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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Neighborhood: 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 neighborhood 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 neighborhood is transformed into a quiet and picturesque hamlet.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
466 reviews
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5
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Herbert C
1,885 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Located beneath the St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Grottoes are basically a system of vaults and chambers built in the late 16th century, originally to support the floor of the basilica, but eventually converted into the final resting place for popes, monarchs and other dignitaries. In addition to the papal tombs, the grottoes served as a memorial space to house artifacts, sculptures and frescoes, many of which are relics from the earlier version of St Peter's Basilica. Visiting the grottoes should be part of your basilica tour. Having queued for more than an hour just to clear security for the free entry into the basilica, it is definitely worth your time and effort for a quick walkthrough the grottoes to pay homage to the lineages of Popes memorialised here.
Written March 18, 2024
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.
Deanosaur89
Edmonton, Canada9,277 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
The line to get in can be long at times but it is located beneath the St. Peter's Basilica to the right of the altar. There is a sign indicating where the stairs are but you may have to wait if there is a service or queue. When we went on a weekday around noon we had no issue getting in. Spending 15 minutes down here is enough but you are not supposed to take pictures in the grottoes so keep that in mind. There are signs in English and Italian for the Popes available to see.
Written April 30, 2023
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.
luiscruchinho
Cordoba, Argentina14,854 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
The Vatican Grotto is located on the lower level of St. Peter's Basilica and consists of a system of vaults built between 1590 and 1591 to support the floor of the Renaissance building, although the origin is older and dates back to 1520. Inside Without a doubt, its main attraction is the tomb of Saint Peter, disciple of Jesus and first Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. But we can also find the resting place of 91 popes and houses the tombs of some members of royalty, such as Queen Christina of Sweden and Queen Charlotte of Cyprus. They are always open when St. Peter's Basilica is open to visitors, so their opening hours in summer are from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and in winter, the opening hours are one hour shorter in the afternoon: from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Extremely interesting for any traveler, regardless of their religion.

Written February 5, 2024
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.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN8,065 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
After visiting the interior of St Peter's Basilica, you can descend into the Crypt. This is the floor level of the original church that stood here before the current St Peter's was constructed. In the Crypt, you will see the tombs of many former Popes. You will pass by the Sepulcher of St Peter, which is not his actual tomb but is a shrine that sits on top of his tomb. You can only see the actual tomb of St Peter is you prearrange for a special Scavi (excavation) Tour. After the grandeur of the interior of St Peter's Basilica, it felt somewhat like walking through a storage closet when visiting the Crypt and is pretty forgettable.
Written December 1, 2024
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.
Vicki T
Sydney, Australia6 contributions
Feb 2020
The queues to visit St Peter's can get ridiculously long but if you get there early (it opens at 7am) you'll have it almost to yourself. There's a security check point to go through before you enter. You can stand in front of Michelangelo's Pieta (off to the right as you enter) and be the only admirer. When I visited (end Feb 2020) the grotte opened at 9am. It's also free. If you stand in front of the Baldachin (the gigantic sort of canopy lectern in centre by Bernini) the staircase leading to the grotte is off to your left (it's not immediately visible). If you're interested in seeing these grotte (where previous popes etc are buried) make the visit at the end as you won't be able to re-enter the basilica.
Written February 28, 2020
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.
Cindy-Thibaut
356 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Unique place making the visit to the Basilica enriching. It is accessed by a staircase which seems to be hidden, we imagine that the Basilica conceals many mysteries.
The visit is very quick, we were able to access it thanks to a ticket (basilica + papal tombs + dome), I don't know if we can access it without a ticket.
The visit is very quick, we were able to access it thanks to a ticket (basilica + papal tombs + dome), I don't know if we can access it without a ticket.

Written June 12, 2024
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.
Asiyah Noemi K
Pula, Croatia5,372 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 May 13, 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 April 16, 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 October 8, 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, Thailand5,771 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 October 7, 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.
Âż Se pueden hacer fotos ?
Sai fare delle foto?
Can you take photos?
Written November 3, 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 August 12, 2019
Marcella A
Windsor, California
How much time is needed to see the grattoes and not feel rushed?
Written March 12, 2018
L entrata alle grotte del Vaticano è a pagamento?
Written September 23, 2017
L'entrata Ă© gratuita tutti i giorni dalle 7 alle 18 da aprile a settembre e dalle 7 alle 17 da ottobre a marzo
Written September 23, 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 August 3, 2017
It is upstairs in St. Pete's, no longer in the grotto under.
Written August 3, 2017
Dove devo prenotare x visitare la tomba di giovanni paolo ll ??? Ce un numero?
Written November 21, 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 November 23, 2015
Who includes the tombs in the tour did real rome 69 euro But no tombs.
Written September 30, 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 October 1, 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 January 23, 2015
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