The Vatican Grottoes
The Vatican Grottoes
4.5
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Beneath the main floor of St. Peter's Basilica are the tombs of several popes and saints.
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Neighbourhood: Vatican / Borgo
Frocked priests, colorful Swiss Guards, insistent souvenir shop owners, flag-waving tour guides, and pilgrims from around the world. This is the Vatican and Borgo, Rome's most recognized neighbourhood which acts as Vatican City's front yard. Aside from the souvenir boutiques and a few food spots, the only business conducted here is papal. In the daytime, the tiny medieval sector bustles with holy activity, as visitors vie for elbow room, or stand in line for a visit. Once the sun sets, the neighbourhood is transformed into a quiet and picturesque hamlet.
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4.5
465 reviews
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5
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3
Asiyah Noemi K
Pula, Croatia5,332 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
Visit to St. Peter's Basilica is a special experience. And visiting the Vatican grottoes is also extremely interesting. Extending beneath St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Grottoes contain the tombs and sarcophagi of numerous popes, as well as several huge columns from the original 4th-century basilica. In addition the grottoes also include some tombs of secular monarchs such as the tomb of Queen Charlotte of Cyprus, the tomb of the Stuarts, and the tomb of Queen Christina of Sweden. The entrance is in the Pier of St Andrew near the high altar. The place is full of fascinating tombs and sarcophagus, tunnels, chambers and Italian art.
We loved seeing this part, because it is a very peaceful and serene walk past the remains of the popes who presided over the catholic church. Very interesting visit.
We loved seeing this part, because it is a very peaceful and serene walk past the remains of the popes who presided over the catholic church. Very interesting visit.
Written 13 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DominiSumus
Massachusetts/Vatican City583 contributions
The grottoes are reached through an entrance on the right side of St. Peter's Basilica. Sometimes there is a sign, showing the way, but not always.
In the grottoes, you will see the tombs of numerous popes, including Pope John Paul II. His tomb is usually surrounded with many pilgrims. If you want to spend any time praying at the tomb of Pope John Paul II, it is best to go early in the morning. In the afternoon, there are too many people and the lines are waved though quickly.
in March, I visited the tomb of Pope John Paul and was lucky enough to stumble upon a Mass being celebrated in Polish by his former personal secretary. It was a touching experience that I will never forget.
Just one additional note: The bodies of Blessed Pope John XXIII, Pope Innocent XI, and Pope St. Pius X are located upstairs in the Basilica. They are on display in glass cases set in altars. They are not entombed in the grottoes.
In the grottoes, you will see the tombs of numerous popes, including Pope John Paul II. His tomb is usually surrounded with many pilgrims. If you want to spend any time praying at the tomb of Pope John Paul II, it is best to go early in the morning. In the afternoon, there are too many people and the lines are waved though quickly.
in March, I visited the tomb of Pope John Paul and was lucky enough to stumble upon a Mass being celebrated in Polish by his former personal secretary. It was a touching experience that I will never forget.
Just one additional note: The bodies of Blessed Pope John XXIII, Pope Innocent XI, and Pope St. Pius X are located upstairs in the Basilica. They are on display in glass cases set in altars. They are not entombed in the grottoes.
Written 16 April 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IL-PINE
Qormi361 contributions
This is a very large complex found underneath the basilica of which only a small part is open for the public. The entrance is on the right side of the basilica just as you pass through the 2nd checkpoint (where they inspect your clothes). It is very important that you are wearing acceptable clothes, otherwise you are not allowed in the area of the basilica. This includes removing the cap/hats, wearing sleeves or something to cover your shoulders, and wearing a not too short shorts/skirt. Clothing is strictly supervised and they will not allow one person to enter anywhere.
The grottoes have many tombs from medieval times to the last one of Pope John Paul II. Every tomb has some sort of information near it and you read the name of the Pope on the tomb. However the tombs are not placed to date and you have no idea what is coming next. You are allowed to take photographs except infront of the tomb of Pope John Paul II. Here there are usually many pilgrims praying infront of the tomb and a guard is present to prevent anyone from taking pictures/ videos. The entrance is free and usually there is not much of a queue incontrast with that for the dome.
Worth a fast view and a prayer infront of the tomb of one of the Popes.
The grottoes have many tombs from medieval times to the last one of Pope John Paul II. Every tomb has some sort of information near it and you read the name of the Pope on the tomb. However the tombs are not placed to date and you have no idea what is coming next. You are allowed to take photographs except infront of the tomb of Pope John Paul II. Here there are usually many pilgrims praying infront of the tomb and a guard is present to prevent anyone from taking pictures/ videos. The entrance is free and usually there is not much of a queue incontrast with that for the dome.
Worth a fast view and a prayer infront of the tomb of one of the Popes.
Written 8 October 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bob2bkk
Bangkok, Thailand5,895 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
Reviews can be confusing, so remember the Necropolis you need a reservation and can only go in groups with a guide. The grottoes are accessible from the basilica and no need to book it or no need to get a guide. You just descend the narrow steps. If you are facing the Baldacchino, the stairway to the pope's tombs is to the left and behind you. You will see a roped off area, a doorway and stairs, and possibly a line waiting to go down. Once downstairs you will see various resting places of the popes, from hundreds and a thousand years ago. A very interesting visit. Make this after your tour of the Basilica, because once you exit the Grottoes, you will be outside of the Basilica.
Written 7 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PVETraveler
Palos Verdes Estates, CA37 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
The Vatican has excavated areas under St. Peters Basilica reaching the ancient Roman Christian city. You enter through the Vatican Excavation office and proceed down a flight of stairs that takes you 40 feet under the Basilica. You view ancient Roman roads, homes, pagan and Christian tombs. It is a remarkable journey that ultimately ends at the site where St. Peter is believed to have been martyred and crucified during the reign of Nero. This visit is a must see and will take one on an unimaginable journey through ancient Roman history and the birth of Christianity in Rome. It is a must see. Now for the details...you "must" write in advance to the Vatican Excavation Office for permission to participate in a tour. The tour itself is approximately $15.
Written 13 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LourdesNY
Floral Park, NY95 contributions
Jul 2012 • Family
I applied online through the Vatican website in January to see if I could secure a tour of the Scavi excavations. Fortunately, I immediately received back a confirmation. Many people, including priests, told me that it is difficult to get this tour since it takes place infrequently and the number of tourists is limited (there were about 10 people in our group). The Scavi tour takes you right to the tomb of St. Peter and is fascinating in that it shows the catacombs upon which the basilica was built. It also leads you out through a part of the Vatican grottoes that you can't normally see. And, finally, it was kind of fun being able to walk past the Swiss Guards and into the Vatican proper to walk to the office where the tour begins.
Written 31 July 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martha Rivera
New York City, NY23 contributions
Sept 2018
I didn’t realize this area is not always opened so when our guide said let’s go down, apparently that was a treat. You will see resting place of St. Peter. Just amazed at that and first Pope tomb. Quite interesting and so glad we were able to see that part of the Vatican.
Written 14 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam M
Ballston Lake, NY330 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
The Vatican Grottoes are not to be missed. It doesn't cost anything but a little extra time at St. Peter's to see, and what you will see are the tombs of many Popes, Cardinals, and Saints. Yes, it's a bit plain. Yes, it seems like just corridors. But you are in the presence of the tombs of Popes. The seat on earth closest to God. It does not take very long to pass through, and is worth it to pay your respects to some of the most influential men who have ever lived.
Written 24 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisamarie L
Madison, WI926 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
This review is for the Vatican Grottoes accessible from within the basilica - NOT for the special Scavi Excavation tour which goes under the Basilica (and does also tour part of the Grottoes).
We actually found this quite by accident - we ended up herded in a line at the Basilica, thinking we were approaching the altar, but then realized we were heading downstairs. It's neat though - the tombs of various Pope are there (but NOT St. John Paul II - he's upstairs), and there are some neat grates that let you see up into the basilica. I think the most interesting part of this area is the Clementine Chapel, which is the area basically under the high altar on the main floor and level with the recessed area underneath it - this used to be the altar before the more 'modern' part of the basilica was built, and it backs against the marble case that was built in Constantine's time over the tomb of St. Peter. It's considered the holiest pat of the basilica, and one of the few parts leftover from the 'original' basilica.
We actually found this quite by accident - we ended up herded in a line at the Basilica, thinking we were approaching the altar, but then realized we were heading downstairs. It's neat though - the tombs of various Pope are there (but NOT St. John Paul II - he's upstairs), and there are some neat grates that let you see up into the basilica. I think the most interesting part of this area is the Clementine Chapel, which is the area basically under the high altar on the main floor and level with the recessed area underneath it - this used to be the altar before the more 'modern' part of the basilica was built, and it backs against the marble case that was built in Constantine's time over the tomb of St. Peter. It's considered the holiest pat of the basilica, and one of the few parts leftover from the 'original' basilica.
Written 20 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yetunde O
Lagos, Nigeria22 contributions
Aug 2014 • Solo
I think the Basilica was generally awesome for me. The Grottoes included. All these great (and maybe not so great men) have their remains here. It's supposed to be a solemn procession/walk through, but a littel whisper here, a little whisper there... you should check it out.
Written 8 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
¿ Se pueden hacer fotos ?
Sai fare delle foto?
Can you take photos?
Written 3 November 2020
Eustachy Jędrych
Southern Poland, Poland
W który dzień najlepiej zwiedzać Watykan i czy trzeba kupować bilety jeśli tak czy można je kupić przez internet?
Written 12 August 2019
Marcella A
Windsor, California
How much time is needed to see the grattoes and not feel rushed?
Written 12 March 2018
L entrata alle grotte del Vaticano è a pagamento?
Written 23 September 2017
L'entrata é gratuita tutti i giorni dalle 7 alle 18 da aprile a settembre e dalle 7 alle 17 da ottobre a marzo
Written 23 September 2017
I want to visit the tomb of Pope John Paul II. Do I need to book a tour or can I just find the entrance, if so, where exactly is the entrance and can this be done after a guided tour to the Vatican?
Written 3 August 2017
It is upstairs in St. Pete's, no longer in the grotto under.
Written 3 August 2017
Dove devo prenotare x visitare la tomba di giovanni paolo ll ??? Ce un numero?
Written 21 November 2015
Nessuna prenotazione.
La tomba non si trova nella cripta insieme a tutte le altre bensì entrando nella basilica sulla destra dopo la Pietà di Michelangelo.
Eventualmente chiedere agli inservienti che sono sempre presenti in San Pietro
Written 23 November 2015
Who includes the tombs in the tour did real rome 69 euro But no tombs.
Written 30 September 2015
You can contact the Vatican and arrange the Scavi tour which brings you to St. Peter's tomb and many tombs under the basilica. It is very reasonable and afterwards you are in basilica without waiting in line.
Written 1 October 2015
Quando ci sono andata io non era nelle grotte ma nella basilica,forse perché era stato da poco beatificato. Ma sono passati diversi mesi ed ora non saprei dirti.
Written 23 January 2015
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