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All 22 Vatican City Attractions »

Roman Necropolis

Vatican City, Italy
Ranked #2 of 17 attractions in Vatican City
5.0 of 5 stars 57 Reviews
Type: Landmarks/ Points of Interest, Cemeteries
Owner description: When Pius XII ordered a thorough excavation of the area under the High Altar in St. Peter's Basilica, twisting stone passages were found leading to an...... more » Owner description: When Pius XII ordered a thorough excavation of the area under the High Altar in St. Peter's Basilica, twisting stone passages were found leading to an ancient Roman necropolis, which contained chambers 10- to 15-feet wide with preserved frescoes and mosaics. « less
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57 reviews from our community

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briami
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2012 NEW

This is the crypt where many of the recent popes are buried beneath St. Peter's Basilica. To access it today, you need to descend some steps near the large statue of St. Andrew, near the main altar in the Basilica. Below you will find the tombs of John Paul I, Paul VI, Pius VII, and many more. It is also... More

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See 2 more reviews by briami for Vatican City
Rochester, New York
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2012

If you are lucky to get a reservation for this tour, you absolutely will be amazed by the experience. Only 120 people a day (10 groups of 12) are allowed to enter. You will be walking on an ancient street of Rome, and see tombs of non-Christians and then ultimately see the area where the tomb of the Apostle Peter... More

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See 2 more reviews by Michael L for Vatican City
New Orleans, Louisiana
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 April 2012

When you're standing in St Peter's Basilica, you will se grates on the floor that expose areas underneath the church. Well, we had just been there thanks to the Scavi tour! It is part history, part Catholicism relic appreaciation but my husband and I are not Catholic and loved this tour. our tour guide, Daniella, was very knowledageable and took... More

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New York
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 April 2012

I was afraid, but I also enjoyed, my boyfriend gave me courage, and he also made ​​me laugh a lot, after a while I almost forgot where I was, now looking back I loved it! More

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Cahors
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 April 2012

We booked our tour months before our trip to Rome because the tours are limited per day and as to how many people can go at a time because of the delicate environment. It is basically a pagan cemetery which was buried two levels below St peters basilica and was excavated partly during the second world war. It has only... More

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New York City, New York
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 March 2012

Is was interesting to see this place! We was there for just one our, becouse we was tired, but really I like it! More

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Colorado Springs, Colorado
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 March 2012

Remarkable from both an archaeological and religious perspective. Moving if you're a Christian to think that you're just a few feet from the remains of St. Peter. More

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See 6 more reviews by Panda234 for Vatican City
New Hampshire
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 March 2012

If we were forced to choose our favorite activity after two weeks in Italy, this would probably be it. Get the tickets in advance and go on this tour! Whether out of general or archaeological interest or religious interest, it's fascinating. We couldn't have asked for a better tour guide and wished the tour could have lasted longer. (Thanks to... More

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Rome, Italy
Top Contributor
110 reviews 110 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 February 2012

No words to exprime the fascination to see 2000 years of art history and faith. maybe too long explanation More

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See 5 more reviews by AndreaDG_22 for Vatican City
Brisbane, Australia
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

You need to book this tour well in advance through the Vatican web site. Price is more than reasonable for the more than an hour tour investigating history in the depth of St Peters with a dozen other like minded people. . You get to travel back to the history that led to the creation of the huge church 3... More

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See 2 more reviews by BarryandChris for Vatican City

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