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Teutonic Cemetery Plateau

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Teutonic Cemetery Plateau (Vatican)

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The Teutonic Cemetery Plateau (Campo Santo dei Teutonici) is a historically sacred site situated on the ancient grounds of Nero's Circus, just south of St. Peter's Basilica. This level area is traditionally believed to be the place where early Christians, including St. Peter, were martyred during the Roman Empire. The plateau is enclosed by high medieval walls and features the cemetery, the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà, and the Teutonic College. Historically, it is associated with Charlemagne, who is said to have established the site as a burial ground for German pilgrims in the 8th century. Topographically, the plateau rests on a stabilized terrace of the Vatican Hill, providing a firm foundation for the surrounding ecclesiastical structures. It remains the oldest German foundation in Rome and the only cemetery within the Vatican walls not directly integrated into the basilica's foundations. Today, the plateau serves as a center for historical research and Christian archaeology, offering a serene, garden-like atmosphere characterized by palm trees, lush vegetation, and intricate gravestones that reflect centuries of Northern European devotion to the Holy See.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C781014182326262117128
Rain mm7377695657342626708211492

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Teutonic Cemetery Plateau is on elevated ground south of St. Peter's Basilica and is only accessible on guided tours. From outside, you can sense the raised position when looking south from St. Peter's Square.
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Typical hours
Since the plateau is part of the non-public cemetery, there are no regular opening hours. Visits are only possible on special guided tours, usually held in the morning and requiring advance booking.
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Photography
Photography on the plateau during the tour is usually allowed, but without flash to avoid damaging the funerary monuments. A special subject is the view from there over the roofs of the Vatican.
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Time needed
Time spent on the plateau during a tour is about 15 to 20 minutes. The entire tour of the Teutonic Cemetery usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes.
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Combine with
The plateau is part of the Teutonic Cemetery, so best combined with the chapel and the cemetery itself. St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Gardens are also close enough for a joint visit.
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Getting there
Access to the plateau is only through the cemetery entrance on the north side of St. Peter's Basilica. A guided tour is required, which must be booked in advance at the Vatican Tourism Office.
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Insider tip
Ask during the tour about the topographical difference from St. Peter's Square - the plateau is visibly higher and historically offered a strategic advantage. Book the tour early as group sizes are very limited.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90150, 12.45450

Facts

  • Located on the exact site where Emperor Nero's Circus once stood.
  • Established as a burial site for German pilgrims in the 8th century.
  • The current Church of Santa Maria della Pietà dates back to 1474.
  • Remains the only national cemetery within the walls of Vatican City.
  • The site has been home to the Pontifical Teutonic College since 1876.
  • Charlemagne is traditionally credited with founding the original hospice here.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Palazzo SpadaPalazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →
Medaglie d'OroMedaglie d'Oro2 km · NWExplore →
FlaminioFlaminio3 km · NEExplore →
Porta PiaPorta Pia3 km · EExplore →
GianicolenseGianicolense3 km · SExplore →
ColosseumColosseum3 km · EExplore →
Val CannutaVal Cannuta4 km · WExplore →

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Sights in the town Teutonic Cemetery Plateau (10)

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà⛪ church

Church in Vatican City, associated with the Teutonic Cemetery.

Arch of the Bells

Archway in Vatican City, part of the architectural structure.

Sacristy🏛 museum

Sacristy in Vatican City, used for storing liturgical items.

💶

Saint Peter's Basilica

Church in Vatican City, one of the most important Christian buildings.

Dome of Saint Peter

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica, offering panoramic views of Rome.

Cupola di San Pietro

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, an iconic landmark.

Pauline Chapel

Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, used for the pope's private masses.

Sistine Chapel

Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, famous for Michelangelo's frescoes.

Oratorio di San Pietro in Borgo

Church building in Borgo, Italy, a historic oratory.

Raphael Rooms🏛 museum

Suite of reception rooms in the Vatican Palace, painted by Raphael.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who can be buried in the Teutonic Cemetery?
People of German mother tongue or from the former Holy Roman Empire.
Is the cemetery located inside the Vatican?
Geographically yes, but legally it is an extraterritorial property of the Holy See.
How can a visitor enter?
You must ask the Swiss Guards for the cemetery (usually in the mornings).
What is the cemetery plateau?
It is the elevated level where the graves and the church of Santa Maria della Pietà are located.
Are there famous graves there?
Yes, many artists, scholars, and diplomats from German-speaking lands are buried here.
Teutonic Cemetery Plateau: where is it located?
Teutonic Cemetery Plateau is located in Vatican.
Teutonic Cemetery Plateau: what is there to see?
Highlights include Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà, Arch of the Bells, Sacristy.
Teutonic Cemetery Plateau: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Teutonic Cemetery Plateau: why is it worth visiting?
The Teutonic Cemetery Plateau (Campo Santo dei Teutonici) is a historically sacred site situated on the ancient grounds of Nero's Circus, just south of St.
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History & landmarks

St. Peter&#39;s Square — Teutonic Cemetery Plateau (Vatican)
St. Peter's Square
A monumental square in front of St.
Bunker Access — Teutonic Cemetery Plateau (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
Vatican City Railway Station — Teutonic Cemetery Plateau (Vatican)
Vatican City Railway Station
The only railway station in the world's smallest state.
Vatican Fire Station — Teutonic Cemetery Plateau (Vatican)
Vatican Fire Station
The headquarters of the Vatican Fire Brigade, responsible for fire protection and safety services throughout the entire enclave.
Typography Street — Teutonic Cemetery Plateau (Vatican)
Typography Street
The central street of the Vatican's publishing district, home to the printing presses and editorial offices of official media.
Postal Service Square — Teutonic Cemetery Plateau (Vatican)
Postal Service Square
A busy square near the Vatican Post Office headquarters, serving as a vital hub for postal and parcel traffic.
Fountain of the Galley — Teutonic Cemetery Plateau (Vatican)
Fountain of the Galley
A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.
Oven Square — Teutonic Cemetery Plateau (Vatican)
Oven Square
A small square in the heart of the Vatican's service district, named after the historical bakery that served the city.

More places

Archpriest&#39;s Palace — Teutonic Cemetery Plateau (Vatican)
Archpriest's Palace
This building serves as the official residence of the Cardinal Archpriest of the Vatican Basilica.
Domus Sanctae Marthae — Teutonic Cemetery Plateau (Vatican)
Domus Sanctae Marthae
A guesthouse for clergy and the current residence of Pope Francis.
Palace of the Sacristy — Teutonic Cemetery Plateau (Vatican)
Palace of the Sacristy
This massive building houses the sacristy of St.
St. Peter&#39;s Basilica — Teutonic Cemetery Plateau (Vatican)
St. Peter's Basilica
The world's largest church, built over the burial site of St.
St. Peter&#39;s Dome — Teutonic Cemetery Plateau (Vatican)
St. Peter's Dome
The most distinctive feature of Rome's skyline, designed by Michelangelo.
Canons&#39; Palace — Teutonic Cemetery Plateau (Vatican)
Canons' Palace
This monumental residential complex houses the canons of St.
Church of Santa Maria della Pietà — Teutonic Cemetery Plateau (Vatican)
Church of Santa Maria della Pietà
The national church for the German-speaking population in the Vatican, located directly adjacent to the Campo Santo Teutonico.
Storage Annex — Teutonic Cemetery Plateau (Vatican)
Storage Annex
A functional building used for the storage of operational materials.