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Request tickets for the Scavi Tour

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The Vatican Scavi Tour that goes through the excavations below Saint Peter’s Basilica is one of the most exclusive tours in all of Rome. Only 250 people are allowed through each day – compare that to the 30,000 that visit the Vatican Museums!

Your tour will be in a small group with a maximum of about 12 people and last around 90 minutes. The grand finale is a visit to the actual tomb of Saint Peter, where, by peering around a corner, you will see the bones of the Prince of the Apostles.

Reservations should be made well in advance of your visit to Rome, in fact, it should be the first thing you do!

The process is quite simple, however, it’s best to list a range of dates that you can visit and stay flexible.

How to request tickets to the Scavi

To request tickets, email the Scavi office at [email protected] Don’t email me , I can’t help you.

In your email, please provide:

  • The exact number of participants;
  • The name of each participant;
  • Your preferred language;
  • All possible dates you are available – spell out the month: 01 January 2021;
  • Provide an email address for the main contact.

They don’t care about any fluff, like how badly you want the tour or how you only just found out about it or that you’ve heard how great it is.

If your request is granted, you’ll be required to pay by credit card within 10 days. The Scavi office will send a link to pay online.

Important to note

A visit to the Scavi below Saint Peter’s Basilica not only takes you into a very sacred place, but also a highly secure area. As such, there are rules.

Only ages 15 and up are allowed.

Appropriate dress is required. No shorts. No short skirts. Shoulders covered. Even in the summer heat, don’t risk it.

No large bags. Normal sized backpacks and purses will go through security screening, but are allowed – usually.

You should bring your Passport in case they check ID. It’s never happened for me, but it’s better to be safe.

You should arrive 10-15 minutes early. No exceptions.

Once inside, no photos are allowed.

It is warm, humid, and cramped in the Scavi. If you are claustrophobic, well, you should visit anyway. Just know it might be a bit uncomfortable.

Tickets for the Scavi can sell out many months in advance. If you are unable to get tickets, and you are flexible, you can show up the day you want to go and ask if there are any cancellations.

Also watch for groups. Groups pay way in advance and often have cancellations. If the group leader is nice, you may be able to join. It happens. Stay positive.

Price Tickets are €13. Price includes your guide.

Opening times Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (due to the Papal Audience ) Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Scavi is closed on Sundays, Wednesday mornings until 1 PM, and the usually the following Vatican holidays:

January: 1 and 6 (Epiphany)

February: 11 (Lateran Treaty)

March: 13 (Election of the Holy Father), 19 (Saint Joseph’s Feast Day)

April: 23 (Name-day of the Holy Father)

May: 1 (Saint Joseph the Carpenter)

June: 15 (Corpus Domini), 29 (Feast Day of SS. Peter and Paul)

August: 14, 15, 16 (Ferragosto)

November: 1 (All Saints), 2 (All Soul’s Day)

December: 8 (Immaculate Conception), 24, 25, 26, 27 (Christmas) and 31 (Te Deum)

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Taking the Vatican Scavi tour: Visiting St. Peter’s tomb

Apr 22, 2018

View of Vatican City from Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, Italy.

The Vatican Scavi Tour, or a tour of the Vatican Necropolis, is one of the most exclusive tours in Rome, Italy, and maybe even in Europe! This is because they only let around 250 people in each day (compared with the more than 30,000 who visit the Vatican each day). You can only visit Ufficio Scavi (the Vatican Office of Excavations, or the Tomb of St. Peter, or the Vatican Necropolis) on a tour, and your tour guide will take you through the streets beneath St. Peter’s Basilica where a large number of early Christians were buried.

Visiting the Vatican: Everything you need to know

You will also be within feet of the room the Vatican believes St. Peter was buried, and will show you what they believe are his bones (although there is of course different opinions on whether they are him or not).

You will hear a history of early Christians in Rome and how they lived. Whether you are Catholic, or Christian, the history itself makes the tour completely worth it.

How to apply for the Vatican Scavi Tour

Scheduling the Vatican Ufficio Scavi tour Rome is not the easiest thing. To sign up, you will need to email the Vatican and let them know what days you will be in town. You should do this a minimum of a few months in advance of your trip, because these tours fill up in advance. They will email you back with a time and date for your tour — and you have very little choice at that moment. In our case, the date we were assigned was a different day than we were hoping for, but we made it work.

Reserve your Vatican Scavi tour tickets here.

Important vatican scavi tour tips:.

When you receive your email back from the Office of Excavations (Ufficio Scavi) you need to reply with a confirmation, as well as going through their online system to purchase your tickets.

As far as I know, you cannot negotiate a different date. Once they assign you a date, you either accept or you don’t — but assume the date they sent you for your Ufficio Scavi tour is the only one they have available within your time frame.

If you are instead looking to visit The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, learn more about reserving your Vatican Museum tickets here .

Ufficio Scavi Office

To find the Scavi office, go to the left side of St. Peter’s Square when facing St. Peter’s Basilica. There is a security line there that they will send you through, and then you will find a Swiss Guard member who will direct you to Ufficio Scavi.

Recommended: The 10 Best Attractions in Vatican City

Important: Do not let anyone tell you that you need to go through the security line for St. Peter’s Basilica. You do not need to. The red star below will show you where you need to go through security to reach Ufficio Scavi.

There should be no other people (or very few people) in line at this security checkpoint, because the only people using it are those that have a confirmation for the Scavi tour.

You should show up to the office at least 15 minutes ahead of your appointment. Be prepared for your tour to last around 1.5 hours.

scavi tour rome vatican

A few things to know about the Ufficio Scavi Tour:

  • You cannot take photos on the Vatican Necropolis tour, so do not plan this if you are hoping for a great photo opportunity.
  • The tour is underground beneath some very old buildings. Because of this, it can get very humid and therefore very hot. We went on a day when there was nonstop rain, so the fact that we were soaked on top of the fact that it was humid made for a fairly uncomfortable tour.

When you leave the tour, you will end up in a hall of popes — this is something the public has access to. But don’t mistake it for the actual tour location, because the tour itself will be one of the most amazing experiences of your life.

Learn more about visiting the Vatican, including the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and St. Peter’s Dome

Take a tour beneath St. Peter's Basilica Tour - Ufficio Scavi Tour

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The Scavi Tour: St Peter’s Tomb & Necropolis

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by April Nicole,

WHAT IS THE SCAVI TOUR?

The Scavi Tour is a 1.5-hour guided excursion through St Peter’s underground Necropolis, the ancient underground cemetery that houses St Peter’s tomb. It is a truly exclusive experience as visits are reserved for a maximum of 250 people per day to preserve the historical site, only pre-booked guided groups can visit, and no photos are allowed – so you have to go to know what it’s all about! However, as the site is underground, temperatures can be higher than outside, so those with medical conditions or claustrophobia may prefer to skip this trip.

RULES & REQUIREMENTS

  • The Necropolis can only be visited on a pre-booked guided tour.
  • No children under 15 years old allowed (I.D. will be checked and no exceptions will be made).
  • Guests must dress appropriately with shoulders and knees covered.
  • No cameras, suitcases, or backpacks allowed (but they can be deposited and supervised by St Peter’s Staff for free)

TOUR DETAILS

  • Available in multiple languages
  • Groups of approximately 12 people
  • Earliest tours begin at 9am, latest tours begin at 3:30pm
  • Each guest must pay 13 euro, a fee which covers both the entry ticket and the tour cost.
  • There are no reduced ticket prices under any circumstance.

HOW TO BOOK TICKETS

Scavi Tours must be booked in advance  with the Excavations Office of the Fabbrica di San Pietro, where the date and time of your visit will be organized for you based on the availability you provide.

Requests should be sent by the interested visitor. If the person submitting the request is not the actual visitor, he or she should send the visitors name and Email address. With this information, the Excavations Office can send specific information about the visit to the person requesting the visit.

There are no deadlines for submitting requests, but they will be handled in the order that they are received and whether they are granted will depend on availability.

Written requests may be submitted by fax  +39 06 69873017, or  requests may be made by visiting the Excavations Office in person  (using the south entrance, just outside of the Colonnade).

All of the following information must be included in the request:

  • Precise number of participants
  • Full names of participants
  • Language requested
  • Dates and times that the individual or group is available for the tour. The Excavations Office will try to plan your visit according to your availability, but the date and time is ultimately determined by them. Always write the name of the month in full, for example “from 01 January 2013 to 08 January 2013”.
  • Include E-mail address, or fax number, or a complete postal address to which replies and tour details can be sent.

Fabbrica di San Pietro – Excavations Office

Tel.:  + 39 06 69 885 318 – Fax:  + 39 06 69 873 017

Office Hours

Monday – Friday:  9:00 – 18:00, Saturday:  9:00 – 17:00

For more information, click  here.

We hope you’ve found this information helpful!

Contact us at  What A Life Tours  for any inquiries about your Vatican visit & consider joining one of our Five-Star  Vatican Tours !

Author: April Nicole

April is an American writer and photographer who has lived in Rome since 2013. She enjoys exploring the museums of the city, as well as indulging in authentic Italian cuisine!

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Vatican Necropolis Scavi Tour

  • Tour highlights
  • Tour itinerary
  • Tour Details

What to Expect

PRIVATE TOUR

Enjoy your tour with your own private tour expert at your party's disposal only

Meet&Greet at your hotel/accomodation. Transfer to the tour site included

NOT AVAILABLE

Wednesday, Sunday

ENTRANCE TICKETS

Entrance tickets are included! Enjoy your tour!

GENERIC INFORMATION

Children below 15 years of age not allowed. Not recommended for people who suffer from claustrophobia.

  • Blue badge certified  private tour guide
  • Exclusive  VIP access  to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
  • Access to the Vatican Necropolis
  • Reservation fees
  • Meet & greet your private guide at your hotel or accommodation
  • One Way Transfer  from your hotel/accommodation to the tour site
  • Drop off back to your hotel/accommodation after the tour

Sites you’ll visit

  • Vatican Museums
  • Sistine Chapel
  • Vatican Necropolis
  • St. Peter's Basilica
  • St. Peter's Square
  • Vatican Museums Famous throughout the world, the multiple galleries and rooms can take days to visit although only just over a third of the art that Popes throughout the centuries have collected is on show to the public. The museums house an immense collection that includes some of the most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world along with some of the most precious Ancient Rome and Egyptian statues.
  • Sistine Chapel Definitely the most known work of art of all time, the frescoes by Michelangelo are considered the finest work of art ever created by Man. The iconic narration of the vault dedicaded to the Holy Creation and the Bible is a pendant of the huge wall scene (60 feet tall) just behind the altar: the “Last Judgment” with its 391 figures. The side walls welcomed Michelangelo’s creation with pre-existing stories of the Life of Jesus and Moses by Botticelli and the Renaissance masters. Despite the religious dedication, the meaning of the Sistine Chapel trascends the time and space of the Church and reveals its universal meaning for mankind.
  • Vatican Necropolis Hidden below the Vatican city is a Necropolis dating back to the Imperial age of Rome. This special site was only discovered in the mid 1940's due to the Pope of then wanting to be buried as close as possible to Peter the Apostle. More of the Necropolis was unearthed as recently as 2003, who knows what else is hidden below!
  • St. Peter's Basilica The largest Basilica in the world is also home to worldwide masterpieces like the famous Pietà by Michelangelo! it even houses an underground crypt for Popes, of which can be visited. The Basilica has a big influence from Michelangelo and you can see his art work throughout. The Basilica was originally built above the tomb of the Prince of the Apostles, where the Pope visits every Christmas or Easter Time.
  • St. Peter's Square Completely designed by the master of the Baroque Era Gian Lorenzo Bernini, this worldwide famous square is one of the most iconic places in the word! This is the place where the Popes offer their audiences and blessings, and where the Christians use to wait and see the “white smoke” coming out from the roof of the Sistine Chapel, when a new Pope is elected. 140 statues of Popes, Angels and Saints look down on us from the balaustrades of the colonnades and extend their embrace to the city and all mankind right in the heart of the sacred side of Rome.

Tour description

A true  VIP experience  in the heart of the Papal State: one of the most rich and beautiful art collections of the world at your complete disposal!

With our  Vatican Necropolis Scavi Tour , long lines and waiting times will be a distant memory, giving you all the time you need to enjoy the worldwide famous masterpieces housed in the Museums.

In fact, with our  skip-the-line tickets , you will bypass the queue and get inside the museums before the crowds, with ease and style.

The tour winds through the Vatican Galleries, passing by the Raphael rooms, to reach the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s masterpiece: with the help of your  private guide , this gem won’t have any secrets anymore.

After looking at the sky, you’ll go underground: the  Vatican Necropolis , one of the most exclusive areas to visit, awaits you, where you will join a small group to explore the Scavi.

The tour will end with the visit of St. Peter’s Basilica, a magnificent expression of baroque/mannerist architecture, and St. Peter’s Square.

Useful information

  • Not available on Sunday.
  • Not suggested on Wednesday morning due to the Papal Audience.
  • Even with your ‘Skip the Line’ ticket you are NOT exempt from the line (queue) for the Security Check. As you enter in the Museums all visitors and their bags have to be screened under metal detectors and to be checked by the Vatican guards.
  • It is not possible to bring large bags or backpacks, as well as bulky bags, big umbrellas and selfie-sticks. All weapons, hazardous or flammable objects are strictly forbidden.
  • Food and beverages are permitted but must be checked.
  • Appropriate clothing is recommended, especially in high season when visiting some important holy sites, such as Basilicas and Churches. Shoulders and knees have to be covered (Sistine Chapel included).
  • Be advised: the underground paths are really narrow and may be problematic for people suffering from claustrophobia.

Full Refund Cancellation Policy

  • Dolce Vita policy is applied on all Standard Bookings placed more than 72 hours from the date of the event. We provide all our customers with Refundable Terms up to 72 hours from the date of the event for any reason. To apply for a refund including where your tour is cancelled or changed by Eyes of Rome®, please contact our customer service team at [email protected] .
  • Peace of Mind policy is applied on Selected Bookings and on all Bookings placed within 72 hours from the date of the event. We provide all our customers with Refundable Terms so if you are unable to attend your booking due to unforeseen circumstances outside of your control you may be entitled to a refund - please see our full set of Refundable Terms and Conditions here . To apply for a refund, please find the instructions on how to apply in the booking confirmation email you received after payment.

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The Best Scavi Tour Vatican 2024

Vatican dome & crypt tour, about scavi tour vatican.

Discover a hidden world beneath the iconic St. Peter's Basilica by joining the Vatican Scavi Tour! Explore the sacred papal tombs, ascend to the majestic dome, and savor an unforgettable view of the Vatican and Rome from above. Your expert guide will lead you through the entire tour, providing insights into the Renaissance era, the artworks you'll encounter, and the underground crypts.

underground and dome vatican tour

DESCRIPTION

Scavi tour vatican.

Explore the Vatican crypts and climb up to the top of St. Peter's Basilica to enjoy stunning views of the Vatican and Rome by going on this Vatican Scavi tour.

Start your journey in St. Peter’s Square and reach the dome's first level. Take in the beautiful mosaics of saints, Latin scripts on the dome, and Bernini’s canopy below. While being there, your guide will share interesting facts about the dome's history and the Renaissance artists involved.

After that, climb the spiral staircase to the dome's top for free time to explore. Pass by windows with views of the Vatican rooftops. After 320 steps, you'll reach the viewing platform 448 feet above the basilica floor. Take a moment and soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the city, including the Vatican Gardens and ancient Rome's landmarks like the Colosseum and the Pantheon.

Finish your tour by descending to the underground crypts to see where popes and royalty have been buried since the 11th century.

  • Guided tour
  • Entry fees to the top of the Dome by elevator
  • Headsets, so you can always hear your guide
  • Tips (optional)
  • Entry to Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Necropolis

collonade vatican

Meeting point

Meet your guide at Largo del Colonnato 5, by the first columns of the Colonnade. Look for a yellow label with the Touriks logo on it. The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter's square. Do not go through the metal detectors before meeting the guide.

Explore the final resting place of popes, including the tomb of St. Peter. Learn about the rituals and traditions associated with papal burials.

Ascend to new heights as you climb to the top of St. Peter's dome, treating yourself to panoramic views of the Vatican City and Rome's skyline - an experience that will leave you breathless in more ways than one.

Learn about the significance of the Holy Door, which is opened once every 25 years exclusively for Catholic pilgrims to walk through.

underground and dome vatican tour

MAKE YOUR VISIT TO VATICAN CITY UNFORGETTABLE!

Easy booking process & free cancellation.

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FAQ – Scavi Tour Vatican

What is the scavi tour of the vatican, how long does the scavi tour take, why is it called the scavi tour, is there a dress code to visit basilica, what other landmarks can i visit in the vatican, uncover the secrets of vatican underground, easy & fast booking process, good to know before you go.

  • Please note that all visitors must pass through security.
  • The dome’s elevator takes you only to the first terrace. To climb to the top of the dome, you will have to use the stairs (320 steps).
  • This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and those who suffer from heart or other serious medical conditions.

vatican

The tour was so good we forgot about the time!

Our guide impressed us with his deep knowledge and attention to every detail. During the tour, we saw many significant artworks inside the basilica, climbed the stairs to the summit, and enjoyed panoramic views of the Vatican City from the top. The entire tour lasted three hours, which we didn't even notice because the tour was incredible! 🙂

Amazing tour guide!

We had an amazing time exploring St. Peter's Basilica and taking on the Dome Climb! The Basilica is beyond breathtaking, and the Dome climb was an unforgettable adventure. There's a wealth of information that only an expert like Paula can provide, adding a whole new layer of understanding to the experience. Paula was the highlight of the tour - incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and considerate. She presented information clearly and even added a touch of humor. Out of all the tours we did in Italy, this one was our absolute favorite. Grazie mille, Paula!

Book your Dome & Vatican Underground Tour Now!

Explore St. Peter's Basilica, its majestic dome, and the hidden Papal tombs!

  • Small group or private tours are available
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

Instant ticket delivery

Smartphone tickets accepted

Skip the line ticket

ROMAN-GATEWAY

Vatican Scavi Tour and St. Peter’s basilica

The Vatican Scavi Tour that goes through the excavations below Saint Peter's basilica is one of the most exclusive tours of all Rome.

I have been an official guide of Vatican Scavi  since 1996. You could blindfold me and I would be able to show you around with ease.

We will visit an Ancient Roman Necropolis, discovered by archeologists in 1939  and filled with the fresco-painted tombs of wealthy Roman families and an early Christian cemetery with the tomb of St. Peter's, the Apostle. This part of the tour will be with about 15 other people, though we will visit St. Peter's church on our own.

Saint Peter's basilica was built in 1506. It is the longest church in the world, filled with the most important Renaissance masterpieces like the Pietà by Michelangelo.

You can combine this tour with the Vatican Museums or Pope's audience on Wednesdays.

Tour length: 2 hours

Vatican Angel

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From Home to Rome

Hidden Vatican: the “Scavi” and how to visit them

C. P.

  • November 7, 2022
  • Catacombs , Churches , Rome 101 , The city center , Vatican Area

The Vatican secret archeological site and how to visit: a guide by From Home to Rome

As you plan your tra vel to Rome, you’ll have surely considered devoting part of your trip to the exploration of the Vatican area : St. Peter’s Basilica , with the Vatican Museums and – of course – the Sistine Chapel .

This is on every tourist’s “must do”, after all, and there’s little deviation from the rule. At the very most, some more travelled people might want to add experiences that are a little out of the ordinary, such as the train daytrip to Castel Gandolfo and the Papal palace there, or the ascent to St. Peter’s dome .

A surprising small number of visitors, however, know that St. Peter’s itself can also be visited… from below . Meaning, not everyone remembers that there’s a whole underground level under the basilica that is accessible (even though with a few limitations). That part of the Vatican is called “Scavi” (“Excavations”) and this post wants to share some information on it!

What are the Vatican’s “Scavi”, anyway?

How to visit the Scavi archaeological site in the Vatican

Oversimplifying for the sake of brevity – and with many apologies to the historians reading this: you may already be aware that the current Basilica you see at St. Peter’s has not always looked like that. The building of the original church had been ordered by none other than emperor Constantine , who had also decided to flatten the Colle Vaticano hill that used to be where the basilica is now located.

That hill, while not one of the original seven hills of Rome, is as important because emperor Nero used it as a location to martyr some of the first Christians – among them, St. Peter .

Those killed there, along as other Romans who were not Christian, were all buried in a necropolis which ended underground when Constantine ordered, indeed, to build St. Peter’s in its stead. The “Scavi” are the part of that same necropolis, which includes St. Peter’s tomb, and that have been excavated since around 1939.

Scavi: not a chance discovery

Contrary to belief, the Scavi area has always been well-known , both by the Vatican residents and by Romans at large. So much so that when Pope Pius XII asked to be buried as close as possible to St. Peter’s tomb , the request was at first deemed impossible to fulfill, because the area below the basilica was considered too cramped to move around.

When contractors started working on it by trying to lower the existing underground floor to create more space, they soon discovered Roman tombs, shrines, buildings and more. Parts of the necropolis can never be excavated, so as not to pose a threat to the stability of the basilica above it. What you get to visit is, however, a significant portion of it.

How to visit the Scavi?

Visits to the Scavi can only happen through the Vatican offices themselves , as they authorize the amount of people allowed to walk through the area. Only up to 250 people can visit each day, divided into groups of 12, who are not allowed to explore on their own but are accompanied by a guide .

This is the official website for booking your visit, which also contains a “virtual guide” on the findings below the church and gives you a rough idea of what to expect down there (particularly useful in the even you’re claustrophobic and need more information before booking!).

Things to know before you book

  • Visits to the Scavi are 1h 30 minutes – short enough for you to be able to still make it to the Vatican Museums right after, for instance, so plan your tours accordingly!
  • Access is not allowed to kids under 15 – again, plan accordingly if you’re travelling with children.
  • It goes without saying that your attire should be the same as when visiting a church – the tomb of St. Peter is here, after all. Even if you’re not religious and interested in the history behind it, try to be respectful to those who are, or those who work there (read something more about this here ).
  • On top of not being recommended to those suffering from claustrophobia , the Scavi area is not suitable to those tourists with a walking disability – obviously, it is an archaeological area and even though works have been carried out to make it more accessible, surfaces can be slippery, uneven or there might be steps or other obstacles.
  • Ancient Rome
  • Archaeology in Rome
  • Scavi necropolis
  • St. Peter's Basilica
  • Things to do in Rome
  • tourist tips
  • Underground
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scavi tour rome vatican

Excavations office

Visits to the tomb of saint peter and the necropolis under the vatican basilica.

Special visits to the necropolis underneath the Basilica, where the tomb of St. Peter is located, are only possible following special permission granted from time to time by the “Fabbrica di San Pietro”. Visits are organized according to the schedule set by the Excavations Office.  

- In order to preserve this exceptional historical, archaeological site and due to the limited premises around the venerated tomb of the Apostle Peter, only around 250 visitors per day are permitted to enter.

- Groups are composed of approximately 12 people and according to language. 

- Only those who are 15 years or older will be admitted – no exceptions will be made.

- Each group is accompanied by a guide especially trained by our office. The guided visit lasts about an hour and a half.  

We kindly inform all visitors to the necropolis that environmental conditions will be different underground, with possible increase of temperature and humidity. Those who suffer specific and serious physical problems that could be effected by these conditions, including claustrophobia, should not visit.

How to make

  • Reservations
  • Entrance fee
  • Regulations during visits
  • Depositing prohibited items

Fabbrica di San Pietro

Excavations Office 00120 Vatican City State

email: [email protected]

Tel.:  + 39 06 69 885 318

Entrance Fee

Monday – Friday:  9:00 - 18:00

Saturday:  9:00 - 14:00

Cost of the ticket

The cost of the individual ticket , including the contribution for the Guide, is 13,00 Euros (approximately $ 16.50 USD)

No reductions in price will be given for any reason.

© Excavations Office | Contact us | Map

Dara McCarthy

Vatican Necropolis

The Vatican Necropolis, or city of the dead, lies two stories beneath the floor of St. Peter’s Basilica .

It is the original ground level of Vatican Hill and is part of the cemetery that Saint Peter is believed to have been buried in.

tomb of st peter

the necropolis

Peter had been preaching in the Empire’s capital, which would have given him him the largest audience.

st peter’s bones

vatican catacombs

st peters tomb

scavi

The early Christian community used Greek which was the practical language of the Eastern Roman Empire where Peter was from.

vatican grottoes

scavi

Greek had been the Lingua Franca or main language of the region since Alexander the Great of Macedon conquered the region almost four hundred years previously.

Greek was easier to translate in to Latin which was the official language used in the West.

where is st peter buried

necropolis

As the tombs of Jesus and Mary were unknown and/or unoccupied, Peter’s tomb became one of the holiest sites in Christendom alongside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

what is a necropolis

The Roman writer Tacitus documents the persecution of Christians under Nero, of whom he was a contemporary, and John’s Gospel, written after the fire, records Jesus as telling Peter “when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and take you where you do not want to go” [Jn 21:18].

Stretching out your hands is considered a direct reference to crucifixion.

scavi tour rome

The Roman writer Josephus, from the first century, also tells us that Roman soldiers liked crucifying their victims in different ways, so they would have accommodated Peter’s request.

In 326 A.D. the Roman Emperor Constantine built his Basilica or Church on this site with the altar right over Peter’s grave.

Most of the non-Christian tombs were cleared and cemetery was discontinued. Constantine’s Basilica lasted 1200 years until it was gradually replaced by the current basilica (1506 – 1626).

Carlo Maderno, the second last architect of the Basilica, created the current layout of the levels, with the Papal Tombs one story above the necropolis and the Basilica floor above that.

In the 1940s Pope Pius XII ordered excavations carried out on the necropolis around the area of the tomb.

These excavations revealed many pagan tombs in the vicinity of Peter proving the written source material that the cemetery on Vatican Hill, where Peter is recorded as buried, was indeed pagan.

Digging twenty years later, during the tenure of Pope Paul VI, about 250 bones were found beneath the altar, piled together, interestingly without a skull.

Tradition records that Peter’s skull is actually in the church of Saint John the Lateran and was taken there to avoid it being damaged by the Saracens, or Muslim pirates, when they sacked Rome in the ninth century.

The Pope’s personal physician and a team of doctors confirmed these bones as those of a sixty to seventy year old man who had been powerfully built.

The bones match of the age of Peter and the written location of his burial.

Visits to the Scavi Necropolis can only be organised through the Ufficio Scavi with the Vatican themselves, they have their own tour guides, and you should book at least two months in advance to avoid disappointment.

Photographs are not permitted, and thus I do not have many above. Here is the Vatican’s site about the Scavi.

As the Scavi are underground, it is not suited to those without full use of their lungs, so children must be older than 16 and people with breathing conditions asthma or anything more severe should not attempt to visit the necropolis.

Also the area of the scavi are close quarters, if you have claustrophobia or dislike cramped conditions, the scavi are not for you.

As the Necropolis is a holy place, cameras are not permitted. Small bags, messenger bags and ladies handbags are permitted.

You should dress conservatively with covered knees and shoulders and you should wear comfortable shoes, tennis shoes, sneakers or trainers etc.

Rated 5.0 /5 based on a selection 10 customer reviews out of thousands.

Dara was an Excellent Tour Guide Shirley Ryan We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the Vatican and felt that we obtained a lot more information than we would have done on our own. Dara was an excellent tour guide who was well informed and able to deliver the information in an enjoyable way. 5 / 5 Stars
Dara's Tour was Fantastic. Melinda Gades Dara's tour was fantastic. He made 2000 years of history much more fun than expected. I would certainly take his tour again when I next visit Rome. I learned so much and had a great time. Thanks! 5 / 5 Stars
By Far the Best I have Ever Experienced April Flowers Having travelled a great deal, I have been on many tours in many places, but this tour was by far the best I have ever experienced! Dara delivered a lot of information in a quick and witty way. I am so glad we didn't try to visit the Vatican without a tour. Thanks so much for a wonderful day! 5 / 5 Stars
Great Tour! Ruth Dara was excellent! Thank you for such a great tour! 5 / 5 Stars
Easy to Understand Jason P Dara was a good guide and seemed to know what he was talking about, plus he was easy to understand. 5 / 5 Stars
Excellent Tour Paula Bawiec It was an excellent tour. Would recommend it to anyone who was going to Rome. 5 / 5 Stars
Take the Tour Dara Fazel Take the tour, even if you will do it on your own later. 5 / 5 Stars
Worth every penny. Scott Kalkin Worth every penny. 5 / 5 Stars
Excellent Work Katherine R. Yazzie Our tour guide was very informative and knew the history of all the statues and art paintings and frescoes on the walls and ceilings. We are very glad we took this guided tour. We would not have known what we were looking at. Excellent work to Vatican tour and guide. Thanks! 5 / 5 Stars
Wonderful Job Rebeka Carter Dara did a wonderful job. I wish we would have had him as our tour guide the entire time we were in Rome. He made the tour wonderfully entertaining and very educational. He placed just enough detail in the explanation to teach us but not bore us. He did an outstanding job. Thank you Dara! 5 / 5 Stars

Scavi Tours with NAC Seminarians

scavi tour rome vatican

Scavi Tours

Commonly known as the Scavi tour, the tour of the excavations of the necropolis beneath Saint Peter’s Basilica and the burial place of Saint Peter himself is a marvelous experience for pilgrims in Rome.  For more information on the Scavi tour and its history, click here .  Only approximately 200 pilgrims can enter the excavations per day. Therefore, reservations should be made a few months in advance of your visit to Rome.

A written request for a Scavi tour must be sent directly to the Scavi Office by email, fax, or mail.  If you receive no response or if your email bounces back to you, it usually means that the daily quota is already full. Since the Scavi office prefers to work directly with their pilgrims, we are unable to request tours on your behalf.

Instructions to have a NAC seminarian as a guide for your Scavi tour:

  • Please note that NAC seminarians do not make direct reservations for Scavi tours.
  • The only way to reserve a tour is to contact Scavi directly at [email protected]
  • Be sure to include the names and number of pilgrims, the range of availability of dates and times, the request for an English tour, and finally request for a tour from a NAC seminarian.
  • Important: Once you have received a confirmation email from Scavi, you then need to forward the confirmation to the Scavi Apostolate Seminarian Capo at [email protected] . Please keep in mind that the seminarians do not receive confirmation from the Scavi Office so this will be your responsibility.

Scavi Fax: 011.39.06.6987.3017

scavi tour rome vatican

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scavi tour rome vatican

How to Book the Vatican City Scavi Tour And View St. Peter’s Remains

January 12, 2017 By //  by  Halef 2 Comments

Do you want to see the “secret” part of Vatican City containing the remains of St. Peter? Have you ever heard of the Vatican City Scavi Tour?

If you’re going to visit Vatican City, it’s something you really need to consider doing.

Vatican City is a city-state within a 2-mile long wall. The city started from humble beginnings. St. Peter’s Basilica, the focal point of the city, was built to honor the eponymous Apostle, who was crucified and buried in the Vatican Hill necropolis around the 1st century.

If you’re lucky enough to be able to book a the Vatican City Scavi Tour, you’ll get to view the remains of St. Peter.

It will be one of the most memorable parts of your visit.

Vatican City Scavi Tour - St. Peter's Basilica

When Christianity became the official religion of Rome in the 4th century, Emperor Constantine began the construction of the church.

The site was later expanded and built up over the next 17 centuries.

Millions of people visit St. Peter’s to see the upper Basilica. A few thousand visit the majestic Vatican Museum.

It houses one of the most impressive and expensive art collection per square foot in the world.

What most people don’t know is that you can do more than just visit the impressive church and Museum.

Travelers “in the know” will actually sign up for a special visit to the original necropolis level of the Basilica, where the 4th century ground once stood, to see the remains of St. Peter.

Booking the Vatican City Scavi Tour requires you’ll deal with a bit of Vatican bureaucracy and it might test your patience, but trust me, it is worth the effort.

This post will help you get it all set up.

The Vatican City Scavi Tour

Scavi (excavation), refers to the Vatican City archeology project that explores the excavation underneath St. Peter’s Basilica. It started in the 1940s, when they were expanding the underground area to bury deceased popes.

During that excavation, the original necropolis site was discovered, along with bone fragments believed to be those of St. Peter’s himself.

This belief is based on knowledge of the temple from the Emperor Constantine’s era and a marking that translates as “Peter is here.”

Here’s the catch:

Most people don’t even know this important and unique tour exists, and access is extremely limited: only 250 people may visit in any given day.

Also, it’s important to note that your ticket to the Vatican Museum does not include the Vatican City Scavi Tour.

You must request it separately, with permission granted by Vatican City.

Vatican City Scavi Tour - The famous spiral staircase inside the Vatican Museum

How to reserve the Vatican City Scavi tour

If you want to see St. Peter’s remains for yourself, there is only one way to visit the site. You must contact the Ufficio Scavi (Excavation Office) directly. 

Fabbrica di San Pietro , an organization within the Vatican, appointed to overlook the excavation project, runs this office.

To book the Vatican City Scavi Tour, email [email protected] or fax them at +39 06 69873017 to request access. You can also visit the Excavations Office in person (see below for directions).

Required information for booking the Scavi Tour

  • Number and names of participants
  • Language requested
  • Possible dates for your visit (the time is assigned by the Excavations Office).
  • E-mail address, fax number, or postal address

If they approve your Scavi tour, the office will reply to you and give you a specific date and time. You’ll need to confirm your acceptance, at which time they’ll issue you a confirmation number.

Bring this number with you when you visit.

You must show it to the Swiss Guard to be allowed inside the Vatican compound.

Vatican City Scavi Tour - the crypt of John Paul 1

Things to know before registering

Here is some important information you need to know:

Request the Scavi tour far in advance

I can’t stress enough how limited this tour is. There are only 250 people allowed each day in groups of about 12. So request your Vatican City Scavi tour months in advance and be flexible – give at least a couple of dates.

I requested my June visit way back in February and barely made it.

This is first come, first served. The office will reject your request if there are no spots on your requested date.

Confirmations and changes

You may visit the Ufficio Scavi when you’re in Rome to confirm your appointment prior to your appointed date.

If you need to change your date or the time of your visit, they will only do it in the unlikely event someone canceled.

Vatican City Scavi Tour - At the entrance of the Ufficio Scavi (the Excavation Office)

Registering large groups

You must list the names of every single visitor. If you’re with an organization (universities, parishes, cultural associations, agencies, and other groups), tell them the name

Minimum age to enter the Vatican necropolis

To visit, you must be at least 15 years old to go on the Scavi Tour.

They do not make exceptions. If you get there and you are “going to be 15 tomorrow,” you will not get in.

Disability accommodation

Sadly, there is no accommodation for wheelchairs or people with physical disabilities.

If you have a severe case of claustrophobia or any dust/humidity allergies, this tour may not be suitable for you.

Scavi tour Cost

For an individual ticket, including the contribution for the guide, the cost is 13€ (approximately $16.50).

They do not give discounts for any reason.

The day of your Scavi visit – things to know

Here’s what you need to know on the day of your Scavi Tour:

Entrance to the Excavations Office

You may only enter through the gates located on the Via Paolo VI. This is outside the Colonnade, just to the south (left), near the entrance to the General Audience Hall)

Vatican City Scavi Tour - where you need to go. Google maps image

Bring your confirmation number

You must bring this number, and list of the members of your group (if applicable) to show the Swiss Guards.

If you don’t have it, you can’t go in.

Although they are friendly, they are definitely very strict about allowing access to Vatican territory.

Scavi tour Arrival time

Arrive at least 10 minutes before your visit. They won’t allow you in if you are late.

I highly recommend arriving even 30 minutes beforehand.

Dress code for the Scavi tour

This is a sacred place. As is the case in all of the Vatican, even in the top-level of the Basilica and the Museum, they don’t allow shorts or anything above your knees.

No tank tops/straps that show shoulders.

No exceptions. They will turn you away.

No large bags

Leave larger bags, backpacks and cameras at your hotel. Although there are a few lockers and places where you can leave some smaller bags, they won’t allow any bags or big cameras inside the excavation area.

Scavi tours are arranged by language

These are highly trained individuals who are more than happy to answer your burning questions.

The guided tour lasts about an hour and a half.

Vatican City Scavi Tour - Swiss Guard photo-op before my Scavi Tour!

Check out other cool things to do in Vatican City.

Scavi tour Contact information

Vatican City Scavi TourExcavations Office (Ufficio Scavi) 00120 Vatican City State

Tel.:   +  39 06 69 885 318 Fax:   +  39 06 69 873 017

Monday – Friday:  9:00 – 18:00 Saturday:  9:00 – 17:00

scavi tour rome vatican

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Halef

Halef moved from Indonesia to the US nearly two decades ago to go to college here. He hasn’t looked back. He’s been to over forty countries and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. He’s a Landscape Architect in Atlanta, GA.

Bali Cooking Class - Halef, muscles rippling, smushing yellow sauce

Reader Interactions

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January 13, 2017 at 2:54 pm

Love this post! I had no idea about this and will definitely plan for this on my next trip to Rome. I love secret tours like this so thanks for a great post!

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January 13, 2017 at 3:00 pm

Thank you! Feel free to share. 🙂 It’s a wonderful tour that not many people know about. A shame, really, as it’s one of the more interesting things in Vatican City!

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scavi tour rome vatican

Live Dream Discover

How to Book a Vatican Scavi Tour

What is a scavi tour.

The Scavi Tour takes you below Saint Peter’s Basilica to the Vatican necropolis. The Vatican commissioned excavation of this site in the 1940’s whereupon archaeologists found a burial ground dating back to the 4th Century. Among other things they unearthed in the Vatican Catacombs is the Temple of Constantine and what is strongly believed to be St. Peter’s Tomb.

We took the Vatican Scavi tour ourselves and found it to be an incredible experience that will definitely make our list of “most memorable.” However, I really wanted to share the experience from the perspective of someone raised in Catholicism. My partner, Nathan, was raised in a Catholic home, but I was not. Since I am the writer in the duo I decided to call upon a fellow writer, who also happens to be Nathan’s mother, to share her experience.

My Scavi Tour Experience 

         As Written by Laurie Rochon-Sado

“Rome, Italy. Two words that conjure up all sorts of images; historical beauty, iconic tourist spots, romantic settings, even holy moments of wonder. To even begin to describe in this brief article my incredible four days would be an exercise in futility.

Each place I went brings its own description, its own moment of wonder. The Colosseum , the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and of course, visiting Vatican City. 

However, for this simple woman from a little town in Washington State, USA, nothing compares to the quiet moments I spent deep beneath St. Peters Basilica in the necropolis. This is my account of what is called the Vatican Scavi Tour.

The Vatican necropolis, aka Scavi, sits directly beneath St. Peters Basilica. Located there are the tombs of past Popes, St. Peters tomb itself, as well as an ancient Roman street.

If you are planning a trip to Rome , this is one of the must-see Vatican tours. It is well worth the small amount of trouble it takes to procure the rare Scavi Tour tickets. Since it is one of the most exclusive tours in Rome, with only 250 people a day allowed to enter the excavation, it is well worth the extra effort.

On the day of my scheduled tour, I awoke with a sense of anticipation. I just felt that something very special was going to happen to me that day. I was not disappointed.

As my family and I entered the Vatican we were greeted by the Swiss Guard and directed to the Scavi offices. Due to the fragility of the excavations, we were put into a small group of about 12 people. Keep in mind that children under 15 cannot enter, for that reason.

As we began our tour, we entered on foot through the Arco delle Campane. Almost immediately, I was engulfed with a sense of history. The air was thick with warmth and dampness. Being raised in a Christian home, I also began to feel something spiritual the deeper we went down.

The air became warmer as we descended, and walls become a little bit tighter. However, not so tight as to bother those with mild claustrophobia. From an archaeological standpoint, I was amazed at the structures, the tombs, the beauty. I kept thinking, what a treat for anyone interested in archaeology to take this tour.

To my understanding, this necropolis dates all the way back to the 4th century. One area was said to be the temple of Emperor Constantine complete with an ancient graffiti that translates, “Peter is here.” It gave me chills.

As our 90-minute tour continued, I truly believed I had entered one of the Vatican’s best-kept secrets. I was transported into a dark city of small cave-like mausoleums arranged along a narrow, dark street with ornate decorations and inscriptions evoking a sense of mind-boggling history. I was breathing in the past. My past. The past of my religious ancestors.

As our journey below continued, we reached a niche like area that led to a small room where our tour guide paused for several minutes to let us take in the place believed to be St. Peter’s tomb which holds the relics of St. Peter himself. Not being a particularly holy woman, I was surprised to find as I stared into this softly lit room, that there were tears streaming down my cheeks. Was it the mesmerizing history that was leaving me breathless and emotional, or had I truly been touched by something profound; a holy moment of wonder?

At the completion of our tour, we continued to view the rest of St. Peters Basilica, the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. All beautiful and awesome, however, I raised a silent prayer that I stumbled onto the Scavi Tour website all those months prior to our trip to Italy. Those quiet moments spent in the necropolis touched my heart and remain with me today.”

How to Get Scavi Tour Tickets

Prior to your trip, once you have booked your transportation and decided where to stay in Rome , simply log onto the Scavi website .  We booked ours three months in advance, sending through the request via email directly to the Vatican Scavi Tour offices.

You will need to include the dates of your Rome itinerary and you will be notified, usually within a few days, of the date and time you have been assigned. You are not able to specify an exact date and time yourself, so be sure to leave the dates you’ve given open until your receive confirmation. The cost is very minimal at 13.00 Euros.

Here is the process we went through:

Requests may be submitted in written form by sending an email to [email protected] , by fax+39 06 69873017 , or by visiting the Excavations Office in person (using the south [left] entrance, just outside of the Colonnade).

It is absolutely necessary to provide the following information:

1. Exact number of participants 2. Names of participants 3. Language requested 4. Possible dates *when the Excavations Office can assign your visit (the time will be determined by the Office). *please always write in full the name of the month (e.g.: from 01 January 2018 to 08 January 2018) 5. E-mail address, or fax number, or a complete postal address.

It’s as simple as that to arrange a unique and moving experience of a lifetime and become only one of 250 people out of 30,000 that visit the Vatican daily. It really is an amazing addition to your Rome itinerary .

Pin It For Later

A member of the Swiss Guard dressed in the colorful striped uniform of gold, red and blue. When visiting the Vatican don;t miss the exclusive Scavi Tour.

Need help planning your trip to Rome? Take a look at this Rome Travel Guide!

Vatican Scavi Tour Tips

  • Book as far in advance as you can , especially in high season as there are limited spots.
  • You won’t be able to photograph while in the catacombs but you should be able to bring your camera with you on the tour as long as it is kept secured in a bag. You actually exit the tour into St Peter’s Basilica where you will definitely want your camera.
  • It can get a bight tight and confined in spots so if you have severe claustrophobia you may want to opt out.
  • Because of the sometimes tight spaces and historical importance of the site large bags and backpacks are not permitted. A standard size purse or camera bag is fine as long as it can be strapped close to your body.
  • Dress appropriately as you would for any sacred site. Men must wear long trousers and women no skirts above the knees and all should have shoulders covered.
  • You will have a very specific time of entry and the office can be a bit tricky to find so be sure to arrive early and bring the directions emailed to you at time of booking.
  • They do not allow anyone under the age of fifteen.

Other Must Sees When Visiting Vatican City

View of Saint Peter's Square and Vatican City from the dome of St Peter's Basilica

The Vatican Museums

A room full of statues and priceless artwork in the Vatican Museum

Sistine Chapel

Close up of Michelangelo's The Creation of Adam in the Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is the prize at the end of the Vatican Museums trail. You can only get there by going through the museums first. That doesn’t mean you should rush through the museums though, they are more than worth the time to explore on their own. In fact, once you reach the Sistine Chapel for the first time you may be forgiven if you’re a little disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, it is magnificent and awe-inspiring to see Michelangelo’s famous ceiling but the ever-present crowd and the constant sound of a disembodied voice saying “Please keep moving” and “No cameras!” can somewhat hamper the experience. Just try to block that out and take in the masterpieces that surround you including the magnificent Creation of Adam.

Saint Peter’s Basilica

Looking up at the beautiful painted ceiling of the dome in St Peter's Basilica. You will exit into here after the Scavi Tour.

Swiss Guard

Swiss Guard at Vatican City. We passed him when going to our Scavi Tour.

The Vatican and its Popes have been protected by the Swiss Guard since 1506 and despite their rather elegant looking uniforms, they are much more than a colorful sight for tourists. Every member of the Swiss Guard is highly trained in weaponry and martial arts. To become a member of the Swiss Guard they must be Catholic, single, Swiss males between the ages of 18-30 and former members of the Swiss military. In my experience, it seems they must also be quite handsome!

Audience with the Pope

Looking at St Peter's Basilica and square in Vatican City with chairs set out for the twice weekly Pope's speech

If you are able to time it right you can be present for the Pope’s speech in Saint Peter’s Square. When he is in town he will hold audience on Wednesdays at 10:30 am and on Sundays at noon. On Wednesdays he speaks outside in the square and there are free tickets available for seating. These tickets must be requested and picked up ahead of time. No tickets are required on Sundays when he gives a shorter speech from his apartment window. You can find the Pope’s schedule and ticket info here. If you want to be assured of getting tickets and a decent seat you can also pay for a guided audience which will include detailed explanation of the papacy as well as headsets to hear the speech clearly.

Getting to Vatican City

If you’re not taking a tour that includes transportation you will have a few options for getting to Vatican City. If you’re staying close enough to walk there you’re in luck but make sure you map your way and leave plenty of time if you have a Scavi Tour booked. Taxis are everywhere but Rome traffic can be busy and prices high so check with your hotel or taxi service in advance. You can also take the Rome Metro Metropolitana Line A to the Ottaviano “San Pietro” stop which would be our choice over a taxi.

Popular Vatican Tours

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scavi tour rome vatican

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Scavi Tour to Tomb of St. Peter’s in Vatican

Rome, Italy

scavi tour rome vatican

The most exclusive Vatican tour to a restricted area of Vatican City with fewer than 100 permits granted per day. Vatican necropolis with the tomb of St. Peter's is the best-preserved ancient cemetery in Rome with artefacts, frescoes and bas-reliefs taking the visitor back to times of imperial Rome and early Christian persecutions.

What's Included

Departure & return, departure point, departure time, return details, what to expect, additional info.

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Tour is no available for children under 15
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Cancellation policy

From 132. 72  usd.

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scavi tour rome vatican

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scavi tour rome vatican

Enquiry Form

The Scavi Office has made a huge effort to streamline their process. They now send you a receipt of your email request right away and then shortly thereafter (with a few days) you will get an answer.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and Where to go? Shortly before your tour begins, go to the Sant' Uffizio entrance to the left/south side of St Peter's Square. There is a special security station set up there. Bring your confirmation letter from the Office

What is it like inside the Scavi? It's a little claustophobic inside the Scavi. The air is humid and warm, but the ground is dry. The lighting is dim, and you walk on uneven ground as you look inside the various tombs. Some of the objects can only be viewed one at a time. A person with a physical disability may have some problems.

What can I Bring? You're not supposed to bring any cameras, recording devices, or large objects. Purses and small handbags are permitted. It you need to check items beforehand, you must do this at the free baggage check on the right side of St Peter's, which requires going through security.

What are the Age Limits? The Vatican website says that only persons over 15 years old are admitted.

What do I Wear? Dress appropriately for a religious site; sholders covered, no shorts. Comfortable shoes are recommended since the ground is uneven.

What times are the tours? Tours run continually from 9:00AM until 4:15PM, Monday - Saturday. The tours last about one hour.

Where does the tour end? The Scavi website states that the tour ends back at the Excavations Office. The tour is actually finished when you enter the Clementine Chapel in the grottoes. Your guide might allow you to then visit the grottoes (tomb of the popes).

Where can I find more Information? The Vatican website now has a virtual tour of the Necropolis at: http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/necropoli/scavi_english.html If you want to purchase information, the Vatican bookstore offers a magazine titled, 'Roma Sacra - The Vatican Necropolis'. More detailed info can be found in the online books here. An online article to read is: The Scavi of St. Peter's and the Grittiness of Catholicism by George Weigel.

IMAGES

  1. The Vatican Scavi Tour: Visiting the Necropolis of St. Peter’s Basilica

    scavi tour rome vatican

  2. How to Book the Vatican City Scavi Tour And View St. Peter's Remains

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  3. Die Vatikan Scavi Tour: Besuch der Nekropole des Petersdoms

    scavi tour rome vatican

  4. How to Book a Vatican Scavi Tour

    scavi tour rome vatican

  5. Vatican Scavi Tour, Rome, Italy

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  6. The Vatican Scavi Tour: What It Is & How to Get Tickets

    scavi tour rome vatican

VIDEO

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COMMENTS

  1. Reservations

    00120 Vatican City State. email: [email protected]. Tel.: + 39 06 69 885 318 . Entrance Fee. Monday - Friday: 9:00 - 18:00. Saturday: 9:00 - 14:00. Cost of the ticket. The cost of the individual ticket, including the contribution for the Guide, is 13,00 Euros(approximately $ 16.50 USD)

  2. Request tickets for the Scavi Tour

    The Vatican Scavi Tour that goes through the excavations below Saint Peter's Basilica is one of the most exclusive tours in all of Rome. Only 250 people are allowed through each day - compare that to the 30,000 that visit the Vatican Museums! Your tour will be in a small group with a maximum of about 12 people and last around 90 minutes.

  3. Ultimate Vatican Experience: Sistine Chapel and Necropolis Scavi Tour

    This tour helps you bypass ticket lines with skip-the-line prime access entry to the Vatican Museums. Get inside before the early morning crowds, and enjoy a guided tour of the Vatican Museum Galleries, the Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica, the Necropolis Scavi, and more.

  4. Taking the Vatican Scavi tour: Visiting St. Peter's tomb

    The Vatican Scavi Tour, or a tour of the Vatican Necropolis, is one of the most exclusive tours in Rome, Italy, and maybe even in Europe! This is because they only let around 250 people in each day (compared with the more than 30,000 who visit the Vatican each day). You can only visit Ufficio Scavi (the Vatican Office of Excavations, or the ...

  5. Vatican Scavi Tour & Necropolis

    The Scavi Tour is a 1.5-hour guided excursion through St Peter's underground Necropolis, the ancient underground cemetery that houses St Peter's tomb. ... Experience Rome with the #1 Ranked Vatican Tour Company on Tripadvisor Since 2011! ★★★★★ 5 based on 24 reviews. Vatican Early Access Tour at Opening Be among the first to access ...

  6. The Vatican Scavi Tour: Visiting the Necropolis of St. Peter's Basilica

    Called the Scavi Tour, this 90-minute guided tour takes visitors down into the lowest levels of St. Peter's Basilica. This is not the "grotto" area that lies just beneath St. Peter's, where the monuments, chapels, and tombs of past Popes and Italian dignitaries lie. The Scavi Tour goes down below the grotto to an area known as the ...

  7. Vatican Necropolis Scavi Tour

    With our Vatican Necropolis Scavi Tour, long lines and waiting times will be a distant memory, giving you all the time you need to enjoy the worldwide famous masterpieces housed in the Museums. In fact, with our skip-the-line tickets, you will bypass the queue and get inside the museums before the crowds, with ease and style.

  8. Vatican Scavi Tour, Rome, Italy

    Find Vatican Scavi Tour, Rome, Italy ratings, photos, prices, expert advice, traveler reviews and tips, and more information from Condé Nast Traveler.

  9. Private Tour of Vatican with Scavi Necropolis & St. Peter's Tomb

    from $46.27. Rome, Italy. Vatican Highlights Guided Tour. from $173.93. Rome, Italy. Vatican museum's_Sistine Chapel & Basilica st. Peter with Private Tour. from $891.94. Per group. Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here.

  10. Scavi Tour Vatican 2024 • Dome & Vatican Underground Access

    Explore the Vatican crypts and climb up to the top of St. Peter's Basilica to enjoy stunning views of the Vatican and Rome by going on this Vatican Scavi tour. Start your journey in St. Peter's Square and reach the dome's first level. Take in the beautiful mosaics of saints, Latin scripts on the dome, and Bernini's canopy below.

  11. Small-Group Vatican Necropolis Tour (Mar 2024)

    A small-group tour of the Vatican necropolis with skip-the-line St. Peter's Basilica. Bypass the usual wait times in front of the basilica with guaranteed direct entry. Listen to in-depth information spanning millennia of imperial and papal history. Enjoy a personalized tour experience in a group capped at six people.

  12. Vatican Scavi Tour and St. Peter's basilica

    The Vatican Scavi Tour that goes through the excavations below Saint Peter's basilica is one of the most exclusive tours of all Rome.. I have been an official guide of Vatican Scavi since 1996.You could blindfold me and I would be able to show you around with ease. We will visit an Ancient Roman Necropolis, discovered by archeologists in 1939 and filled with the fresco-painted tombs of wealthy ...

  13. Hidden Vatican: the "Scavi" and how to visit them

    Things to know before you book. Visits to the Scavi are 1h 30 minutes - short enough for you to be able to still make it to the Vatican Museums right after, for instance, so plan your tours accordingly! Access is not allowed to kids under 15 - again, plan accordingly if you're travelling with children.

  14. Ultimate Vatican Experience: Sistine Chapel and Necropolis Scavi Tour

    The Vatican is one of Italy's most popular attractions, which can mean huge crowds and long entrance lines. This tour helps you bypass ticket lines with skip-the-line prime access entry to the Vatican Museums. Get inside before the early morning crowds, and enjoy a guided tour of the Vatican Museum Galleries, the Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica, the Necropolis Scavi, and more. Along ...

  15. Excavations office

    Visits to the Tomb of Saint Peter and the Necropolis under the Vatican Basilica. Special visits to the necropolis underneath the Basilica, where the tomb of St. Peter is located, are only possible following special permission granted from time to time by the "Fabbrica di San Pietro". ... 00120 Vatican City State. email: [email protected]. Tel ...

  16. Vatican Necropolis

    necropolis vatican. Tertullian and Origin, writing in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, tell of Peter's "passion" and "crucifixion" in Rome, upside down at his own behest; he felt he was not worthy of emulating Jesus in any way. The Roman writer Josephus, from the first century, also tells us that Roman soldiers liked crucifying their ...

  17. Scavi Tours with NAC Seminarians

    Scavi Tours. Commonly known as the Scavi tour, the tour of the excavations of the necropolis beneath Saint Peter's Basilica and the burial place of Saint Peter himself is a marvelous experience for pilgrims in Rome. For more information on the Scavi tour and its history, click here. Only approximately 200 pilgrims can enter the excavations ...

  18. Small-Group Vatican Necropolis Tour 2023

    Get exclusive access to one of the most restricted areas within the Vatican complex during this small-group tour to the Vatican necropolis. Visit the fresco and artifact-filled ancient cemetery, with a limited pool of visitors each day, and see an ongoing archaeological excavation up-close. Tours also include a skip-the-line guided visit of St. Peter's Basilica.

  19. Scavi Tour to the Tomb of St. Peter's & Tour of St. Peter's Basilica

    Private Tour of Vatican with Scavi Necropolis & St. Peter's Tomb. 1. Historical Tours. from . $421.23. per group (up to 2) Scavi guided visit and skip line entrance to St Peters Basilica. 2. ... Rome to Pompeii Tour with Wine and Lunch by High Speed Train. 248. Historical Tours. from . $229.00. per adult. Top rated.

  20. How to Book the Vatican City Scavi Tour And View St. Peter's Remains

    Fabbrica di San Pietro, an organization within the Vatican, appointed to overlook the excavation project, runs this office. To book the Vatican City Scavi Tour, email [email protected] or fax them at +39 06 69873017 to request access. You can also visit the Excavations Office in person (see below for directions).

  21. How to Book a Vatican Scavi Tour

    This is my account of what is called the Vatican Scavi Tour. The Vatican necropolis, aka Scavi, sits directly beneath St. Peters Basilica. Located there are the tombs of past Popes, St. Peters tomb itself, as well as an ancient Roman street. If you are planning a trip to Rome, this is one of the must-see Vatican tours. It is well worth the ...

  22. Scavi Tour To Tomb Of St. Peter's In Vatican » VisitRome.com

    The most exclusive Vatican tour to a restricted area of Vatican City with fewer than 100 permits granted per day. Vatican necropolis with the tomb of St. Peter's is the best-preserved ancient cemetery in Rome with artefacts, frescoes and bas-reliefs taking the visitor back to times of imperial Rome and early Christian persecutions.

  23. The Vatican Necropolis

    Scavi Office. The door to the Scavi Office. The sign says: Hours 9-17; Closed Sundays and Holidays. The only email for reservations is: [email protected]. The best tip for the Scavi Tour is to book early with an email to the Vatican Excavations Office. At least 90 days in advance is recommended. Many requests made less than 30 days in advance are ...