How To See St. Peter's Tomb in Vatican City

The Discovery of St. Peter’s Tomb and The Vatican Necropolis

No one knew the tomb of Saint Peter until the archeological excavations began in 1940. The tomb was later discovered in 1950, and Pope Pius XII announced its discovery in his December 23, 1950, radio broadcast.

“Necro” means “dead,” and “polis” means “city.” During plans to expand the underground area for papal burials, archaeologists found out about the ancient necropolis beneath the basilica. St. Peter was crucified by Emperor Nero, but when his successor, Emperor Constantine, embraced Christianity, he built a church on St. Peter’s burial site to honor him. Archaeologists found a grave marked with the words, “Peter is here.” 

The site has become a vital part of the pilgrimage, and visiting St. Peter’s tomb is not just a touristy thing to do; it is a deep spiritual journey. After your Vatican tour, you can explore the Colosseum in Rome, where gladiators once fought and emperors once ruled.

What Is the Scavi Tour? 

Scavi tour is the official name of the St. Peter's Tomb tour, managed by the Vatican's Excavations Office. In the tour, you get to explore the underground necropolis, different Roman mausoleums, ancient frescoes, and the discovered St. Peter's tomb.

If you’ve ever wondered where is St. Peter buried, the answer lies beneath the grandeur of the basilica. The location is only accessible through a Scavi tour, which grants exclusive entry to the Vatican Necropolis.

Don’t miss the chance to uncover the roots of the Roman Empire with a Palatine Hill Audio Tour.

How to Book St. Peter's Tomb Tickets

It's not easy to get access to the tomb of Saint Peter. You'll need to book in advance or months ahead of your trip. St. Peter's tomb tickets can only be purchased at [email protected]. Here's how the booking process goes:

• Email the Ufficio Scavi at [email protected].
• Include the number of participants, names of attendees, language preference, and date range of availability.
• You'll then receive a confirmation email with payment instructions. 
• The tickets cost around €13 per person. Once confirmed, print your email confirmation and bring it on the day of your tour.

On the day of your tour, you need to arrive 15-20 minutes early. Enter through St. Peter’s Square and go to the Swiss Guards through the left colonnade. Show your confirmation to enter the Scavi Office. There are no signs for the Scavi Tour, so follow the instructions carefully.

What You’ll See on the St. Peter’s Tomb Tour

The Scavi Tour takes you underground to a 1st-century Roman cemetery, where you can explore ancient tombs and early Christian burial sites. You will see the Trophy of Gaius, a small monument from the 2nd century that marks the burial spot of St. Peter. Behind it, in a protected area, are the bones believed to be St. Peter's. It’s a moving experience to be so close to the remains of one of Jesus’ closest followers. No photos are allowed, and silence is required to respect the sacred area.
 

Enhance your experience with a Colosseum Ticket & Digital Audio Guide for deeper insight into the monument’s layered past.

Notable Personalities Buried at the Vatican Necropolis

Some of the notable personalities buried in the Vatican Necropolis are: 

Saint Peter the Apostle: Believed to be the first pope and buried directly beneath the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Pope Leo I (Leo the Great): Early pope known for meeting Attila the Hun and buried near St. Peter’s Tomb.

Pope Gregory I (Gregory the Great): Influential pope and originator of Gregorian Chant, buried in the Vatican.

Pope Pius XII: Approved the excavation of the necropolis and was later buried in the Vatican Grottoes.

Roman Nobles and Pagans: Several high-status Romans and early Christians were laid to rest in ornately decorated tombs.

If you're curious about how it all began, take time to read about the fascinating History of Colosseum to understand how architecture, politics, and entertainment converged in ancient Rome.

Visitor Tips

1. Take a quick look at the wooden model of the basilica. You'll have an idea of what to expect when exploring the necropolis.
2. Access is typically one person at a time, so be prepared to line up.
3. The dress codes are strict for visitors. No shorts or short skirts are allowed and your shoulders must be covered. 
4. Explore the tombs of other popes as well. 
5. Wear comfortable shoes.
6. Book in advance because there are limited slots available.
7. If you're claustrophobic or have mobility issues, then the St. Peter's Tomb tour isn't for you.
8. Children aged 15 or older are allowed. 
9. Visit nearby sites too. They are equally incredible.

Is It Really Worth It?

Visiting St. Peter’s Tomb is an extraordinary experience. It's a surreal feeling to stand at the crossroads of faith, history, and archaeology. So, yes, the trip is totally worth it. Book your tickets to the Scavi Tour in advance and prepare yourself for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.