Cities and regions／Vatican City
Place of interest ·

Vatican Necropolis

The Vatican Necropolis is an underground archaeological site with Roman tombs. Its guided route reveals historical layers beneath St Peter’s Basilica.

Vatican Necropolis
Photo by Blue 439 Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
The place

What makes it special

  • Explore a Roman necropolis beneath St Peter’s.
  • Trace the layers from the ancient burial ground to the present basilica.
Vatican Necropolis
Photo by Andy Montgomery Source: Openverse Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0
Vatican Necropolis
Photo by User:Blue_439 Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
Travel atlas

Articles in Vatican Necropolis

Guides to this place

1 article

Vatican Necropolis

journal.travel Editorial

Guides to this place

1 related guides

Facade of Saint Peter’s Basilica seen from Saint Peter’s Square.

Planning Vatican City’s Museums, Basilica and Necropolis

The Vatican Museums, St Peter’s Basilica and the necropolis involve different schedules, access arrangements and levels of effort. Choosing one carefully can transform the experience.

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Information in context

Sources and references

This profile summarises our destination guides. Their research sources and the geographical reference are listed below.

Profile updated: 01/10/2026