Vatican Grottoes (Grotte Vaticane)

The Basics

The Vatican Grottoes sit below the modern basilica but above the level of the first Christian Roman Emperor Constantine’s original 4th-century basilica. The earliest pope buried in the grottoes is the 9th-century Pope Nicholas I; Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II are also interred there. In addition, the tombs of Queen Christina of Sweden, Emperor Otto II, and Queen Charlotte of Cyprus are located inside along with a number of ornately decorated chapels and a 14th-century fresco of the Madonna by Pietro Cavallini.

Due to the long lines to enter St. Peter’s Basilica and the grottoes, by far the best way to visit is to join a skip-the-line Vatican tour that includes the church and underground tombs. Most small-group tours combine the basilica with other Vatican City highlights like the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Gardens.

Things to Know Before You Go

• St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Grottoes are sacred places and have a very strict dress code to enter, so be sure to wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

• Entry to the basilica requires a security check in St. Peter’s Square; large bags, suitcases, pocketknives, scissors, corkscrews, umbrellas, and other prohibited items can be left in the free cloakroom.

• The Vatican Grottoes are not accessible to wheelchairs.

How to Get There

Entrance to the Vatican Grottoes is below the St. Andrew statue near the papal altar inside St. Peter’s Basilica, located on St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro) in Vatican City. The closest metro station is Ottaviano.

When to Get There

You can visit the grottoes whenever the basilica is open. Note that the basilica closes each Wednesday morning during the weekly papal audience.

St. Peter’s Tomb

The tomb of St. Peter is not in the Vatican Grottoes, but one level below in the Scavi (archaeological dig), accessible only via a private tour that you must book months in advance through the Vatican’s Excavations Office.

Ways to explore

Due to the long lines to enter St. Peter’s Basilica and the grottoes via the main entrance on St. Peter’s Square, by far the best way to visit is to join a skip-the-line Vatican Museums tour that ends with a visit inside the church and underground tombs via a reserved fast-track entrance. The Vatican Grottoes are free to enter and are below the modern basilica, but above the level of the original 4th-century basilica and the Vatican Necropolis. Most private and small-group tours of St. Peter’s Basilica include the Vatican Grottoes, St. Peter’s Dome, and St. Peter’s Square.

Accessibility

The Vatican Grottoes are wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

There is no age limit to visit the Vatican Grottoes, but join a family-friendly tour to make St. Peter’s Basilica more interesting for kids.

What to pack

This sacred site is popular among pilgrims and the faithful. Pack a rosary or other devotional items if you are visiting to pray or meditate.

What to wear

Clothing that covers shoulders and knees is required to enter the Basilica and Grottoes.

Not allowed

Photography, large bags and backpacks, umbrellas and selfie sticks, food and drinks, knives and sharp objects

Amenities

Restrooms, a café, and a gift shop are located inside St. Peter’s Basilica.

Address

The Vatican Grottoes are located below the main level of St. Peter’s Basilica; the entrance is near the church’s altar. Enter through St. Peter’s Square at the far end of Via della Conciliazione or via the internal passage from the Sistine Chapel if visiting with a guided Vatican Museums tour.

Driving

Limited parking and heavy traffic in the Vatican City area make driving to St. Peter’s Basilica a challenge. Take public transportation or visit with a Vatican tour that includes a transfer from your Rome hotel.

Public transportation

Metro line A stops at the Ottaviano station, about a 6-minute walk to the St. Peter’s Square entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica. Bus 64 stops at Piazza Stazione San Pietro, about four minutes from the entrance.

Best times to visit

Arrive at least an hour before St. Peter’s Basilica opens or just before it closes in the afternoon to avoid the long security lines that can stretch for hours by midday.

Best days to visit

Access to St. Peter’s Basilica is restricted on most Wednesday mornings during the Pope’s public audience in the square, while Sundays and religious holidays bring peak crowds. The best days to visit are Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday through Saturday.

Best months to visit

The best months to visit are January and February, when St. Peter’s Basilica enjoys a lull in tourism and lines to enter the church are much shorter.

Special events

Special Masses and services are held in the church during Christmas, Easter, and other religious holidays.