Unveiling History: The Vatican Necropolis

Discover the Vatican Necropolis, an ancient burial ground beneath St. Peter's Basilica, offering a unique glimpse into early Christian history and Rome's rich past.

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Vatican Necropolis

The Vatican Necropolis, or Scavi, is a hidden treasure beneath the bustling Vatican City. This ancient burial ground dates back to the 1st century AD, offering a unique glimpse into early Christian history. Located beneath St. Peter's Basilica, it is believed to be the final resting place of Saint Peter himself. The site is a maze of narrow corridors and ancient tombs, each telling a story of Rome's rich past. Visitors often find themselves in awe of the well-preserved frescoes and intricate mosaics that adorn the tombs. The Necropolis is a testament to the architectural prowess and religious devotion of ancient civilizations. Guided tours are available, providing detailed insights into the significance of the various artifacts and structures. Exploring the Vatican Necropolis is a spiritual and historical journey. It offers a rare opportunity to connect with the roots of Christianity while appreciating the artistic and cultural heritage of Rome. The limited access to this site ensures a serene and reflective experience, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike.

Local tips in Vatican Necropolis

Book your tour in advance, as access to the Necropolis is limited and highly sought after.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking through narrow and uneven pathways.
Photography is not allowed inside the Necropolis, so take time to absorb the sights and learn from your guide.
Prepare for a cooler environment underground by bringing a light jacket.
Respect the sanctity of the site by maintaining a quiet and respectful demeanor.

Plik:Tomb of Pius VIII St Peter Basilica 05 2018 0485.jpg – Wikipedia, wolna encyklopedia

File:Gardens in Vatican City - Fontana dell'Aquilone.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Vaticano sightseeing fc31.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Necropolis of the Via Triumphalis, Rome (27597578829).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Saint Peter's Statue Saint Peter's Basilica Vatican City cropped.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

When is the best time to go to Vatican Necropolis?

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Vatican Museums

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St. Peter's Basilica

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Sistine Chapel

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Saint Peter's Square

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St. Peter Square Obelisk

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Gardens of Vatican City

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Chiesa di Sant'Anna dei Palafrenieri

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Paul VI Hall

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Apostolic Palace

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Pine Courtyard

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Crown Tours

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Touristation Vaticano

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Paintings Gallery of the Vatican Museums

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Passeggiata del Gelsomino

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Bernini Fountain

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Unmissable attractions to see

Trevi Fountain

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Colosseum

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Pantheon

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Piazza Navona

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Vatican Museums

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Roman Forum

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Castel Sant'Angelo

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Sistine Chapel

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Villa Borghese

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Circus Maximus

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Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major

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Largo di Torre Argentina

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Villa d'Este

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Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano

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Piazza Barberini

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Essential places to dine

Ristorante dei Musei

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La Soffitta Renovatio

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Ristorante Arlù

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Satiricus Ristorante Pizzeria

Experience authentic Italian flavors at Satiricus Ristorante Pizzeria - where every meal is a celebration of culinary art.

La Locanda di Pietro

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at La Locanda di Pietro - where every meal is a taste of Italy's rich culinary heritage.

Ristorante Da Paolo

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Vinsanto Vino & Cucina

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Osteria delle Commari

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L'Angoletto ai Musei

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BorgoPio92 Bistrò Caffè

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Trecaffè - Vaticano

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Trattoria Angelo Alla Cupola

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Piacere Molise

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Giuly's Café

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Il Segreto - Italian restaurant near the Vatican

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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Murano Max Murano Glass Rome

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Castroni

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Bottega Vittoria

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Foot Locker

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Vatican Pharmacy

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Annona Vatican City

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Libreria Ancora Store - Roma

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Savelli Religious (Savelli Art and Tradition)

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Gallery of Maps

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Soprani - shop religious

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Mondo Cattolico

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St. Peter's Gallery

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Vatican Emporium - Religious Articles & Gifts

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Domus Artis

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La Caffeteria

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Essential bars & hidden hideouts

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Wine Bar De' Penitenzieri

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Caffè Vaticano

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Cafe San Pietro

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Bukowski's Bar

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Wine Bar All Brothers

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Roof Garden & Bar

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide to Vatican Necropolis

Discover Vatican Necropolis with Evendo, a 100% free app-based local travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Local Phrases

- HelloCiao
  [chow]
- GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
- YesSì
  [see]
- NoNo
  [noh]
- Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/pray-goh]
- Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
- Excuse me/SorryMi scusi/Scusa
  [mee skoo-zee/skoo-zah]
- How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stah-ee]
- Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
- Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
- I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
  [vohr-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
- I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
- Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
- I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-ray pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]
- Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
- Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vee-ah]
- Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kyah-mah lah poh-lee-tsyah]
- Call a doctor!Chiama un medico!
  [kyah-mah oon meh-dee-koh]
- I'm lostMi sono perso/a
  [mee soh-noh pehr-soh/ah]
- I'm illSto male
  [stoh mah-leh]
- I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-ray kohm-prah-reh]
- I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwar-dahn-doh]
- How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
- That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
- Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwoh-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]
- What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
- It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
- Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [soh-noh leh dyeh-chee eh meh-tsah]
- MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
- AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
- EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
- YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
- TodayOggi
  [ohd-jee]
- TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
- 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
- 2Due
  [doo-eh]
- 3Tre
  [treh]
- 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
- 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
- 6Sei
  [say]
- 7Sette
  [seh-teh]
- 8Otto
  [oh-toh]
- 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
- 10Dieci
  [dyeh-chee]
- Where's a/the...?Dov'è un/il...?
  [doh-veh oon/eel]
- What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-soh]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (nella mappa)?
  [pwoh-ee mohs-trar-mee (nehl-lah mahp-pah)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quando è il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh eh eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boo-s)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-lyet-toh (pehr)]

History of Vatican Necropolis

The Vatican Necropolis, also known as the Scavi, dates back to Roman times, around the 1st century AD. Originally, it served as a burial ground for Christians and pagans alike. Over the years, it evolved into a more organized cemetery, reflecting the growing Christian community in Rome.
According to tradition, the Apostle Peter was buried in this necropolis after his martyrdom in around 64 AD. The site of his grave became a place of veneration for early Christians. Archaeological evidence suggests that early Christians built a modest shrine over his tomb, which later became the foundation for St. Peter's Basilica.
In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine the Great constructed the first St. Peter's Basilica directly over the site of Peter's grave. This grand church served as a major pilgrimage destination and significantly altered the landscape of the Vatican Necropolis, as structures were built on top of the existing burial grounds.
The Vatican Necropolis remained largely forgotten until the 20th century. In the 1940s, during excavations ordered by Pope Pius XII, archaeologists rediscovered the necropolis beneath St. Peter's Basilica. These excavations revealed a wealth of information about early Christian burials and Roman funerary practices.
Today, the Vatican Necropolis is a significant religious and archaeological site. It provides invaluable insights into early Christian history and the development of the Vatican as a religious center. Tours of the Scavi offer a unique glimpse into the ancient past, allowing visitors to walk through the underground tombs and see the reputed burial site of St. Peter.

Vatican Necropolis Essentials

The Vatican Necropolis is located beneath St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. To get there, you can fly into Rome's Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) or Ciampino Airport (CIA). From either airport, you can take a train, bus, or taxi to Rome's city center. From the city center, you can reach Vatican City via the Rome Metro Line A, getting off at the Ottaviano-San Pietro station. The Vatican Necropolis itself requires a pre-booked guided tour, which can be arranged through the Vatican's official website.
Within Rome, public transportation options include buses, trams, and the metro. The Ottaviano-San Pietro metro station is the closest to Vatican City. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. Once you arrive at Vatican City, most attractions, including the Vatican Necropolis, are within walking distance. Be sure to allocate enough time for security checks and guided tours.
The official currency in Vatican City is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and tips. ATMs are available in the vicinity of Vatican City. Ensure you have enough Euros before entering Vatican City, as ATMs inside may charge higher fees.
Vatican City is generally very safe, but be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas around St. Peter's Square. Avoid carrying large sums of money and keep your belongings secure. Rome's city center, including areas near Vatican City, can also be hotspots for petty theft. Stay vigilant and avoid isolated areas at night.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Vatican City has its own emergency services, but you may also rely on Rome's extensive network of hospitals and police. Keep the contact information for your country's embassy or consulate handy. It's also advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and theft.
Fashion: Do dress conservatively; shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops. Religion: Do respect the sanctity of religious sites. Don't take photographs in areas where it is prohibited. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't talk loudly or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Buongiorno' (Good morning) or 'Buonasera' (Good evening). Don't use informal greetings with strangers. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and follow the Italian dining etiquette. Don't rush; meals are often leisurely affairs.
To experience Vatican Necropolis like a local, consider booking your visit during the early morning hours to avoid the crowds. Engage with your tour guide to learn more about the historical significance of the site. After your tour, enjoy a leisurely coffee at a nearby café and take in the atmosphere. For a unique perspective, visit the necropolis during special nighttime openings, if available.

Unveiling History: The Vatican Necropolis

Local tips in Vatican Necropolis