Peter's Tomb: Exclusive Visit of the Basilica & Its Necropolis
2 hours 30 minutes (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your visit
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Regular temperature checks for staff
Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
Overview
St. Peter’s Basilica may grab you with its grandeur, but much of its history lies in its hidden details. Head beneath the famous church and discover the Vatican necropolis, a Roman cemetery that’s said to house the relics of St. Peter the Apostle. Walk amid tombs that trace pagan Rome to the start of Christianity, then return to the basilica for a tour. Michelangelo’s ‘La Pietà’ and Bernini’s bronze baldachin are among the highlights.
- Go beneath the church to see the ancient burial site
- See tombs and gravestones from the days of pagan Rome
- Stand before the tomb of St. Peter the Apostle
- Tour St. Peter’s Basilica, and learn about Michelangelo and Bernini
Head to St. Peter’s Square, then stroll with your guide and group into St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the holiest sites in Christianity.
Once inside, you’ll head down the stairs past the Vatican grottoes and into the central nave where the necropolis is found. The large Roman cemetery sits next to Nero’s Circus, and graves date from pagan times through to the birth of Christianity. Walk amid the ancient burial plots, and stand before the tomb of St. Peter the Apostle — the first pope.
Back in the basilica, you’ll admire its elegant interior, richly embellished with gilded stucco, mosaics, marble, and sculptures. Learn about Michelangelo and his renowned La Pietà sculpture, stand before Bernini’s bronze baldachin, and check out the Chapel of Confession. Before you bid your guide goodbye, you’ll see the tomb of St. John Paul II. Your tour ends inside the basilica.
Once inside, you’ll head down the stairs past the Vatican grottoes and into the central nave where the necropolis is found. The large Roman cemetery sits next to Nero’s Circus, and graves date from pagan times through to the birth of Christianity. Walk amid the ancient burial plots, and stand before the tomb of St. Peter the Apostle — the first pope.
Back in the basilica, you’ll admire its elegant interior, richly embellished with gilded stucco, mosaics, marble, and sculptures. Learn about Michelangelo and his renowned La Pietà sculpture, stand before Bernini’s bronze baldachin, and check out the Chapel of Confession. Before you bid your guide goodbye, you’ll see the tomb of St. John Paul II. Your tour ends inside the basilica.
Itinerary
Traveler Tips
- "This is a once in a lifetime tour for me and probably many others so a little more time to feel and soak up the atmosphere would be good." See review
- "Excellent tour, the whole family enjoyed it, will certainly recommend it 100%." See review
- "Visit to Necropolis was at 95% humidity not for the faint hearted or the agoraphobic individual" See review
Reviews
Questions?
Product code: 5660P16
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