⚰️ Vatican Grottoes

About This Sacred Site

The Vatican Grottoes are a series of underground chapels and tombs located directly beneath the main floor of St. Peter's Basilica. They serve as the burial place for numerous popes, royals, and other important figures throughout Church history. The Tomb of St. Peter itself, located at the deepest level (the Scavi or Necropolis), was confirmed by archaeological excavations in the 1940s-1950s. The grottoes contain the remains of popes from the earliest centuries to the modern era, including John Paul II (whose tomb was here before his beatification).

Key Facts

• •Archaeological excavations in the 1940s confirmed the location of St. Peter's tomb
• •The grottoes contain the tombs of over 90 popes
• •The Confessio, directly below the high altar, marks the closest point to St. Peter's grave
• •The Necropolis below the grottoes is a Roman-era cemetery dating to the 1st century
• •Pope Pius XII announced the discovery of St. Peter's remains in 1950

Location

Coordinates: 41.9021, 12.4536