Visiting the Vatican Necropolis — the excavations beneath St. Peter's Basilica, traditionally holding the tomb of St. Peter — requires a separate advance booking through the Basilica's own Excavations Office. It isn't covered by a standard Vatican Museums ticket, spots are limited to small guided groups, and children under 15 are typically not admitted.
BookingSeparate request through the Excavations Office (Ufficio Scavi)
Group sizeSmall, guided groups only
Minimum ageTypically 15
PhotographyNot allowed inside
Why this one is different
Unlike the Museums or Basilica, the Necropolis isn't sold as a normal ticket — requests go through the
Excavations Office directly, and confirmation can take time. If seeing this is a priority, it's one of the
first things to arrange, ideally weeks before your trip, not something to try booking once you've already
arrived in Rome.
What you'll see
A Roman-era necropolis lying beneath the Basilica's floor, including the site traditionally venerated as
the tomb of St. Peter — an atmospheric, if logistically demanding, way to go well beyond what most
visitors ever see.
Practical notes
Tours are small and guided, photography isn't permitted, and the space involves stairs and uneven,
underground walking surfaces.
Not usually — requests are typically handled directly by the Excavations Office and can take time to confirm, so apply well before your trip.
Is the Necropolis included in a regular Vatican Museums ticket?
No — it's a separate, additional booking through St. Peter's Basilica, not the Museums.
Is the Necropolis tour suitable for children or claustrophobic visitors?
It's not ideal for either — the excavated passages are narrow, dimly lit and require a sustained quiet, attentive pace that young children and claustrophobic visitors often find difficult.
Last verified: August 2026.
Source: St. Peter's Basilica official website (basilicasanpietro.va).
