Necropoli Di San Pietro
Necropoli Di San Pietro
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
When Pius XII ordered a thorough excavation of the area under the High Altar in St. Peter's Basilica, twisting stone passages were found leading to an ancient Roman necropolis, which contained chambers 10- to 15-feet wide with preserved frescoes and mosaics.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Neighborhood: Esquilino
Old school vibe from the very beginning is the only way to describe the Esquilino neighborhood. The Esquilino takes pride in being one of the oldest areas in Rome for its key location on one of the city’s famous seven hills. From an ancient neighborhood to its modern incarnation as a multicultural hub, Esquilino always has something going on—polyglot vendors debate street artists while kids play pick-up basketball games. Look around you: this area isn’t like the historic center. Liberty architecture, large piazzas, and long boulevards mix with archaic arches, secret side alleys, and beautiful churches like Santa Maria Maggiore.
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- Ilene792 contributionsOur Scavi Tour Was Amazing!HIGHLY RECOMMEND the official Scavi tour! You have to email the Excavations Office in advance to request this tour of the Necropolis, tombs and chapels beneath St. Basilica, including the site believed to hold St. Peter’s bones. It has its own entrance, security checkpoint w/ Swiss guards and no lines — a huge bonus! Our group of 6 people had a wonderful guide, Katie. Even though we are not Catholic we found the tour fascinating. After the tour we were able to explore the grottoes and enter into St. Peter’s Basilica above without standing in line — another huge bonus! If you cannot book the Scavi tour, you can visit the Necropolis Via Triumphalis — it has recently been reopened by the Vatican. Katie explained that it offers a view of another area of the Necropolis from above, instead of at eye level. The area is not underneath St. Peter’s Basilica so it may not hold the same meaning for some.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 26, 2023
- DWJTSwindon, United Kingdom43 contributionsBest tour of our weekendWe booked this tour several months in advance and boy was it worth it. Great value for money. A full hour tour and entrance to St Peter's Basilica afterwards, all without anywhere near the same length of queue as the general entrance usually has.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 8, 2024
- Emma GSeattle, Washington59 contributionsMust visit in Rome!The highlight of our trip to Rome! Whether or not you’re Catholic, I think anyone can enjoy this tour. It covers not only the start of the Catholic Church, but also a ton of history of Rome. We were amazed my all of the beautiful tombs that are still so well preserved. Our tour guide was wonderful and so knowledgeable. I highly recommend to any history lovers!Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 12, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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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
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Atravelfan
Atlanta256 contributions
Jun 2023
HIghly recommend this tour. We booked well in advance directly with the Scavi Vatican site.
This small group tour ( ~12) is led by a Vatican guide and was so interesting. Our guide shared so much of the history of the necropolis. The excavation is amazing. The tour lasted about 90 minutes. No photos allowed to be taken in the necropolis so cant show you what we saw but it was so worth the effort. The passageways are not tight but it is very humid in there so be prepared for that ( they keep the humidity high purposefully for preservation of the structures).
As mentioned in other reviews, at the conclusion of the tour, you are at St Peter's basillica and bypass the long lines outside. You also are able, with your Scavi tickets, to purchase reduced rate tickets for the cupola lift
This small group tour ( ~12) is led by a Vatican guide and was so interesting. Our guide shared so much of the history of the necropolis. The excavation is amazing. The tour lasted about 90 minutes. No photos allowed to be taken in the necropolis so cant show you what we saw but it was so worth the effort. The passageways are not tight but it is very humid in there so be prepared for that ( they keep the humidity high purposefully for preservation of the structures).
As mentioned in other reviews, at the conclusion of the tour, you are at St Peter's basillica and bypass the long lines outside. You also are able, with your Scavi tickets, to purchase reduced rate tickets for the cupola lift
Written July 14, 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.
LostLittleGirlx
Wexford, Ireland248 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
I have been here twice and both times it was my favourite tour in the Vatican. You must book this well in advance ( a few months) and book it directly with the Vatican Scavi office, its only €13 and great value. Tours limited to about 12 or 15 people. You see the 3rd layer down, under the popes tombs layer. It is where the excavations went down to the beginning and St. Peter's tomb was discovered. Highly recommended!
Written July 16, 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.
casandra d
Orlando, FL60 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
My husband and I were so excited for this tour and it did not disappoint. We booked it about 2 months before our trip and it was quite simple. We showed up 15 minutes before our scheduled tour, went through security, and started right on time. Our tour guide spoke English well and was extremely knowledgeable. I’d say the tour lasted about an hour. Afterwards, we were able to walk up into Saint Peter’s Basilica. We were happy about this because the wait to get in had been about 2 hours all day. We personally did the tour for religious purposes but I would suggest it for anyone who is interested in history as well. This tour is definitely a hidden gem of Rome. Bring some water if you get warm easily because it was very humid underground.
Written February 11, 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.
Jenn B
Markham, Canada62 contributions
Aug 2022
When we booked our trip to Italy, this was my first priority to book. You have to write to the Scavi office to request permission to be on the tour. Then they will email you with your permission. Very affordable. Only about 12 people in our group. Only 200 people can go through the Necropolis each day, and you get a chance to interact with the Swiss Guards to get to the Scavi office.
Our tour guide was excellent. It is dark and humid during the tour, but well worth it. You get to see 1st century walk-ways through the pagan tombs - so interesting. I would highly recommend this tour.
Our tour guide was excellent. It is dark and humid during the tour, but well worth it. You get to see 1st century walk-ways through the pagan tombs - so interesting. I would highly recommend this tour.
Written September 15, 2022
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.
axtra l
Tel Aviv, Israel7 contributions
Jul 2023 • Business
The necropolis beneath St. Peter's was only discovered in 1940, excavated, and accessible to 300 visitors daily until the 1970s. Numerous Romans are buried there, but St. Peter, the first Pope, is the most significant. Amazing how they discovered St. Peter's tomb and remains! Make reservations well in advance of your trip.
Written August 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.
juliehughes814
Woodland, CA11 contributions
Mar 2020
I was so amazed and disappointed that the Scavi office refused to refund our tickets or even give a credit for a future visit! Our tickets were for March 15th, 2020. The entire country of Italy is on lockdown because of Coronavirus, with all public places closed including restaurants etc. The USA has banned incoming flights from Italy. This is clearly an unusual situation, out of everyone's control, yet they refused a refund and even sent an extremely rude response, "Sorry but our offices are open and we don’t refund the entrance." Pretty much, tough luck.
Written March 13, 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.
Ilene
massachusetts792 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
HIGHLY RECOMMEND the official Scavi tour! You have to email the Excavations Office in advance to request this tour of the Necropolis, tombs and chapels beneath St. Basilica, including the site believed to hold St. Peter’s bones. It has its own entrance, security checkpoint w/ Swiss guards and no lines — a huge bonus!
Our group of 6 people had a wonderful guide, Katie. Even though we are not Catholic we found the tour fascinating. After the tour we were able to explore the grottoes and enter into St. Peter’s Basilica above without standing in line — another huge bonus!
If you cannot book the Scavi tour, you can visit the Necropolis Via Triumphalis — it has recently been reopened by the Vatican. Katie explained that it offers a view of another area of the Necropolis from above, instead of at eye level. The area is not underneath St. Peter’s Basilica so it may not hold the same meaning for some.
Our group of 6 people had a wonderful guide, Katie. Even though we are not Catholic we found the tour fascinating. After the tour we were able to explore the grottoes and enter into St. Peter’s Basilica above without standing in line — another huge bonus!
If you cannot book the Scavi tour, you can visit the Necropolis Via Triumphalis — it has recently been reopened by the Vatican. Katie explained that it offers a view of another area of the Necropolis from above, instead of at eye level. The area is not underneath St. Peter’s Basilica so it may not hold the same meaning for some.
Written December 26, 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.
The Spanish Steps Apartment
Rome, Italy34,199 contributions
Mar 2022
Took my nephew and his friend to the Scavi Tour, and I went along as well since I had not been in over 10 years. Had a very good guide, easy to understand, good amount of information and explanation. Our group was nine people plus the guide. Always amazing to see these ancient burial chambers, as well as the shrine to St. Peter. Green cards were checked; masks and plastic gloves (provided) were required. It can get very warm, particularly when wearing the masks and gloves. Photos are not permitted on the tour.
Written March 15, 2022
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.
RobinDav
Texas Gulf Coast, TX208 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
This was an amazing tour ! Book on the website as soon as you know your dates that you will be in Rome . Email them at scavi@fsp.va They will want your # of participants and names also language and dates you are available . Don’t forget to also include your email. They responded to me very quickly with date and how to pay . I was so excited ! This guided tour starts underground showing you some amazing sites , then brings you to the next level where you can view some of the popes tombs and then you can start your visit to St Peters Basilica from there without waiting in line . Makes for an amazing day ! If I may suggest afterwards, a visit to Castle Sant Angelo for some amazing views . It’s about a 10 minute walk from St Peters Basilica.
Written March 13, 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.
Carol O
Saint Charles, MO30 contributions
Nov 2022
I'm stunned that I was able to get into this Scavi tour--very limited in number allowed into this holy space. This tour was the highlight of my entire 8-day visit in Rome. I can't stop thinking about it.
Written January 27, 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.
The Scavi site says that you get a discount to climb the dome with the Necropolis ticket. How do you get this discount?
Written July 11, 2022
Hola! Tenemos reservada una visita para la necropolis, pero una de las personas necesita un bastón para andar. ¿Habrá algún problema? ¿O necesitaré guardarlo en alguna taquilla? Muchas gracias
Written February 9, 2020
Is it easy to find where you should meet your scavi tour?
Thanks
Written January 9, 2020
ONCE you sign up for a tour, they will provide you with details as to where you can locate the tour. I suggest getting to the Vatican at least 30 minutes prior to the tour, and on the LEFT side of the Vatican, there is an information booth where you can ask for the specific location of the Tour. We actually asked one of the Vatican guards who then pointed us in the correct direction. The tour for us started on the Left Side of the sweeping columns. The tour has a check point where you first show your passes to a guard who then validates your tour and allows you to stand and wait for the proper guide to show up to start your tour. If you need any additional information, please don't hesitate to contact me. Enjoy!
Written February 25, 2020
I’m reading online that you have to request reservations through the Vatican Excavations office directly for the Necropolis tours. I’m also seeing websites online that appear to be selling the same tours, albeit for a slightly higher price. Are the tours legit or is the only way for entrance still from the Excavations Office?
Written August 31, 2019
As far as i know, you must write the excavations office to ask for place on tour. I never heard of a company offering it.
Written August 31, 2019
I want to check whether you have to wear trousers for the tour, or are jeans also allowed? The confirmation note highlights TROUSERS so just wondering.
Written August 7, 2019
We wore jeans but if you visit the excavation during a warmer summer month and want to wear shorts, I'd reconsider. Also, once you enter the underground area, the temperature drops considerably and even a long-sleeve shirt or sweater would be desirable. But jeans are okay. SHORTS? not so much.
Written February 25, 2020
Hola
He visto que algunos han hecho fotos, se pueden hacer aunque sea con móvil?
En cuánto tiempo responden al email para pedir reservar
Un saludo
Written August 7, 2019
No se pueden hacer fotos, ni con móvil. Otra cosa es como todo q las hagas y no te pillen. Me contestaron al dÃa o dos dÃas cuando pedà la cita, pero si pides información no te contestan al menos a mÃ.
Written August 7, 2019
Me han confirmado la reserva para la necropolis del vaticano pero a la hora de reservar y abonar las entradas me dice que el sitio no es seguro para intr los datos bancarios
Donde se puede hacer seguro el abono
Written July 16, 2019
Nosotros no tuvimos ningú problema para pagar por web
Written July 16, 2019
Mariel
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hola !!! Solo se reserva la visita por mail ? No se paga aparte ? o esta incluida enel valor de la entrada a los museos vaticanos ?
Written June 18, 2019
Si, se reserva por mail con antelación y se paga aparte, está al otro lado de los museos Baticanos, se entra por la izquierda (mirando de frente el Vaticano) junto a la garita de la guardia suiza
Written June 18, 2019
Would you be able to tell me if passports were required for identification, or was a US driver's license sufficient?
Thank you.
Written June 5, 2019
I travel with my license, passport and teacher ID. That day they only ask to see my confirmation email. As you probably know, often there are not hard rules, it depends on who is in charge. A passport always trumps a license except for renting a car I suppose. Wouldn't you have both with you anyway? Sorry I couldn't be of more help.
Written June 6, 2019
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