Vatican Necropolis

Find information about Vatican Necropolis

Inside Vatican Necropolis

The Vatican Necropolis is a massive ancient cemetery located below St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City. It is one of the most important and iconic sites of Christianity and is a must-see for any visitor. In this page, we’ll provide an overview of the Vatican Necropolis and its history, as well as information about tickets, pricing, opening hours, and the highlights of this incredible place.

About Vatican Necropolis

Pope tomb

The Vatican Necropolis is an ancient cemetery located beneath St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City. The cemetery dates back to the late 4th century and holds the remains of both Christian and pagan Romans. It is considered to be one of the most important sites of Christianity, as it is believed that St. Peter himself was buried here.

Vatican Necropolis tombs

Reasons to visit Vatican Necropolis

The Vatican Necropolis is a unique and incredible site. It is a place steeped in history, culture and faith, and is a must-see for any visitor to the Vatican City. Aside from the spiritual significance of the site, the Vatican Necropolis also boasts incredible architecture, with many Christian and pagan tombs and sculptures that visitors can explore and admire.
Vatican Necropolis Tour

Vatican Necropolis tickets, Pricing & Opening Hours

The Vatican Necropolis is open to visitors with a valid ticket. Tickets are available online and cost around €15. The Necropolis is open to visitors from Monday to Saturday, from 9am to 6pm, while timings for Saturdays are 9am to 5pm and closed on Sundays.

Vatican Necropolis History

The Necropolis of the Vatican, or the Vatican Necropolis, is a large underground burial complex located beneath St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City. It is believed to have been in use since the early days of Christianity, although its exact history is unclear.

The earliest known use of the Necropolis dates back to the 4th century AD when the emperor Constantine I ordered the construction of a church (the original St. Peter’s Basilica) to house the remains of St. Peter. This structure was built over the site of a previous necropolis, which is believed to have contained the remains of early Christians.

Throughout the centuries, the Necropolis became the preferred burial place for many of the popes, including Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II. In addition to the tombs of the popes, the Necropolis also holds the tombs of several saints and martyrs, as well as the burials of many of the members of the Roman aristocracy, including those of the emperor Nero and his wife Poppaea.

In the 16th century, the Vatican Necropolis was opened to the public, allowing visitors to view the tombs and monuments of the popes and other important figures. It remained open to the public until the 19th century when it was closed by order of Pope Pius IX.

The Necropolis was reopened in the 1950s and has since been the subject of extensive research and restoration. In 2006, the Vatican Necropolis was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the Necropolis is open to visitors who wish to pay their respects to the past, although access is limited.

Vatican Necropolis Highlights

The highlights of the Vatican Necropolis include the tomb of St. Peter, the ancient Christian sculptures, and the pagan tombs. Visitors can also admire the breathtaking architecture of the ancient cemetery, as well as its many monuments and sculptures. A visit to the Vatican Necropolis is an unforgettable journey through history, culture and faith.

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