Exclusive Vatican Excavations & Tomb Tour: Discover St. Peter's Burial Site

Highlights

• In-depth Historical Introduction
• Exclusive Scavi Tour
• Skip-the-Line Basilica Access

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1

   St. Peter's Square

   10min

   Meet our staff at St. Peter's Square within splendid Bernini's Colonnade and stop for a photo by the Bronze Doors, the ceremonial Vatican entrance, guarded by the Swiss Guards

2. 2

   St. Peter's Basilica

   40min

   Re-enter St. Peter's Basilica to continue with the guided tour. See the highlights of the church including Bernini's “Baldacchino” and Michelangelo's “Pietà” Your guided tour will end inside St. Peter's and you may stay on for your further private exploration

3. 3

   St. Peter's Basilica

   10min

   Enter St. Peter's Basilica with skip line pass and walk through the lower level of St. Peter's Basilica lined with tombs of Pope's

4. 4

   The Necropolis of Saint Peter

   1h 30min

   Visit ancient Roman cemetery with tombs and preserved decorations from the 1st century AD. Learn why St. Peter was martyred at Nero's Circus in 64 AD and why he was buried at the Roman cemetery on the slope of the Vatican hill, later covered by the construction of the first Vatican basilica at the time of emperor Constantine. Pay respect at St. Peter's Tomb excavated together with the necropolis over 80 years ago under Pope Pius XII. This is the most exclusive Vatican tour with fewer than 100 permits granted per day.

Before you go

Location