Papal tombs in Old St. Peter's Basilica, Papal burial complex in Vatican City State.
The papal tombs in the Vatican Grottoes lie beneath the floor of Saint Peter's Basilica and contain numerous sarcophagi and monuments from popes across different periods. The grottoes spread under the basilica and show the various burial methods and monument styles used throughout history.
The papal tombs developed over centuries, with early burials reaching back to the first century. When the basilica was rebuilt in the 16th century, many original tombs were moved or partly destroyed, leaving only fragments from the early Christian period.
The papal tombs show different craftsmanship traditions: simple stone sarcophagi stand beside elaborate marble monuments with sculptures. You can see how artistic taste changed over the centuries through their different styles.
Access to the grottoes happens through specific entrances and is available during set hours. Guided tours in various languages are offered during the day and help you understand the underground spaces.
Among the tombs, bone fragments were found that Pope Paul VI declared in 1968 to be the remains of Saint Peter. This discovery made the grottoes a place of major importance for Christian tradition.
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