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Scavi Tour is well worth the advance... - Vatican Necropolis

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Scavi Tour is well worth the advance planning. Here is what to expect.

The tour of the Scavi was one of the highlights of my visit to Rome. The tour takes you back in time to the period of St. Peter's death and burial. What today is two stories underground was originally ground level outside the walls of Rome. The necropolis was originally buried when Emperor Constantine built the first church on the site of St. Peter's grave. The necropolis was partially excavated in the 1940's and at that time they discovered the tomb of St. Peter which sits directly below the main alter of the basilica. The tomb was set amid a number of family crypts that are in a good state of preservation since they were undisturbed at the ground was leveled for St. Peter's. To obtain a ticket I sent an email to the Scavi Office. They are the only one's who issue the tickets. There is another necropolis on the Vatican Museums website, but that is for the necropolis of the Via Triumpalis.On the web site of the Scavi Office you will find all of the information that you need to send when requesting a tour. It helps if you can give them several days/times when your schedule is open as there a very limited number of places available. The tour takes approximately 90 minutes, plus about 15 minutes to go through security and get to the meeting point. It took a couple of days to receive a reply which gave my date and time along with instructions on paying for the ticket in advance online to the tour. You need to take the receipt for your payment with you on the day of the tour. The entrance to the tour is at the gate just outside the colonnade to the left of the basilica. You will not be allowed through the gate until about 15 minutes before the time of your tour and you will need to show the guard your receipt for the ticket. You will go through a metal detector/security screening before entering the gate. They enforce a dress code, so no shorts or bare shoulders are allowed. You are not permitted to carry bulky bags, back packs or large cameras and there is no place past the gate to store these items. Photos are not permitted anywhere inside the Scavi. The Swiss guard will give you directions to the Scavi Office. You need to go into the office to pick up your actual ticket, and then will be instructed to wait outside until the time for your tour. Before you enter the Scavi the guide will give you a bit of history and description. This might begin outside the building and continues inside on the grotto/crypt level. After that you descend a set of stairs and go through a security door. Immediately you will be hit with the heat and humidity that is the climate in the excavations. By the end of my tour, all of us were sweating so plan accordingly. If you have breathing problems or are claustrophobic, this isn't a tour you should take. Inside you will be walking a narrow ally between the original above ground family crypts. The crypts are behind glass which is sealed and had some condensation, but not enough to obstruct the view. My guide explained that they never enter the sealed area, so the condensation isn't cleaned off the glass. You will be walking up a slight hill towards St. Peter's grave. Back when it was excavated they entered the tomb and removed the bones of a man the age of St. Peter. Along with the marking on the original structure surrounding the tomb the Pope announced that this was indeed the grave of St. Peter. The bones were returned to the grave. The grave is two stories directly below the main alter of the basilica. The actual crypt is about 15 feet from you at the nearest point. If you happen to have binoculars with you on your trip, they could be useful here. My guide said you can see the jaw bone of the saint through a small opening, but I can't confirm that. You exit the Scavi by climbing a set of stairs to the grottos/crypt below St. Peter's. From there you will exit on the right hand side of the basilica and you are within the secured area so you can enter the basilica without having to go through the long line waiting to be screened to enter St. Peter's. You will find a virtual tour of the necropolis on the Scavi Office web site. It follows the route of the tour and gives a good presentation of what is on the tour.

This tour needs to be booked directly with the Scavi Office online as numbers visiting per day is limited. It's not too expensive and very well worth it. A guide brings you around with a small group - far below the floor of St.Peter's, tracing the history of the beginning of Christian life in that part of Rome. There is a wonderful and moving surprise at the end. A bonus to doing this is that you avoid the VERY long queues to get into St.Peter's, as the tour ends inside the basilica. Also worth noting that the spaces are very tight and claustrophobic and very warm (unlike caves or catacombs).

There are a limited number of tours and tour groups are small, so book this way in advance. I think I booked mine a year 9 months in advance. Tour itself is awesome! The crypts were really cool, the guide was great and this is something most of the thousands of people will never get to do. We felt like we were on a VIP tour, and it was very affordable. And at the end of it, we got to skip the huge line to see inside the Basilica itself. 100% recommended!

This is a review of the Scavi or excavations tour of St Peter's Basilica. The tour was completely amazing, the guide was great and it was a wondrous glimpse into the history the grounds the Basilica is built on. Even though we were not religious, the tour was still very captivating and completely worth the extra cost. This was by far our best experience in the Vatican, better than the Sistine chapel which was crowded and stuffy. Do beware that it is EXTREMELY humid on the tour and we were drenched in sweat before the end. It didn't feel very claustrophobic like others had mentioned. At the end, we left with a much better understanding of Christian history as well as the contentious role of the church in early Roman times. Be sure to book this as soon as you know you are going to Rome, we booked 6 months out.

The crypts of these past Popes is a poignant reminder that despite the pomp, they were in the end, just men. Dust to dust. It is compelling, but it is also cramped,crowded, dusty and mildewy. Not everyone's cup of tea.

It was incredible walking through the tombs of the past popes and seeing the burial place of St. Peter. Next time I go, I am bringing a book on the Popes so I can read up on each one as we come to the tomb.

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I have emailed the Official Scavi sight requesting reservations for next April. This was sent three weeks ago and I gave them four possible consecutive days. As yet I have had no reply. Is this time frame reasonable, should I follow up my email or should I try a third party ticket seller? I would much prefer to go through the official sight. I requested tickets for myself and my husband giving full details.

27 replies to this topic

The email is listed on the website on the bottom of the page on the left: email: [email protected]

Send in the information requested:

"1. Exact number of participants;

2. Names of participants;

3. Language requested;

4. Possible dates *when the Excavations Office can assign your visit (the time will be determined by the Office). *please always write in full the name of the month (e.g.: from 01 January 2013 to 08 January 2013)

5. E-mail address, or fax number, or a complete postal address."

The reservation form is coming up for me: http://www.scavi.va/content/scavi/en/form-prenotazioni-visite.html

Muiyin…that is old information regarding the options of a fax or an in person appearance being the only way to request a reservation…you can now request a reservation by either filling out and submitting the form on their website or emailing them…both options have good results.

To get to the form on their website, you have to use the link at the far right of the header…”Prenotazioni Visite”.

Make sure to enter your requested date as day/month/year, rather than month/day/year

Make sure to enter the required additional information in the Notes.

1. Lingua richiesta durante la vista….language requested, i.e., English

2. Eventuali giorni o perodi alternativi a quanto indicato nel campo Data Visita…Alternate acceptable dates and times, if any

3. Elenco nominativo dei partecipanti…full names of all participants

Finally, be sure to enter the Captcha code in the box at the bottom.

Then hit Invia and your form request is submitted.

Thank you so much, I am able to go to form with the link. that is for my sister and I have been the tour few years ago.

Muiyin and JoanneB…so glad it has all worked for you both! This forum has been so helpful to me in the past…it is a wonderful resource!

Glad everything has worked out for the two posters ...

I had this same issue with the form, so emailed the information.

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thanks in advance

I might be wrong but I think it is closed .Corvid

If not this might help .

.http://www.scavi.va/content/scavi/en/prenotazione.html

http://www.scavi.va/content/scavi/en/prenotazione.html

Thank you. Have sent an email so fingers crossed.

It is indeed open, and I have tickets for March -- but I requested them in December. Other posters on this forum have reported finding tickets for early 2022 were already gone, so hoping you get some good luck and find a time that is available.

We booked this back in January for late March and got a late morning slot for 2. But as others have said it is limited and depending on your day might not get it. I put down Mon Tues, and Wed. for my request and was able to reserve the day I wanted but not the time slot. But no biggie just moved the order of the Vatican visit around. Good luck and be flexible,

the scavi tour ends inside the basilica fyi

Thanks for the info. Prob little chance of getting a ticket but it is a last minute unexpected trip so fingers crossed we might get lucky

Got confirmation this morning that I got two tickets for the Scavi tour :). Thanks for the info guys

Take a bottle of water with you .

When I was there it was very hot .

also a 2 people found it claustrophobic

and had to leave , water might help if that happens .

My wife will be 4 months pregnant. Is there tight spaces or anything like that?

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We have received our confirmation for the Scavi tour next March at 10:45 am. Now do we have to go through the security check point for St Peters before going to the office? And if so at that time of day about how long should we plan on it taking to get through security. After the tour will we have to go through security again to visit St Peters or will we already be through yet? thank-you

No, you go to the office through the Colonnade on the left without going through the security line. After the tour, you enter the basilica without going through security.

Thank-you, one other question. When they say men must wear trousers, are jeans considered trousers? I sometimes think of jeans as jeans and trousers as some sore of dress pants. thank-you

Jeans are fine. They just want long pants.

The visitors of the Scavi have the entrance in Via Paolo VI, just off the Colonnade on the left hand side. There is a metal detector control to walk through and - eventually - dropping backpacks or any bag of large size at the Basilica's cloakroom that is on the opposite side of the square. The security will take you less than 5 minutes because it is a 'special fast lane' for Scavi only. Show your reservation to the Swiss Guard at the gate. Visitors are suggested to come 15 minutes before the visit time, not too much in advance. Men are not allowed in wearing shorts (even if knees stay covered) but long pants only; no mini-skirts or anything with uncovered knees for women. Shoulders covered for all. You should have all these info on your confirmation paper... :)

Watch out: you are requested to pay within 10 days (if I remember correctly) or your visit will be delayed.

Ciao Daniela

Just an add-on..

If you have never been to St. Peter's, do allow a little extra time to orient yourself. "On the left" sounds easy enough, however, the security entrance for the Scavi tour is not obvious from the square itself. However, on the left of the Basilica there is a row with washrooms, info centre etc. It's right in this area and the info booth itself is only a couple of steps past the "small) walkway which has the unassuming entry point to the scavi office.

Enjoy, it's an amazing site.

thank-you all so much. Have already sent payment so just need to wait until March. thanks all

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Request tickets for the Scavi Tour

The Catholic Traveler’s Guide to Rome is offered completely free to be sure you have the best pilgrimage experience – and is only possible because of my generous supporters. Please consider supporting my work through Patreon or Substack , or a one time tip through Venmo . 🤍

The Vatican Scavi Tour that goes through the excavations below Saint Peter’s Basilica is one of the most exclusive tours in all of Rome. Only 250 people are allowed through each day – compare that to the 30,000 that visit the Vatican Museums!

Your tour will be in a small group with a maximum of about 12 people and last around 90 minutes. The grand finale is a visit to the actual tomb of Saint Peter, where, by peering around a corner, you will see the bones of the Prince of the Apostles.

Reservations should be made well in advance of your visit to Rome, in fact, it should be the first thing you do!

The process is quite simple, however, it’s best to list a range of dates that you can visit and stay flexible.

How to request tickets to the Scavi

To request tickets, email the Scavi office at [email protected] Don’t email me , I can’t help you.

In your email, please provide:

• The exact number of participants;
• The name of each participant;
• Your preferred language;
• All possible dates you are available – spell out the month: 01 January 2021;
• Provide an email address for the main contact.

They don’t care about any fluff, like how badly you want the tour or how you only just found out about it or that you’ve heard how great it is.

If your request is granted, you’ll be required to pay by credit card within 10 days. The Scavi office will send a link to pay online.

Important to note

A visit to the Scavi below Saint Peter’s Basilica not only takes you into a very sacred place, but also a highly secure area. As such, there are rules.

Only ages 15 and up are allowed.

Appropriate dress is required. No shorts. No short skirts. Shoulders covered. Even in the summer heat, don’t risk it.

No large bags. Normal sized backpacks and purses will go through security screening, but are allowed – usually.

You should bring your Passport in case they check ID. It’s never happened for me, but it’s better to be safe.

You should arrive 10-15 minutes early. No exceptions.

Once inside, no photos are allowed.

It is warm, humid, and cramped in the Scavi. If you are claustrophobic, well, you should visit anyway. Just know it might be a bit uncomfortable.

Tickets for the Scavi can sell out many months in advance. If you are unable to get tickets, and you are flexible, you can show up the day you want to go and ask if there are any cancellations.

Also watch for groups. Groups pay way in advance and often have cancellations. If the group leader is nice, you may be able to join. It happens. Stay positive.

Price Tickets are €13. Price includes your guide.

Opening times Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (due to the Papal Audience ) Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Scavi is closed on Sundays, Wednesday mornings until 1 PM, and the usually the following Vatican holidays:

January: 1 and 6 (Epiphany)

February: 11 (Lateran Treaty)

March: 13 (Election of the Holy Father), 19 (Saint Joseph’s Feast Day)

April: 23 (Name-day of the Holy Father)

May: 1 (Saint Joseph the Carpenter)

June: 15 (Corpus Domini), 29 (Feast Day of SS. Peter and Paul)

August: 14, 15, 16 (Ferragosto)

November: 1 (All Saints), 2 (All Soul’s Day)

December: 8 (Immaculate Conception), 24, 25, 26, 27 (Christmas) and 31 (Te Deum)

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• Reservations

Requests, if possible, should be sent directly by the interested visitor/s.  If the person submitting the request is not the actual visitor, he or she should send the visitor(s) name(s) and e-mail address(es).  This will allow the Excavations Office to replay back to the person requesting the visit and to the visitor with specific information about the visit granted.  

Those leading groups (universities, parishes, cultural associations, agencies, and other groups) should send a complete list of names of the  participants and the name of their organization . 

There are no set deadlines for submitting requests.  All requests, even urgent ones, will be fulfilled depending on the places left available at the closest date to the one requested.

Requests may be submitted in written form by fax +39 06 69873017 , or by visiting the Excavations Office in person ( using the south [left] entrance, just outside of the Colonnade ).

It is absolutely necessary to provide the following information :

1.  Exact number of participants; 2.  Names of participants; 3.  Language requested; 4.  Possible dates *when the Excavations Office can assign your visit (the time will be determined by the Office). *please always write in full the name of the month (e.g.:  from 01 January 2013 to 08 January 2013 ) 5.  E-mail address, or fax number, or a complete postal address.

• Entrance fee
• Regulations during visits
• Depositing prohibited items

Fabbrica di San Pietro

Excavations Office 00120 Vatican City State

email: [email protected]

Tel.:  + 39 06 69 885 318

Entrance Fee

Monday – Friday:  9:00 - 18:00

Saturday:  9:00 - 14:00

Cost of the ticket

The cost of the individual ticket , including the contribution for the Guide, is 13,00 Euros (approximately $ 16.50 USD)

No reductions in price will be given for any reason.

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