vatican grottoes

It was worth the time to me, but one note here..if you go trough you walk out the exit at the end...I think it is possible to not get back in the long line and just walk back up to the main entrance...but I didn't try that so I don't know.Another plus here was the ushers being very firm with people to be quiet and respectful. Actually kind of refreshing with all those seeing the sights who feel their conversation should be imposed loudly on everyone around them.

The Vatican Grottoes are not to be missed. It doesn't cost anything but a little extra time at St. Peter's to see, and what you will see are the tombs of many Popes, Cardinals, and Saints. Yes, it's a bit plain. Yes, it seems like just corridors. But you are in the presence of the tombs of Popes. The seat on earth closest to God. It does not take very long to pass through, and is worth it to pay your respects to some of the most influential men who have ever lived.

The Vatican Grottoes were light and bright and unlike anything I had expected. That being said, I wouldn't waste your time here unless there is a specific pope that you want to see. Instead, spend your time inside of the Basilica and enjoy all of the wonders that it contains.

We exited our Scavi tour into the Vatican Grottoes but this place is actually accessible through the Basilica if you know how to get there. There isn't much to see in the Grottoes except corridors and chapels with caskets of some of the previous popes, cardinals, saints. It is a very solemn, holy area due to the proximity to Peter's tomb. It is located one level below the basilica floor, but one level above the Clementine Church.

This review is for the Vatican Grottoes accessible from within the basilica - NOT for the special Scavi Excavation tour which goes under the Basilica (and does also tour part of the Grottoes).We actually found this quite by accident - we ended up herded in a line at the Basilica, thinking we were approaching the altar, but then realized we were heading downstairs. It's neat though - the tombs of various Pope are there (but NOT St. John Paul II - he's upstairs), and there are some neat grates that let you see up into the basilica. I think the most interesting part of this area is the Clementine Chapel, which is the area basically under the high altar on the main floor and level with the recessed area underneath it - this used to be the altar before the more 'modern' part of the basilica was built, and it backs against the marble case that was built in Constantine's time over the tomb of St. Peter. It's considered the holiest pat of the basilica, and one of the few parts leftover from the 'original' basilica.

The Vatican has excavated areas under St. Peters Basilica reaching the ancient Roman Christian city. You enter through the Vatican Excavation office and proceed down a flight of stairs that takes you 40 feet under the Basilica. You view ancient Roman roads, homes, pagan and Christian tombs. It is a remarkable journey that ultimately ends at the site where St. Peter is believed to have been martyred and crucified during the reign of Nero. This visit is a must see and will take one on an unimaginable journey through ancient Roman history and the birth of Christianity in Rome. It is a must see. Now for the details...you "must" write in advance to the Vatican Excavation Office for permission to participate in a tour. The tour itself is approximately $15.

We had pre booked tickets for this tour. IDs recommended. Must go through security check and then the Swiss Guards. The tour was about an hour and a half. Guide was informative. The grottos were very warm and humid. Walking areas are quite narrow with uneven surfaces and a lot of up and down stairs. We did see the area where the bones of St. Peter lie.

The Papal Tombs are the official resting place of the Popes. They are located one floor beneath St. Peter's Basilica and the entrance is on the right side. At the end of our tour through the Basilica, we visited the tombs. There was a small line in front of the stairs. When you step out of the huge Basilica, going down to the tombs, it is quite a contrast, but it is a great thing that the tombs are open for the public. Near every tomb you can read information about the Pope which is buried. The tombs house the remains of over twenty Popes, Kings, Queens and Cardinals including Saint Peter, John Paul I, Paul VI, Benedict XV, Pius XI, and Pius XII. John Paul II was raised from the Papal Tombs to the Basilica floor following his beatification in 2011.

The entrance is close to the middle of the basilica and easy to miss. Short stairs will get you to a dungeon with a number of tombs of popes. It's most 20th and 19th century popes plus a few older ones.

We walked through here with our 10 year old kids and we were left somewhat underwhelmed. It is a series of tombs lying next to each other in what seems like a basement of the Vatican. Unless you are deeply into the history of the Vatican then this area won't be as interesting.

I think the Basilica was generally awesome for me. The Grottoes included. All these great (and maybe not so great men) have their remains here. It's supposed to be a solemn procession/walk through, but a littel whisper here, a little whisper there... you should check it out.

To stand in the very place where St. Peter, the founder of the church, is buried, and the baldaccino positioned directly above, is humbling. The very spot where he was crucified, buried, and now the church built on top of it, is all very symbolic, and just left me feeling pretty overwhelmed.

Even as a Non-Catholic I found this a fascinating visit. There is a feeling of peace around the tombs, it truely feels holy. Historically facinating to read about each Pope and note the style of the tombs. Well worth a visit.

Interesting if you have a serious interest in archaeology or very devout and want to see St. Peter's tomb. Dark, dank, and most of what you can do is peer through plexiglass. They don't even want you to touch the walls. I understand the need to conserve and preserve such an historic site. However, especially if time is limited, the expense and time involved are not worth it. You can see the crypts of the Pope via the Vatican. A trip to Pompeii (and I've heard, Herculaneum too) is more archaeologically interesting. As for St. Peter... well you're looking through plexiglass into a small chamber into a hole containing relics in plexiglass boxes that are plausibly those of St. Peter. Whether peeking in for 30 seconds in a 1.5 hour tour is a completely personal decision. The guide-- that's the only way to see this tour-- was very knowledgeable but a bit stiff. I got the feeling he wasn't allowed to veer off script too much.

The Vatican Grottoes was full of history as it is the burial ground for all the former pope's. As you enter you will hear religious hymns in the background which is guaranteed to give you the chills! And for security reasons you will not be allowed to turn back but to continue to the exit.