Scavi Tour Vatican 2025 - Visit Vatican Underground
Access to St. Peter's Basilica, Papal Tombs & Dome | Free cancellation
About Vatican Underground Tour
This tour takes you underneath St. Peter’s Basilica, where the tombs of popes are located. Our professional guide will be with you and tell you all about the history that took place here. You will explore the basilica, too, and you can even climb to the top of its dome.
See where the tombs of the famous Vatican popes are located. Touch the walls of the Basilica, which date back to the 4th century and see its beautiful frescoes.
St. Peter’s Tomb is located right under the main altar of the Basilica. Above it rises the Canopy of Saint Peter, a great work from the Baroque era, and the dome of Michelangelo.
Discover hidden underground secrets and find out who else is buried there besides the popes.
Take the elevator and avoid climbing 551 steps to St. Peter's Basilica dome. Save energy for taking photos of Rome's panoramic views!
RESERVE NOW & PAY LATER!
Keep your travel plans flexible - book your spot without any upfront payment!
Amazing tour of Vatican Underground!
I really enjoyed going beneath St Peter's Basilica. It was really unique to see the tomb of St Peter! The guide was really nice and talkative. Because we were in a small group, we had time to talk to him about the Vatican Necropolis. He also told us who else besides the popes were buried there. We were in shock! Booking this tour is a MUST!
Exclusive access to papal tombs
This was such a great experience! I got these tickets because you get to see the Vatican Grottoes, which aren't included in a standard Saint Peter's Basilica tour. It was really helpful to have a guide with us because he explained everything we were looking at. The last place we visited was the dome and we saw the entire St. Peter's Square from up there. This tour included a lift up to the dome, which was super!
DESCRIPTION
Scavi Tour Vatican
- Expert tour guide
- Entry fees to the top of the Dome by elevator
- Headsets to hear your guide better
- Full on-site assistance
- French, Portuguese, English, Italian, German, Spanish
VATICAN GROTTOES
The Vatican Grottoes extend three meters under the floor of St. Peter’s Basilica. They are a series of vaults built in the 16th century in order to support the floor of the building. Special permission is required to visit this area. Only about 250 visitors are allowed each day, so book this tour of the Vatican Underground now!
POPES’ FINAL RESTING PLACE
Most popes choose the Vatican Grottoes as their final resting place. John Paul II, Pius XI, and Pius XII were buried here. Notable figures like Queen Charlotte of Cyprus and Queen Christina of Sweden were buried here as well. Your expert guide will also lead you to Saint Peter’s burial site. It was dug in front of the Circus, where Christians were persecuted during Emperor Nero's reign. The site was discovered in the early 20th century.
ST. PETER’S BASILICA
St. Peter’s Basilica is known for its beautiful mosaics and golden ceilings. It also features Renaissance and Neoclassical artworks. The original basilica was built in the 4th century. The current one, constructed in the 17th century, still uses its original foundational elements, which are about 1,700 years old! Its dome is the tallest in the world, so tall that the entire Statue of Liberty could fit inside the church. You’ll see its stunning mosaics before heading to the top balcony to enjoy the remarkable view. From there, you can spot many iconic landmarks, like the Pantheon, which inspired it.
FREE CANCELLATION UP TO 24H IN ADVANCE!
Receive a complete refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the selected date!
St. Peter's Tomb
Saint Peter was one of Jesus’s apostles and the first Pope. He was buried on Vatican Hill in the first century. The original Basilica was built over his burial site by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century. His tomb is located exactly underneath the main altar of the current Basilica, which was built in the 17th century. A small piece of plaster with engraved Greek letters was found. It has been interpreted as “Peter is here” or “Peter in peace.” His burial site was discovered during the famous archaeological explorations in the 1940s.
This is just a glimpse of the rich history you’ll learn about on a guided tour. Curious about the impact of popes through history? Take a look at our Best Pope in History survey, based on thousands of traveler votes worldwide. If you want to hear these stories firsthand, reserve your spot on Vatican Underground Scavi tour now!
Good to know before you go
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, but please dress respectfully. This means your knees and shoulders should be covered with long sleeves and pants.
- You can choose to go in a small group or on a private tour.
- You don’t have to print your ticket. Instead, just show the voucher on your phone.
- Only about 250 visitors are allowed to visit the Basilica’s underground area each day. So, make sure to book this tour in advance!
Meeting point
Meet your tour guide at the address Largo del Colonnato 5, by the first columns of the Colonnade. Look for a yellow label with the Touriks logo on it. Do not go through the metal detectors before meeting the guide.
ACT FAST & SECURE YOUR SPOT NOW!
Easy & fast booking process!
FAQ – Scavi Tour Vatican
What's so special about the Scavi Tour Vatican?
Visits to the area underneath St. Peter’s Basilica are only possible with permission. This permission is issued occasionally by the Fabbrica di San Pietro. Each day, only about 250 people are allowed to enter, making this tour a very special one.What other attractions are included in this Vatican Underground Tour?
On this tour, you will visit the Vatican Grottoes, St. Peter’s Square, and St. Peter’s Basilica. You will also go all the way to the top of the Basilica’s dome. From there, you can enjoy an amazing view of the Vatican and Rome. You will be able to see many famous landmarks, such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon.Can I cancel the Scavi Tour?
Free cancellation with a full refund is possible up to 24 hours before the selected time.What else can I see in the Vatican and Rome?
Don’t miss the Vatican Museums Tour. Explore countless rooms and galleries housing important artworks, including pieces by Raphael. The best part of this tour is that it includes the Sistine Chapel ticket, where you’ll see Michelangelo’s famous The Creation of Adam. For those who want to focus specifically on this iconic site, the Sistine Chapel Tour is a great way to learn more about its history and symbolism. You can also skip the ticket line, saving you a lot of time. For a more private and personalized experience, book our Vatican Private Tour. This option gives you your own personal guide and takes you to all the top attractions. If you want to discover more of Rome, we recommend buying the Rome City Pass! Also, consider visiting an iconic fortress with breathtaking views, so be sure to book your Castel Sant’Angelo tickets in advance.Don't Wait! Book Now!
- Skip the line access
- Private or small group
- Free cancellation
- Reserve now & pay later
- Easy booking process!