoes, before the exit. Calixtus was the head of the Church and Papal States in the 14th century until his death. Although his remains were kept at Santa Maria in Monserrato, a funerary monument was built in his honor at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Marble Statue of St. Peter Enthroned

The marble statue of St. Peter is a famous image throughout the world. Located right before the exit of the grottoes, the statue shows the apostle sitting with his arms crossed and his feet adorned with sandals. Almost everyone who visits the Vatican Grottoes is known to perform the gesture of kissing feet of the Apostle.

Clementinian Peribolos

In between the Chapel with the Tomb of Pius XII and the Chapel of St. Veronica is the beautiful Clementinian Peribolos. The roof of the area is adorned with bright and colorful holy images that stretch along the corridor.

Georgian Peribolos

The Georgian Peribolos, unlike the Clementinian one, is worn down with many parts of its walls having fallen off. However, the structure still holds strong even centuries later.

Who is buried in the Vatican Grottoes? 

Although not all popes are buried at the Vatican Grottoes, there are over 90 papal tombs inside. Some of them include:

  • Pius VI Braschi, who was captured by the French and died a prisoner in 1799
  • John Paul I Luciani, whose reign lasted for just 33 days
  • Adrian IV, the only English pope

The Grottoes are also home to people of historical significance such as:

  • The Stuarts, who were pretenders to the English throne and remained in exile since 1717
  • The famous emperor Otto II, who passed in Rome at the early age of 28. 
  • Czech Cardinal Josef Beran, who was arrested in Prague after having worked at the Dachau concentration camp. He went on to become the archbishop of Prague until he was imprisoned once again for being an opponent of communism. After his final release, he became a cardinal in 1965. 

Map of the Vatican Grottoes

Vatican Grottoes

1. Chapel with Tomb of Pius XII

2. Chapel of St Veronica

3. Clementinian Peribolos

4. Chapel of St Helen

5. Clementine Chapel (Chapel of St Peter)

6. Gregorian Peribolos

7. Chapel of the Madonna of Bocciata

8. Opening onto the Archeological Remains of the Confessio (ex Chapel of Salvatorello)

9. Irish Chapel of St Columbanus

10. Chapel of the Madonna of Partorienti

11. Southern Corridor of the Confessio

12. The Confessio - Pallium Niche

13. Northern Corridor of the Confessio

14. Polish Chapel of Our Lady of Czestochowa

15. Lithuanian Chapel of Mater Misericordiae

16. Peribolos - Last Section

17. Mexican Chapel of Our Lady of Guadeloupe

18. Tomb of Pius VI

19. Chapel of the Madonna between Peter and Paul

20. Peribolos - First Section

21. Chapel of the Patron Saints of Europe

22. Chapel of St. Andrew (Grottoes Entrance)

23. Opening in front of the Confessio

24. Chapel of St Longinus

25. Tomb of Pius XI

26. Central Altar

27. Tomb of John Paul II (previous)

28. Tomb of Cardinal Merry del Val

29. Tomb of Queen Charlotte of Cyprus

30. Queen Christina of Sweden

31. Tomb of the Stuarts

32. Tomb of Cardinal Francesco Tedeschini

33. Tomb of Benedict XV

34. Tomb of Innocent IX

35. Archeological Room VI

36. Archeological Room V

37. Archeological Room IV

38. Tomb of Innocent XIII

39. Tomb of John Paul I

40. Tomb of Marcellus II

41. Tomb of Urban VI

42. Tomb of Paul VI

43. Chapel of Our Lady, Queen of the Hungarians

44. Entrance to Scavi from Piazza Braschi

45. Archeological Room I

46. Archeological Room II

47. Archeological Room III

48. Early Christian Sarcophagus

49. Mosaic of John VII

50. Gallery of Clement VIII

51. Sarcophagus of Pius III

52. Sarcophagus of Paul II

53. Polyandrium under the floor

54. Tomb of Hadrian IV

55. Tomb of Innocent VII

56. Tomb of Nicholas V

57. Tomb of Monsignor Ludvig Kaas

58. Tomb of Gregory V

59. Tomb of Emperor Otto II

60. Tomb of Julius III

61. Statue of Pius VI

62. Tomb of Nicholas III

63. Tomb of Boniface VIII

64. Icon of the Madonna Dolorosa and Reliefs of the Doctors of the Church

65. Dividing wall of Paul III and the Remains of two Columns from the Old Basilica

66. Funerary Monument of Calixtus III

67. Marble Statue of St Peter Enthroned

68. Exit from the Grottoes to the Patio

Visitor tips

  • The Grottoes are distinct from the Necropolis. Be sure to visit both.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Grottoes’ history for a more enriching experience.
  • The area around the tombs is quite spacious and light, so you don’t have to worry about being claustrophobic. 
  • Photography is strictly prohibited and all guests are required to maintain silence in the area.
  • Finish your tour of St. Peter’s Basilica before you head to the Grottoes to avoid waiting in line again.

Frequently asked questions about Vatican Grottoes

What are the Vatican Grottoes?

Under St. Peter’s Basilica is a massive papal burial ground (separate from the Vatican Necropolis) referred to as the Vatican Grottoes.

Are the Vatican Grottoes free to visit?

Yes. The papal tombs are free to visit during the opening hours of St. Peter’s Basilica.

How to visit the Vatican Grottoes?

You can plan your visit to the Vatican Grottoes as part of your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica. It is located below the cathedral, so make sure you head there towards the end of your tour.

Do I need separate entry tickets to Vatican Grottoes?

No. You do not need separate tickets to enter the Vatican Grottoes. Once you enter St. Peter’s Basilica, you can make your way below towards the papal tombs.

Is photography allowed in the Grottoes of the Vatican?

No. Photography is strictly prohibited at the Vatican Grottoes.