Vatican Necropolis

Between 5 and 12 meters below Saint Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Necropolis is located beneath the Vatican City. Parts of an Imperial-era necropolis were discovered during archaeological excavations under Saint Peter's that the Vatican supported between 1940 and 1949. Pontiff Pius XI asked for the construction to be done because he wanted to be buried as close to Peter the Apostle as possible. Moreover, it is where the Julii Tomb, which dates to the third or fourth century, is located. The necropolis was once a cemetery with open-air tombs and mausolea rather than one of Rome's Catacombs.

The Vatican Necropolis, which are situated on the ground floor of the former Constantinian basilica and were created as a result of the building of St. Peter's Basilica, should not be mistaken with the Vatican Necropolis. A wealth of historical artifacts can be found beneath St. Peter's cathedral's imposing dome and priceless frescoes. Many people are aware of the papal grottoes, which are private chapels beneath the cathedral and contain the tombs of former popes, as well as the 12th-century church that stands next to them.

Some people are unaware of the huge ruins that have been discovered even further beneath the surface of the Earth, showing burial grounds dating back to the first century BCE. The first level up from the bottom has both pagan and Christian burials as well as remnants from the fifth century, including stone crypts and arches. The deepest level of the three is a pagan burial place.

The cemetery thought to hold Saint Peter's own remains, a relic that the Vatican is still painstakingly excavating, is the most significant find, though. Each day, only a certain number of visitors are permitted, and tickets must often be obtained directly from the Vatican Excavations Office.

Address: Piazza San Pietro Beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, 00120 Vatican City Italy
Phone: unknown
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Rating: 4.5/5.0, 877 Tripadvisor reviews
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