Visiting the Vatican Grottoes and Necropolis offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and sacred spaces beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Vatican Grottoes are a series of underground chambers located beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. They serve as a burial place for many popes, monarchs, and other important figures.
Originally, the grottoes were built to support the floor of the basilica, but they were later turned into a memorial space and burial ground.
Today, visitors can explore the grottoes to discover historical and archaeological evidence of St. Peter’s Basilica and follow the ancient path leading to the tomb of Saint Peter.
Below the grottoes lies the Vatican Necropolis, an ancient burial ground located 5–12 meters beneath the basilica. This area provides a rare glimpse into the early history of the Vatican.
You can choose between a small group tour or a private tour to explore the Vatican Grottoes and Necropolis.
Important: Tours of St. Peter’s Basilica, including the dome climb and crypts, are unavailable on Wednesday mornings because of the Papal Audience held in St. Peter’s Square.
Vatican Grottoes + St. Peter’s Basilica Dome climb & crypt small group tour
Start your day with reserved access to St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square before the crowds arrive. This small group tour begins at 9 am and lasts about 2.5 hours.
You’ll meet your English-speaking guide just outside the entrance to St. Peter’s Square.
The elevator will take you to the dome’s terrace, then climb 231 steps to see one of the best views you can get of the city of Rome.
After enjoying the view, head below the Basilica for a special visit to the crypts of the Vatican grotto. Your guide will show you the papal tombs, where over 100 tombs of popes and other important figures are located.
Tour prices
Adult (15+ years): €74
Child (2 to 14 years): €64
Infant (under 2 years): Free entry
*If the Dome’s terrace is closed due to bad weather, you can either request a partial refund and visit the other areas or cancel for a full refund.
Exclusive Tour: For a premium experience of the Grottoes tour, check out the Vatican Grottoes + St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb Private Tour.
Vatican Grottoes + St. Peter’s Basilica guided tour
Enjoy a guided visit to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Grottoes with this tour.
You can choose your guide based on your preferred language—options include English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish.
The tour has three starting times: 8.45 am, 2 pm, and 2.01 pm. Only afternoon time slots are available on Wednesdays due to the Papal Audience.
This guided tour lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes and is limited to a maximum of 25 participants for a more personalized experience.
Headsets are provided to ensure you hear your guide clearly. It’s recommended that you bring your own wired headphones, just in case.
Meet your guide at Largo del Colonnato nr. 5, located outside the Basilica and St. Peter’s Square, before passing through the security checks.
Tour prices
Adult (18+ years): €25
Child (4 to 17 years): €19
Infant (under 4 years): Free entry
Vatican Necropolis small-group tour
Discover one of the Vatican’s most restricted areas—the Vatican Necropolis on this small-group tour, also known as the Scavi Tour.
You’ll get exclusive access to an ongoing archaeological excavation and explore the site up close.
The tour also includes a skip-the-line guided visit to St. Peter’s Basilica.
This experience lasts about 3 hours, and you can choose from four starting time slots: 9 am, 11 am, 1.30 pm, and 2.30 pm.
With a maximum of 12 participants, you’ll enjoy a more personalized and intimate experience.
An English-speaking guide will share fascinating insights into Vatican history throughout the tour.
Tour price: €105
*Children under 15 years are not allowed
FAQs on Vatican Grottoes tickets
Here are some questions tourists ask before booking Vatican Grottoes tickets.
How do visitors get to the Vatican Grottoes entrance?
The Vatican Grottoes are located beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. To reach them, enter the basilica and look for the staircase near the papal altar that leads down to the Grottoes.
Vatican Grottoes vs Necropolis—which one to visit?
The Vatican Grottoes are underground chambers beneath St. Peter’s Basilica with tombs of Popes and Saints, accessible for free with a basilica ticket. The Vatican Necropolis, located below the Grottoes, is an ancient Roman burial ground and requires a special Scavi Tour. Visit the Grottoes if you’re interested in papal history and want a quick, free visit. Choose the Necropolis if you’re into ancient archaeology and want a more detailed, exclusive tour of Vatican history. If you have time, visit both for a complete look at the Vatican’s past.
Are Vatican grottoes free?
Yes, entry to the Vatican Grottoes is free, but you must have an admission ticket for St. Peter’s Basilica to access them. Because you have to enter the Basilica to go to the Vatican Grottoes.
What are the opening hours of Vatican grottoes and Necropolis?
The Vatican Grottoes are open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, with the last entry at least 30 minutes before closing. The Vatican Necropolis is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm and on Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm. The last entry is 1.5 hours before closing.
Can I take photographs inside the Vatican Necropolis?
Photos and videos are not allowed inside the Vatican Necropolis to help protect the site.
