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Vatican Grottoes

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Vatican Grottoes (Vatican)

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The Vatican Grottoes are located beneath the main nave of St. Peter's Basilica and form an extensive system of burial chapels and corridors. They sit at the level of the original Constantinian basilica from the 4th century, about three meters below the current floor of the basilica. The grottoes house the tombs of numerous Popes, including John Paul II (until his canonization), Benedict XVI, and Paul VI, as well as significant historical figures such as Emperor Otto II. Besides the tombs, the complex contains valuable artworks from the old basilica, ancient sarcophagi, and the Clementine Chapel, which is situated directly above the presumed tomb of St. Peter the Apostle. This area serves not only as a necropolis but also as an important place of prayer and historical documentation of papal history across two millennia.

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 Vatican Grottoes lie beneath St. Peter's Basilica and are open to visitors. Access is from within the basilica via stairs near the main altar.
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Typical hours
The grottoes are typically open daily, with hours following those of the basilica. During mass times, access may be restricted.
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Photography
Photography in the grottoes is allowed without flash. Please behave respectfully toward the tombs.
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Time needed
A visit to the grottoes typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Combine with the basilica for a total of about an hour.
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Combine with
The grottoes are a convenient conclusion to a visit to St. Peter's Basilica. Afterwards you can climb the dome or visit the Vatican Museums.
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Getting there
The grottoes are accessible only from inside St. Peter's Basilica. You reach the basilica through St. Peter's Square or via the Vatican Museums.
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Insider tip
Visit the grottoes early in the morning when the basilica opens to avoid crowds. The silence and reflection make the place special.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90220, 12.45390

Facts

  • The grottoes lie about 3 meters below the floor of the basilica.
  • Over 90 Popes are buried in the grottoes or the main basilica.
  • Emperor Otto II is the only German Emperor buried there.
  • The Clementine Chapel was donated by Pope Clement VIII.
  • The grottoes follow the floor plan of the old Constantinian basilica.
  • Access is usually through the pillars of the dome in the basilica.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

St. Peter's Dome Gift ShopSt. Peter's Dome Gift Shop<1 km · SEExplore →
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 · SEExplore →
Val CannutaVal Cannuta4 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Vatican Grottoes (10)

Saint Peter's Basilica

Church in Vatican City, one of the largest Christian churches.

🕒 07:00-19:10♿

Dome of Saint Peter

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, offering views.

🕒 Mo-Su 07:30-17:00♿

Cupola di San Pietro

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, accessible to visitors.

♿

Pauline Chapel

Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, used for private papal masses.

Sistine Chapel

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

Arch of the Bells

Arch in Vatican City, near St. Peter's Basilica.

Sacristy🏛 museum

Museum in Vatican City, the sacristy of St. Peter's Basilica.

Raphael Rooms🏛 museum

Suite of reception rooms in the Apostolic Palace, frescoed by Raphael 1509-1524.

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà⛪ church

Church in Vatican City, dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows.

Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians⛪ church

Church of Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Stephen.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the Vatican Grottoes?
It is a crypt beneath St. Peter's Basilica containing papal tombs and chapels.
Where is the entrance?
The entrance is located inside the Basilica, usually near the crossing.
Is entry free?
Yes, access to the grottoes is included in the free visit to the Basilica.
Is prayer allowed there?
Yes, it is a place of devotion and many chapels invite prayer.
Are all papal tombs located there?
No, many popes are there, but others are buried in the Basilica itself or other churches.
Vatican Grottoes: where is it located?
Vatican Grottoes is located in Vatican City, Vatican.
Vatican Grottoes: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint Peter's Basilica, Dome of Saint Peter, Cupola di San Pietro.
Vatican Grottoes: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Vatican Grottoes: why is it worth visiting?
The Vatican Grottoes are located beneath the main nave of St.
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History & landmarks

Sistine Chapel — Vatican Grottoes (Vatican)
Sistine Chapel
Famous for Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and the Last Judgment.
Pope Paul VI Audience Hall — Vatican Grottoes (Vatican)
Pope Paul VI Audience Hall
A modern building for papal general audiences.
Apostolic Palace — Vatican Grottoes (Vatican)
Apostolic Palace
The official residence of the Pope in the Vatican.
Vatican Post Office — Vatican Grottoes (Vatican)
Vatican Post Office
The postal service of the Vatican, known for its own stamps.
Saint Martha&#39;s House — Vatican Grottoes (Vatican)
Saint Martha's House
The current residence of Pope Francis.
Vatican Library — Vatican Grottoes (Vatican)
Vatican Library
One of the oldest libraries in the world with extremely valuable manuscripts.
Governor&#39;s Palace — Vatican Grottoes (Vatican)
Governor's Palace
The seat of the government of Vatican City.
Vatican Bank (IOR) — Vatican Grottoes (Vatican)
Vatican Bank (IOR)
The Institute for the Works of Religion.