The Scavi tour takes you beneath St Peter’s Basilica, into a Roman necropolis buried in the 4th century, to the place venerated as the tomb of Saint Peter. It is one of the most moving visits in Rome — and one of the hardest to book, because only around 250 people a day get in. Here is how it works.
What is the Vatican necropolis?
When Emperor Constantine built the first St Peter’s Basilica in the 4th century, he levelled a hillside cemetery to place the altar above a modest shrine believed to mark Peter’s grave. The tombs — pagan and early Christian mausoleums with frescoes, mosaics and inscriptions — were filled with earth and preserved. Excavations in the 1940s brought them back to light. On the tour you walk a narrow ancient street of tombs and end beneath the high altar, at the « red wall » and the area identified with Peter’s burial.
How to book the Scavi tour
- Fill in the request form on the Excavations Office website (scavi.va).
- Give every visitor’s full name, the number of people, your preferred language and a wide range of dates.
- Wait for the confirmation email (often within 1–2 weeks), then pay through the link provided.
- On the day, go to the Swiss Guard post on the left of St Peter’s Square (Arco delle Campane) with your confirmation and ID, 10–15 minutes early.
Resellers cannot sell Scavi tickets. Tours advertised as « Scavi » on booking sites usually cover the Grottoes, St Peter’s or the catacombs instead — read the description carefully.
Read also: Best Vatican tours
Scavi vs Vatican Grottoes vs catacombs
| Site | What it is | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scavi (necropolis) | Roman cemetery under the basilica, Peter’s tomb area | €13 | Request to Ufficio Scavi |
| Vatican Grottoes | Papal tombs just below the basilica floor | Free | No booking, from inside St Peter’s |
| Roman catacombs (Appian Way) | Underground Christian cemeteries outside the walls | ~€10 + transport | Tours or on site |
Plan B: Rome catacombs & Appian Way tour
If the Scavi is full- Duration: 3–4 h
- Includes: catacomb visit, Appian Way, transport on most tours
The atmosphere is similar — early Christian tombs, narrow galleries — and booking is easy. Many tours add the Capuchin Crypt or the Basilica of San Clemente.
St Peter’s Basilica, dome & Grottoes tour
Same morning as the Scavi- Duration: ~1.5–2 h
- Includes: basilica, Grottoes, often the dome climb
Pair it with your Scavi slot or use it as an alternative: the Grottoes hold the tombs of many popes, including John Paul II’s original burial place.
Tips for the Scavi tour
- Claustrophobia: passages are narrow, humid and warm. It is not suitable for people with breathing or mobility difficulties.
- No photos are allowed in the necropolis.
- Combine it: the tour ends inside St Peter’s Basilica; you can then visit the Grottoes and climb the dome.
- Read up first: our Vatican City facts and Vatican tickets guides help you plan the whole day.
Quick quiz: test yourself before you go
1/3 Who sells Scavi tour tickets?
Scavi visits are booked only by request with the Ufficio Scavi.
2/3 What is the minimum age for the Scavi tour?
Visitors must be at least 15, and ID can be checked.
3/3 Which emperor built the first basilica over the necropolis?
Constantine built Old St Peter’s in the 4th century, burying the cemetery to place the altar above Peter’s shrine.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Vatican Scavi tour?
€13 per person, including the official guide. There are no reduced tickets.
How do I get Scavi tour tickets?
Send a request through the Excavations Office (Ufficio Scavi) website with all names, your language and several possible dates, then pay once confirmed.
Is the Vatican necropolis tour the same as the Scavi tour?
Yes. « Scavi » means excavations; the visit is to the Vatican Necropolis under St Peter’s Basilica.
Can children do the Scavi tour?
No — the minimum age is 15. Families with younger children can visit the Grottoes or the catacombs instead.
Are the Vatican catacombs the same as the Scavi?
No. The Scavi is a Roman necropolis under St Peter’s; Rome’s catacombs are separate underground cemeteries along the Appian Way.
Affiliate disclosure: this guide contains affiliate links to GetYourGuide. If you book through them we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative and were checked in October 2026 — the live price on the booking page always prevails.