Peter’s Tomb: Exclusive Visit of the Basilica & Its Necropolis
Rome, Italy
2 hours 30 minutes (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
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
What's Included
Headsets
Vatican official guides
Guided or audio-guided tour of the Cupola (Dome)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Departure & Return
What To Expect
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
Visit the Necropolis and discover a real ancient Roman cemetery (including the tomb of the apostle Peter, the first Pope of Christianity)
Duration: 1 hour
Admission Ticket Included
Great Official Vatican Guides will explain the secrets of the Queen of all the Basilicas!
Duration: 1 hour
Admission Ticket Free
The most famous and the biggest square of the Vatican City. It is from here that you may see the Pope blessing. In the middle of the huge square enjoy the Obelisk from Egypt (over 2500 years old)
Duration: 3 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
The greatest masterpiece of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. This huge mausoleum is right on top of the Tomb of St. Peter
Duration: 10 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
The marble sculpture made by Michelangelo Buonarroti. La Pietà is considered the first masterpiece of the artist, one of Michelangelo's greatest works of art
Duration: 10 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
The highest building in Rome, from its top you will enjoy the spectacular views of the Eternal City and of the Vatican area
Duration: 40 minutes
Admission Ticket Not Included
The sepulcher of Alexander VII is the funerary monument of Pope Alexander VII Chigi, sumptuous work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Duration: 3 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
The tomb of Pope John Paul II which was proclaimed Saint by Pope Francis on 27 April 2014
Duration: 3 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
In the middle of the most famous and biggest square of the Vatican Citythe, you can see the Obelisk from Egypt (over 2500 years old)
Duration: 3 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
It represents St. Peter in a sitting position, with his blessing hand and with the keys of the Kingdom of God
Duration: 3 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
It is the funerary monument of Pope Urbano VIII, sumptuous work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Duration: 3 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
The Treasury Museum houses church ornaments, statues, papal miters, and various other objects, usually gifts from kings or other nobles
Duration: 40 minutes
Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Clothing MUST be suitable for the HOLY place: PLEASE BE AWARE you NEED long trousers for men and skirts under your knees or trousers for women. Shoulders ALWAYS covered for everyone. GUESTS THAT DO NOT RESPECT THE DRESS CODE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO ENTER THE NECROPOLIS.
- Please note that bulky items (suitcases, bulky envelopes, bags of any size etc.) and photographic equipment are not permitted. Please arrive at the designated meeting point at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time and present your voucher to the coordinator/guide. It is the individual responsibility of all visitors to arrive at the tour departure point on time.
- Minimum age is 15 years
- During the visit of the underground burial visitors may be affected by the altered environmental conditions of temperature and humidity. Those who have special physical problems, subject to increase under these conditions, including claustrophobia, are advised not to access the visit.
- Emergency phone number for the customer: +39 34 84852 868
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 9 travelers
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Learn more about cancellations.
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