scavi tour catacombs

• 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.

© Excavations Office | Contact us | Map

• Pilgrimages
• Rome Day Tours
• In the Media

A tour of the excavations underneath St. Peter’s Basilica

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 . 🤍

Buried underneath Catholicism’s largest and most famous Church lays a treasure even more precious than the gold, precious stone, and priceless artwork above. The bones of St. Peter are certainly among the most precious relics the Church has. After all, they are the bodily remains of the apostle who confessed faith in the Lord Jesus, denied him on the night of his betrayal, was reconciled to him after the resurrection, and faithfully fed his sheep for three decades after the ascension before finally suffering death at the hands of the Romans. Considering the value of these bones, it may be quite a surprise that they were only identified in 1968. What happened to them for the previous 1,900 years? The answer is complicated.

Christianity first arrived in Rome in the 40s A.D., about ten years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. It was a small religious sect, an offshoot from Judaism. Both Jews and Christians were quite unpopular in imperial Rome, largely due to their abhorrence of the ancient Roman gods. Therefore, in 64 A.D., when the great fire of Rome broke out during the reign of Nero, the Christians were an easy scapegoat. (It is generally thought that Nero, in fact, began the fire himself, desiring to destroy the city of Rome and build his own city. He was a bit of a narcissist and not exactly the sanest of Roman emperors!) In any case, the aftermath of the fire brought about the first great persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. Included in this first wave of martyrdoms for the Church were the great apostles Peter and Paul, who by this point had arrived in Rome and would have been the two most prominent targets of any persecution. Since he was a Roman citizen, St. Paul had the right to an appeal to Caesar before any death sentence was carried out, and once it was denied, was allowed a more humane death: a private beheading outside the city. St. Peter on the other hand, was not a Roman citizen, and so was eligible for the cruelest death the Romans had to offer: crucifixion. A tradition going back to St. Jerome (4th century) tells us the Peter chose to be crucified upside-down, desiring not to die in the same way that Jesus died.

The location of Peter’s execution was Nero’s circus, a building housing a number of competitions and other events during the 1st century. It was located adjacent to the Vatican Hill, just across the Tiber River and outside the main part of the city of Rome. On the side of the hill outside the circus was a necropolis in which families would construct elaborate tombs in which to bury their dead. At the center of the circus was the obelisk, imported from Egypt, which now sits at the center of St. Peter’s Square. Hence, it is likely that the obelisk was one of the final things St. Peter saw before dying. After his death, as a condemned criminal, he would not have had the right to a proper burial; frequently crucified bodies were left on crosses to serve as gruesome public warnings not to challenge Roman authority. However, either by bribery or by stealth, desiring to safeguard the remains of the apostle, the early Christians took the body and buried it in a simple grave called the Poor Man’s Grave, which would involve placing Peter’s body in a small trench and covering it with six large tiles in the shape of a tent. Since the area around the Vatican Hill was rather marshy, the grave would have been surrounded by a small retaining wall around the perimeter in order to keep the body from washing away in the event of heavy rains.

The Great Fire of 64 A.D. touched off an intermittent period of persecution in the Church that would last 250 years until Constantine legalized Christianity in the Empire with the Edict of Milan. Even during this period of intense suffering for Christians, the grave of Peter did not go neglected. Around the year 150, Christians erected a simple monument over the Poor Man’s Grave resembling a trophy, blending in well with standard Roman architecture, but of profound significance to Christians. The next two centuries saw the addition of two walls on either side of the Trophy, one of which still stands to this day. Over time, this wall became covered with Latin and Greek graffiti, thus earning it the moniker “Graffiti Wall”. By the time Christianity was legalized, this gravesite of Peter had changed substantially from the time of Peter’s burial.

As part of his favor to Christianity, as emperor, Constantine built a series of basilicas in honor of the great Roman martyrs, including the original St. Peter’s Basilica on the Vatican Hill which was dedicated in 326. At this time, the Trophy was encased in a box of marble and porphyry and served as the centerpiece of the sanctuary in the new basilica. Two subsequent renovations would build large altars directly on top of St. Peter’s grave. The original basilica was replaced by the current basilica in the sixteenth century, which placed the main papal altar high above the old altars. Hence, throughout the tradition of the Church, St. Peter was believed to be buried under the altar of the basilica; however, as the centuries passed, this belief became more of an accepted tradition rather than a proven fact.

Such was the case until the 1940s when after survey work in the grotto level of the basilica uncovered evidence of the ancient necropolis. After some discussion, Pope Pius XII appointed two Jesuit priests, Fr. Anthony Ferrua and Fr. Engel Bert Kirschbaum, to lead an excavation of the ancient necropolis under absolute secrecy. In addition, all of the work had to take place at night, thus leading to an unfortunate consequence: Msgr. Ludwig Kaas, head of the physical plant at St. Peter’s and who was not a fan of the excavation project, believing the recently excavated bones were being treated disrespectfully, would have his workers go in to the excavation and remove recently uncovered bones and carry them into storage. This violation of sound archaeological procedure would have significant consequences on the project.

In 1950, the excavators, having secured the previously withheld permission to dig under the main altar, found the Poor Man’s Grave. However, the bones found in this grave presented a problem: They could not be the bones of St. Peter. The bones found included parts of three human skeletons as well as a smattering of animal bones. Of the three human skeletons, only one was of an appropriate age and build to be Peter, and this skeleton was of a woman! The excavators were thus forced at the time to conclude their investigation was a failure.

Fortunately for the project in the fifteen years following this initial disappointment, a couple of scholars were able to uncover another set of bones that had originally been found in a hollow niche in the Graffiti Wall but had been lost for a couple of decades because Msgr. Kaas’ workers had mistakenly removed the bones and placed them in storage. An examination of these bones, which were of an older (60-70 year old) male skeleton of a robust build and included bones from all major parts of the body except the feet, revealed that they were covered with soil matching that found in the Poor Man’s Grave (an uncommonly light soil for the region). In addition, the bones were covered in the imperial Roman purple dye, a dye reserved for the emperor himself and other high-ranking Roman officials. Finally, a small piece of the wall next to the place where the bones were found was marked with the Greek words for “Peter is within.” This evidence was the center of a report drawn up and sent to five disinterested scholars to ensure that the methodology was properly followed and the conclusions justified. All five approved of the conclusion that the bones found in the wall were those of the apostle Peter.

After the report was approved, it was submitted to Pope Paul VI, who in June 1968, accepted the report and placed the bones in a series of small boxes (along with the bones of a mouse that were also found in the same place as the human bones), which were all placed back into the Graffiti Wall niche, thus locating them a couple of stories underneath the main papal altar at St. Peter’s. These bones are now visible to all who participate in a Scavi Tour at the basilica. To look at these bones and pray in front of the few material remains of the Prince of the Apostles always serves as a call to greater faith and a deeper commitment to the service of God.

Book your Scavi Tour here.

Join my email list for travel tips, pilgrimage announcements, and stories from nearly 20 years of leading pilgrimages.

Click here to read the most recent newsletter.

• Get in Touch

Ultimate Vatican Experience: Sistine Chapel and Necropolis Scavi Tour

Rome, Italy

• Enjoy the luxury of a private tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Avoid long lines—skip-the-line tickets with prime access are included
• Get special small-group access to the Scavi (Underground)
• Hotel pickup is available from centrally-located hotels

What's Included

Departure & return, departure point, return details, what to expect, additional info.

• Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
• Not wheelchair accessible
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
• A moderate amount of walking is involved - comfortable shoes are recommended
• Please advise if anyone in your group has mobility issues
• Minimum age is 16 years
• During the visit of the underground burial visitors may be affected by the altered environmental conditions of temperature and humidity. Those who have special physical problems, subject to increase under these conditions, including claustrophobia, are advised not to access the visit.
• Most travelers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation policy

From 450. 15  usd.

It’s more fun with friends!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Customers have also been looking at these Rome Tours

• colosseum & roman forums for families with kids , skip the line tour
• st. peter’s basilica skip-the-line guided tour
• the palatine: the cradle of the roman empire
• family friendly private tour of rome: city highlight
• colosseum small group experience: guided tour & ticket included
• kids tour: virtual rome
• old distillery escape room in rome
• friday night vatican special
• appian way countryside ebike tour with picnic lunch
• the best morning rome electric bike & food tour
• rome experience: 3-hour guided bicycle tour
• private villa borghese tour on e-bike with pic-nic menu optional
• private rome bike & food city tour
• rome in a day including the vatican museums & sistine chapel for 18-39’s
• vatican museums, an incredible world, tour with archaeologist
• rome: incredible street food tour

More Tours in Rome that we Recommend

Gelato Lovers Workshop in Rome – Create and Taste Italian Homemade Gelato

Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum And Palatine Hill Guided Tour

Kid-Friendly Castel Sant’Angelo Tour with Pantheon & Piazza Navona

Private Pompeii and AmalfI Coast from Rome all-incluisve

Enquiry Form

• New & Now

Free Itineraries

• Upcoming Events
• Your travel list

• Explore By Areas
• Attractions
• Museums & Galleries
• Parks & Outdoor
• Rome Surroundings

Select Page

Home » Vatican City Area Attractions » Vatican Necropolis Info & Hours

Vatican Necropolis Info & Hours

The Vatican Necropolis stands nearly 32 feet below St. Peter’s Basilica, under the Vatican Grottoes, and must not be confused with the Necropolis of Via Triumphalis an underground cemetery of members of the poorer classes, located between the Vatican City and Castel Sant’Angelo .

The Vatican Necropolis under St. Peter’s is also known in Italian as the “Scavi” of St. Peter’s , because of the excavations sponsored by the Vatican that occurred between 1939 and 1949 under Pius XII.

This necropolis is especially known for being the early burial place of St. Peter the Apostle and for housing what are believed to be his remains. The Highlight of the visit are the (alleged) remains of St. Peter Apostle.

Visit to the Vatican Necropolis under the St Peter’s Basilica (or Tour of the Scavi) must be arranged directly with the Excavations Office. Early reservation is highly recommended due to the limited number of people admitted at a time. Groups size vary from 10 to 15 people. The tour lasts 1,5 hours and is accessible only by people older than 15 years old.

Keep reading the “How to visit” section for info, price, and reservation!

Visit St. Peter’s Basilica after the Scavi Tour skipping the line

At the end of Scavi Tour the guide will allow you to pass straight into the Popes’ Tombs Area (Vatican Grottoes). From there you can walk by the entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica. You will see the steps of the Basilica on your left as you walk toward the exit. Make a left turn up the steps and enter the Basilica. This way you will bypass all the people waiting in line to see the church.

How to Visit

How to reach.

• St. Peter’s Scavi Facts
• St. Peter’s Scavi FAQ
• What’s Nearby

Attraction Overview

1 plan your visit in advance.

– Early reservation is highly recommended due to the limited number of people admitted at a time. Groups size vary from 10 to 15 people. The tour lasts 1,5 hours.

2 RESERVATION

Reservations must be made in writing only by fax or email [email protected] . The request must contain compulsorily 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

3 DRESS CODE AND INFO BEFORE VISITING

The day of your visit you should arrive at the Excavations Office at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The Excavations Office is located on the Via Paolo VI (outside of the Colonnade, just to the south [left], near the entrance to the General Audience Hall.) Upon arrival, present the Swiss Guards with your letter of confirmation received from the Office which indicates the scheduled time of your visit.

Clothing should be appropriate for a sacred place: long trousers/slacks/jeans for men; dresses that reach below the knees or long trousers/slacks/jeans for women; shoulders must be covered for all.

Luggage, large bags, backpacks and cameras are not allowed inside. There’s a deposit available and is free of charge.

OPENING HOURS

Closed On Sunday and Vatican Holidays (1st and 6 January / December: 8; from 24 to 27; 31st / February 11 / March 13 and 19 / 17 to 23 April / May 1st and 29 / June 19 and 29 / from 14 to 16 August / 1 and 2 November /

Opening Hours

Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm NOTE: Normally, the last visit start at 15:30 (16:15 April to September)

TICKETS INFO

The cost of the individual ticket, including the contribution for the Guide, is 13€ (approximately $ 16.50 USD)* No reductions in price will be given for any reason.

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).

ACCESSIBILITY

Wheelchair Accessibility Service: The site is not accessible.

Reservation: Fax +39 06 69873017 Email: [email protected]

Info: +39 06 69 885 318

1 CLOSEST BUS STOPS TO ST. PETER’S SCAVI

Bus lines (stop “cavalleggeri/san pietro”):.

34 46 64 98 109F 881 916 982

Metro Station:

Address: 00120 Città del Vaticano, Rome, Italy Get directions from Google Maps

Meeting point for the Scavi Tour: The day of your visit you should arrive at the Excavations Office at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The Excavations Office is located on the Via Paolo VI (outside of the Colonnade, just to the south [left], near the entrance to the General Audience Hall.) Upon arrival, present the Swiss Guards with your letter of confirmation received from the Office which indicates the scheduled time of your visit..

Vatican Necropoli

St. peter’s scavi: unveiling the necropolis under the basilica.

It all started when Pope Pius XI asked to be buried as close as possible to the Tomb of St. Peter Apostle under St. Peter’s Basilica.

Works to enlarge the burial chamber of the Pope brought to life an entire necropolis. When the archaeologists started digging they discovered a double line of burial buildings, laying on one slope of the Vatican Hill. You must think about this necropolis as an open-air cemetery, hence very different from the catacombs. Read More…

Scavi of St. Peter FAQ

Are you wondering something about this landmark in Rome? Go to our Q&A section and post your question. It will be answered by an official Rome tour guide!

Rome Free Itineraries

Free Walking Tour of Trastevere Rome

Duration: 3 hours

Tickets: Ticket-free

Accessibility: Partially accessible to people on wheelchairs

Best Time to Visit: Winter: 10.30 pm – 4.00 pm / Summer: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm

Ancient Rome Self Guided Tour

Tickets: not needed

Accessibility: Partially Accessible to people on wheelchairs

Best Time to Visit: 2.30 pm - 6.30 pm

Discovering Rome’s Squares & Fountains

Tickets: ticket-free

Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible

Best Time to Visit: 2.00pm - 6.00pm

What’s nearby

Vatican City Area Attractions

St. Peter’s Basilica: Facts you should know before visiting

Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica: Tickets & Hours

Vatican Museum Night Tour: How it works & Available Options

Vatican City Area Attractions , Rome Museums

St. Peter’s Scavi: Unveiling the Necropolis under the Basilica

Necropolis of Via Triumphalis Tour: Facts & Pictures

Necropolis of Via Triumphalis in the Vatican

Gardens of the Vatican City Facts & History

Vatican Gardens: Tour Fees & Hours

Sistine Chapel Facts: “Must Know” about Michelangelo’s frescoes

Sistine Chapel Tickets & Opening Hours

Vatican Museums: Highlights & Facts

Vatican Museum: Tickets, Hours & Dress Code

Bridge of Angels

Castel Sant’Angelo Facts & History

Castel Sant’Angelo Tickets & Info

Join the community.

Email Address

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Advertising

• Login Lost my Password

Explore Rome By Areas

• Vatican City Area
• Colosseum and Ancient Rome Area
• Spanish Steps & Trevi Fountain Area
• Pantheon & Navona Square Area
• Jewish Ghetto, East River Bank
• Trastevere Area, West River Bank

Booking Search Box

Recent posts.

Create your Custom Travel List

Scavi Tours with NAC Seminarians

Scavi Tours

Commonly known as the Scavi tour, the tour of the excavations of the necropolis beneath Saint Peter’s Basilica and the burial place of Saint Peter himself is a marvelous experience for pilgrims in Rome.  For more information on the Scavi tour and its history, click here .  Only approximately 200 pilgrims can enter the excavations per day. Therefore, reservations should be made a few months in advance of your visit to Rome.

A written request for a Scavi tour must be sent directly to the Scavi Office by email, fax, or mail.  If you receive no response or if your email bounces back to you, it usually means that the daily quota is already full. Since the Scavi office prefers to work directly with their pilgrims, we are unable to request tours on your behalf.

Instructions to have a NAC seminarian as a guide for your Scavi tour:

• Please note that NAC seminarians do not make direct reservations for Scavi tours.
• The only way to reserve a tour is to contact Scavi directly at [email protected]
• Be sure to include the names and number of pilgrims, the range of availability of dates and times, the request for an English tour, and finally request for a tour from a NAC seminarian.
• Important: Once you have received a confirmation email from Scavi, you then need to forward the confirmation to the Scavi Apostolate Seminarian Capo at [email protected] . Please keep in mind that the seminarians do not receive confirmation from the Scavi Office so this will be your responsibility.

Scavi Fax: 011.39.06.6987.3017

• About Rector's Welcome History of the College Directory Governance Media Relations Mailing List Video on YouTube Audio Archive Roman Echoes
• The Seminary Formation Program Recreation & Community Life Sacred Music The Carl J. Peter Lecture The Randal Riede, C.F.X. Library
• Casa Santa Maria History of the Casa Apply to the Casa Common Life at the Casa
• Institute for Continuing Theological Education Autumn Programs Spring Programs ICTE Sampler Dates & Costs Apply to ICTE
• Diaconate Ordination Schedule of Events The Diaconate Travel Information Diaconate Ordination Contact
• Admissions Vocation Director Resources Apply to the Casa Santa Maria Apply to ICTE
• Visiting Rome Papal Audiences and Events Papal Blessing Requests Other Tours & Sites Frequently Asked Questions Useful Links for Pilgrims Tips for Touring Rome Scavi Tours with NAC Seminarians Catacomb Tours The Roman Station Liturgy
• Support Gratitude From the Gianicolo Video Leadership Annual Rector’s Dinner How to Make a Gift Shop the Store Alumni Assoc. Website Stay Connected
• Contact Email Photostream Library Portal Login Admin Login Shipping / Mailing

Vatican Scavi Tour and St. Peter’s basilica

The Vatican Scavi Tour that goes through the excavations below Saint Peter's basilica is one of the most exclusive tours of all Rome.

I have been an official guide of Vatican Scavi  since 1996. You could blindfold me and I would be able to show you around with ease.

We will visit an Ancient Roman Necropolis, discovered by archeologists in 1939  and filled with the fresco-painted tombs of wealthy Roman families and an early Christian cemetery with the tomb of St. Peter's, the Apostle. This part of the tour will be with about 15 other people, though we will visit St. Peter's church on our own.

Saint Peter's basilica was built in 1506. It is the longest church in the world, filled with the most important Renaissance masterpieces like the Pietà by Michelangelo.

You can combine this tour with the Vatican Museums or Pope's audience on Wednesdays.

Tour length: 2 hours

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

The Mystery Traveler 58318891

Vatican Scavi Tour Reviews: Treasures Beneath St. Peter’s Basilica

If you’re planning a visit to Vatican City, the Vatican Scavi Tour should be on your must-do list.

This exclusive tour takes you on a journey beneath the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica, where ancient Roman necropolises and Christian catacombs lie hidden.

In this guide, we’ll explore the significance of the Vatican Scavi Tour and review first-hand experiences from visitors who have embarked on this extraordinary underground adventure.

What is the Vatican Scavi Tour?

The Vatican Scavi Tour is a unique and exclusive experience that allows a limited number of visitors to explore the ancient necropolises beneath St. Peter’s Basilica . “Scavi” is the Italian word for “excavations,” and this tour takes you through the excavated tombs, mausoleums, and early Christian burial sites that date back to ancient Roman times.

The tour offers a rare glimpse into the early history of Christianity and the development of one of the world’s most renowned religious landmarks.

How to Book the Vatican Scavi Tour

Due to the limited number of spots available, booking the Vatican Scavi Tour requires careful planning. The tour is organized by the Excavations Office of the Vatican, and reservations must be made well in advance.

Visitors can request tickets through the Vatican’s official website or through authorized tour operators. It’s crucial to follow the booking process and guidelines to secure your spot on this remarkable journey.

Reviews from Tour Participants

Visitors who have taken the Vatican Scavi Tour share glowing reviews of their experiences. Many describe it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that left them in awe of the historical significance of the site.

The expert guides provide detailed insights into the history and significance of the excavations, making the tour engaging and enriching for participants.

The Scavi Tour vs. Other Vatican Tours

While the Vatican Scavi Tour offers a unique and exclusive experience, it’s essential to understand the differences between this tour and other popular Vatican tours.

The Scavi Tour focuses specifically on the excavations beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, offering a specialized and intimate experience. In contrast, other guided tours explore the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and other iconic sites within Vatican City.

Tips for a Memorable Scavi Tour Experience

To make the most of your Vatican Scavi Tour, it’s essential to be prepared. Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking through narrow passages and uneven surfaces.

Dress respectfully, as the tour takes you through sacred Christian burial sites. Also, remember that photography is not permitted during the tour to maintain the sanctity of the site.

Scavi Tour FAQs

Prospective visitors often have questions about the Scavi Tour. Common FAQs include information about tour duration, accessibility, and age restrictions. It’s crucial to address these questions to help potential participants plan their visit accordingly.

Is the Vatican Scavi Tour Worth It?

Absolutely! The Vatican Scavi Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is well worth it for history enthusiasts and those interested in ancient Christian burial sites. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the hidden necropolises beneath St. Peter’s Basilica and provides valuable insights into the early history of Christianity.

What Does the Scavi Tour Include?

The Vatican Scavi Tour includes a guided visit to the excavated necropolises beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. Visitors will explore the ancient Roman burial sites and early Christian catacombs, gaining a deeper understanding of the religious and historical significance of the location. The tour is conducted in small groups to ensure an intimate and immersive experience.

What Do You See on the Scavi Tour of Vatican?

During the Scavi Tour of the Vatican, participants have the unique opportunity to see the excavated tombs and burial chambers that date back to ancient Roman times. The tour takes you through narrow passageways and crypts, revealing the ancient resting places of early Christians. Highlights include the tomb of St. Peter, the first Pope, and other significant Christian figures.

How Much Does the Scavi Tour Cost?

The cost of the Vatican Scavi Tour varies depending on the tour operator and the type of tour chosen. As of [current year], the standard fee for the Scavi Tour is around $ 16.50 USD. It’s essential to note that the number of spots on the tour is limited, and reservations must be made well in advance. Additionally, some tour operators may offer package deals that include other Vatican attractions, so it’s best to research and compare prices before booking.

Overall, the Vatican Scavi Tour is a highly recommended and worthwhile experience for those seeking to delve into the history of Christianity and explore the ancient wonders beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. The tour’s exclusivity and unique insights make it an unforgettable addition to any visit to Vatican City .

Read: Hotels in Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

Read:  The Cornell Club New York Reviews

Read:  Opatija or Rovinj: Croatia’s Coastal Gems

Read:  The Main House London: A Luxurious Escape

In conclusion, the Vatican Scavi Tour is an unparalleled opportunity to explore the historical treasures hidden beneath the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica.

From the ancient Roman necropolises to the early Christian catacombs, the tour offers a rare glimpse into the rich history of Christianity and the foundations of one of the world’s most significant religious landmarks.

Don’t miss the chance to embark on this extraordinary underground adventure during your visit to Vatican City. Book your Vatican Scavi Tour well in advance to secure your spot on this unforgettable journey.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Where to Stay
• Where to Eat
• Best Time to Visit Rome
• Top 10 Tips for Rome
• Bathrooms in Rome
• What to Pack & What to Wear

Money Matters

Getting Around

Getting to Rome

• Learn Italian
• Can You Travel to Rome Right Now?
• Italy Green Pass - do you need one?
• Rome Coronavirus News & Updates
• Rome & Vatican Tours
• Italy Tours
• Transfers & Transport
• Sign up & get a FREE ebook  Subscribe Today!
• Romewise Home Page
• Visiting the Vatican
• St Peters Tomb

St Peters Tomb - How to visit one of the most exclusive sites in Rome!

By Elyssa Bernard

March 18, 2023

Would you like to see St Peters tomb at the Vatican ?

Find out how to book this special archaeological tour of one of the most fascinating underground sites in Rome . 

Visit St Peters Tomb - Everything you need to know

Are you wondering what I am talking about?

Yes, you can book a special visit to the archeological site underneath St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City .

And on this tour, one of the things you will see is the (supposed) tomb of Saint Peter.

What is St Peters tomb? Where is it?

• Is St. Peter really buried here ?
• Is it worth visiting ?
• What will you see when you visit St Peters tomb ? 
• How long will the visit take ?
• Can you visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel on the same day as visiting St Peters tomb ?
• How to get tickets to see St. Peters tomb ? What does it cost?
• What to do if you can't get tickets ?

What is St Peters tomb and where is it?

St. Peter was (said to be) crucified in Rome in 64 CE at the orders of Roman Emperor Nero.

Peter asked to be crucified upside-down, because he did not think he was worthy of being crucified right-side up as Jesus was.

In the basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo , in Piazza del Popolo in Rome, you can visit the Cerasi chapel , where you can admire two stunning paintings by Caravaggio (among works by many other important artists).

In this painting, Saint Peter is shown being crucified upside-down.

You have to stand to the right and lean in to see it.

The other Caravaggio painting in this chapel depicts the conversion of St. Paul on the road to Damascus.

Saints Peter and Paul are the patron saints of Rome.

Saint Peter was crucified in an arena known as  Caligula’s Circus .

Caligula was emperor before Nero, and had built a “circus”, which in ancient Rome referred to an open-air stadium or field where games were held.

This particular arena is also called Nero's Circus.

And it's where Saint Peter's square is (more or less), today .

In Ancient Rome, the dead were buried just outside the city walls, in an area called a Necropolis.

It's thought that St. Peter was buried near where he was martyred, in the necropolis on the Vatican Hill ( it was called Vatican Hill before Christianity came along , although there is some discussion as to the exact origin of the name).

In the 4th century, when Constantine became the first Roman emperor to embrace Christianity, he had a church built on the site of Saint Peter's grave , and called it Saint Peter's Basilica .

This basilica, now referred to as Old Saint Peter's, does not exist any more, as it was replaced in the Renaissance by the basilica you see today:

When Michelangelo was designing the current  Saint Peter's Basilica , he purposefully centered the dome right over the spot where St. Peter is presumed to be buried.

Later, many popes chose to be buried in the Vatican grottoes, just underneath Michelangelo's dome.

Probably they wanted to be near the tomb of Saint Peter.

You can visit those tombs directly from inside the basilica , on a normal visit there.

Want more unusual things to see in Rome?

Check out my page  Cemeteries in Rome (and near Rome) that you can visit!

Are those really St. Peter’s remains there?

Hmmmm, well I cannot answer this.

If you look around on the internet, you will see arguments declaring these are REALLY St. Peter’s remains. 100%, no doubt.

And, you will see equally as many arguments that say no, they are not, or at least, we just cannot be sure.

I’ve done this tour 5 times.

On one tour, our guide was a seminarian at the Vatican.

In his presentation, there was never once mention of any scholarly doubt on this subject.

There was only an absolute statement that we were indeed in the presence of St. Peter’s remains.

On another visit, our guide seemed to be more of a student of theology and archeology, and her presentation was quite different.

She did let us know that there is some question, at least on a scholarly level, as to whether these are indeed St. Peter’s remains.

She was not negative, just speaking academically.

And on the most recent tour, the guide spoke of the remains but also stated all the arguments in favor of them really being St. Peter as fact, as if to reinforce this belief.

All the guides were fantastic, and your visit will be fascinating regardless of which guide you get.

My take is that each person who visits this holy site should absorb the information, and make their own decision as to what they believe.

Is Saint Peter's tomb worth visiting?

Most definitely yes! 

If you have the time to  plan this in advance , you can see one of the most exclusive, special and sought-after sites in Rome.

I know, I said above that these may NOT be St. Peter’s remains.

But, then again, they might.

And 99% of the visit is about other stuff, mainly the necropolis under the basilica.

• Are you interested in Ancient Roman history ? This tour is for you.
• Are you interested in archeology ? This tour is for you.
• Are you interested in this visit from a religious or faith point of view ?
• If you want to see one of the most sacred sites in Christendom , this tour is for you.

The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome

Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.

In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican , Colosseum , Trevi Fountain , Pantheon , Piazza Navona , Spanish Steps , Castel Sant'Angelo , and much more.

And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.

Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers .

What will you see when you visit St Peters tomb?

No photos are allowed on this tour, so I don't have any of my own, except of the outside.

Any photos on this page of the necropolis itself are from the Fabbrica di San Pietro , an official Vatican website.

When you visit St Peters tomb, you start out by viewing a wooden model of the basilica.

This allows you to understand where you will be going underground.

From there, the guide will take you down to the underground excavations.

Most of your tour is not actually about Saint Peter, and will be of the tombs in this necropolis . . . which are all in Greek!

Ancient Greek. Yep!

It's absolutely fascinating.

The guides are very good, as they know this area like the back of their hand.

So you really get a sense of what life and death were like in Ancient Rome.

At the end of the tour, you will see the area where St Peters tomb is supposed to be.

It's not very easy to see.

In fact, you have to line up to view, one at a time, the little hole in the wall where the remains are.

Finally, your guide will leave you in the Vatican grottoes.

You can walk around and view tombs of other popes (this is actually fascinating too).

And from there, you can go up into St. Peter's basilica .

This is a huge plus, as you avoid the long queues to get in at the main entry.

HOW LONG DOES THE TOUR LAST?

The guided tour takes around 1.5 hours.

But you should factor in the time it will take you to find the entrance, and gather and show your tickets.

Then, factor in time you may want to spend on your own in the grottoes, and of course, in St. Peter's basilica.

You could also climb the dome of the basilica , once you are inside. This will take another hour.

So your visit to St Peters tomb will last anywhere from 2-4 hours. And this does NOT include visiting the Vatican Museums .

Should you plan this tour on the same day as you visit the Vatican Museums?

In my opinion NO. 

If you try to visit the Vatican museums on the same day that you have a scavi tour, it will be exhausting and you will have Vatican fatigue (I don’t know if that’s a thing but I’m telling you, you will).

But if you have limited time in Rome and want to try to fit these visits into the same day just make sure to plan for it time-wise.

Book your Scavi tickets first , because unless you book through a ticket agency, you have no control over the time (or date) they give you.

Then, make sure you have about 4 hours between visits of the Necropolis and the Vatican Museums.

Then book your Vatican Museums ticket .

Want more help planning your Vatican visits, and fitting it all in?

Visit my page about this .

Ready to plan your trip?

How to get tickets to see St Peters tomb?

There used to be only one way to get tickets to visit St Peters tomb - which was directly through the Scavi (excavations) office of the Vatican.

You can still do this.

You send them your request, and the dates you will be in Rome, and then you wait and hope.

Now, you can finally book this visit via a ticket agency.

It's more expensive this way, but they take the wait/worry out, and, you have more control over when you go.

And, by booking via a ticket agency, you can usually get tickets closer to the date you want to visit.

how to book your tour of St Peters tomb and Vatican Necropolis via the Vatican Scavi office

If you want to book via the Vatican Scavi office, send an email (English is fine) to: [email protected] or by fax: 011 39 06 6987-3017.

You can also fill out the form on the official Vatican Excavations Office website .

You will need to provide the following:

• The exact number of visitors (no children under 15 allowed, no exceptions)
• Everyone's names and surnames
• Language desired for the visit
• The dates you are available for a visit (the more options you provide, the better chance you have of getting a spot).
• Contact information (an e-mail address, fax number, or full postal address) so that the Excavations Office may advise you about your visit.

If there is space available during the time frame you provide of your availability, the Scavi office will send a proposed date and time.

If you accept, you write back and let them know, and they in turn will confirm the visit with a request for payment in advance.

Tickets are 13€ per person.

There are no discounts for anyone. (You must pay in advance to confirm the booking.)

In my experience, the Scavi office responds within 24 hours of your request, but if they don't, just be patient.

If your request is urgent, you can try phoning the Excavations office at the following number:  011 39 06 69 885 318.

Don't forget to bring these essential travel items with you!

Disclosure: If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

HOW TO BOOK YOUR TOUR OF ST PETERS TOMB AND VATICAN NECROPOLIS via a tour agency

Vox Mundi , the official Vatican tour agency, has made some time slots available to ticket resellers.

Space is very limited, and it does cost more than booking directly with the Scavi office, but it's a smoother and more immediate process.

Click here to book Vatican Scavi tickets through an authorized reseller.

The tickets to this special visit are not associated with the Roma Pass , the Omnia Pass, or any other pass .

There are no discounts for any reason.

What to do when you cannot get tickets to St Peters Tomb

• Book through a reseller . If you've written to the scavi office, and discovered that it's too late, and there is no availability during your visit, you can try booking through a ticket reseller . Yes, this is more expensive but if you really want to see this site, it may be the only way.
• Book the tour in another language . One thing you can also try is to ask for the tour in another language like Spanish, French or Italian. The English language tours are always booked long in advance, but there may be availability in another language. If you don't speak anything other than English, it may be frustrating to take the tour in a language you don't understand, but if it's important to you to see this site, you can try this option.
• Go to the Scavi office and ask if there are any cancellations . This is really a longshot , but you can try asking the Swiss Guard if you can go to the Scavi office, and see if they have any last minute cancellations. It's doubtful you can get in this way but you could ask.

Disclosure : If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

If you just cannot get tickets, there are other things you can see that may be of interest, along a similar vein:

• You can visit the Mamertine Prison , where Sts. Peter and Paul were said to be held prisoner before their executions.
• You can visit the basilica of Saint John in Lateran ( San Giovanni in Laterano ), the most important basilica in all of Christendom, the Pope's church. The skulls of Sts. Peter and Paul are kept in the reliquary.

• Visit the catacombs , where you can see the tombs of other saints and ancient Romans.
• Visit the Vatican grottoes and see the important tombs of other popes and saints.

Want to know more about the catacombs of Rome?

Visit our dedicated page here.

Important tips for visiting St Peters tomb at the Vatican:

• Dress appropriately  - You are on Vatican property. No bare knees, midriffs or shoulders. Even in the height of summer, you will have to be respectfully covered when you visit this site, or any site at the Vatican.
• Be more than punctual  - You are dealing with the  Swiss guard  here. They do not understand the meaning of the word “late.” Plan for more time than you think you need. You should arrive at the gate of the Swiss Guard no later than 15 minutes before your tour begins. If you have plenty of time to kill, you can always walk around St. Peter’s Square and get some pix. 

• How to find the entrance - You need to get to the gate of the Swiss Guard on the left-hand side of Vatican Square, behind the colonnade, i.e. outside the square. If you have any walking issues , you can have a taxi or car drop you off right at the gate of the Swiss Guard (see photo above). Otherwise, if coming from the Ottaviano metro stop , it’s a good 20 minute walk. Once the Swiss guard let you past their gate, you still have to walk to the Scavi office, which is about a 3-5 minutes’ walk.
• It is HOT under there - The site has to be well-sealed to keep moisture from ruining the frescoes and other art. Even though you are underground and not exposed to heat and sun, it is NOT a good place to “ cool down ” when it’s hot outside . So if you have a choice and can visit this site from mid-September through May, you will be more comfortable. If you are in Rome only for the summer, just remember to plan and dress accordingly and wear the lightest cotton possible.
• It CAN be claustrophobic - You will be underground. And some of the spaces are a little small. I am slightly claustrophobic and I can do it, but if you suffer from severe claustrophobia, this tour may not be a good idea.
• You may not take ANY photos during the tour. They are strict about this. The photos I published on this page are mine (of the outside), and from the Vatican website  Fabbrica di San Pietro (of the inside).
• All-important bathroom stop - once you pass the Swiss guard and make your way to the Scavi office, you may ask where the toilet is. It is just off the little outdoor plaza there, before you enter the site for the tour. There will not be any more places to use the bathroom once you begin the tour. You will find the next bathroom once you exit Saint Peter's Basilica after your tour ends.

Want to  share this page on Pinterest ? Pin it here!

Get your 100%  free  Rome trip planner now!

Simply sign-up today for our free newsletter and get the Romewise Quick Start guide to Rome:

We are committed to respecting your data. Click for our Privacy Policy .

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

Please come over to the private Romewise Facebook group and join in the conversation.

You will often find me there, happy to answer your questions / comments!

You will also meet other Rome lovers and experts, too.

What are you waiting for?

Come join in the fun !

Read here about our sponsorship policy

Top attractions and tours

• Colosseum - Don't miss visiting Rome's most iconic monument
• Vatican Museums - This is where the Sistine Chapel is
• Pantheon - Book ahead and skip the line
• Galleria Borghese - You'll need to book ahead for one of Rome's best museums
• Castel Sant'Angelo - See Rome's history through its architecture
• Rome City Pass - A great way to make your Rome visits easier

New to Romewise? Start Here

Get the most out of Romewise

Coming To Rome?

Weather in Rome

Accommodation

Already in Rome?

Things to Do

Home    |    About Me    |    Privacy Policy    |    Legal Disclaimer    |    Affiliate Disclosure    |   Contact Me

Copyright © 2009-2024 by Elyssa Bernard, Romewise.com | All Rights Reserved.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser .

• Plan your visit
• Guided tours

Vatican Necropolis: All you need to know to visit St Peter’s Tomb

• In Guided tours Plan your visit

During the mid-20th century, excavations under the Vatican City revealed an amazing find. A necropolis, dating back to the 3rd century!

An old cemetery, one of many outside of the original city walls, was the resting place of many. St Peter was buried here after his martyrdom in ca. 64 AD. Despite laws protecting the Necropolis, the Emperor Constantine planned to build a Basilica on the site of St Peter’ final resting place. He had the area excavated, with orders to preserve St Peter’s tomb. The rest of the Necropolis became submerged in soil and debris during the construction, and largely forgotten.

The Origin of the Vatican Necropolis

The Vatican Necropolis, which you can access with a Vatican Necropolis Scavi tour, is thus thousands of years old. Originally a pagan burial ground, a Vatican Necropolis tour will take you through different sections.

The pagan section dates back to the first century AD. By the 5th Century AD Christian mausoleums began to appear. The Necropolis is located on the Vatican Hill slopes, and in the mid-20th Century Pope Pius decided to excavate the area in order to find St Peter’s burial place. The Necropolis was therefore uncovered, and remains a site of much interest to this day.

Excavations

The excavations of Pope Pius in the 1940s unearthed a world of treasures. Numerous Mausoleums were discovered, each classified with different letters.

Later, in the early 2000s, more of the Necropolis was uncovered during the building of a car park.  The tombs under the Vatican are spread through 22 Mausoleums, and lead right through to the famous Field P. It is here that the apostle Peter is believed to be buried at St Peter’s Tomb .

The location is underground however is directly below the altar of the world renowned St Peter’s Basilica .

Why should you consider visiting the Necropolis?

What more important place in the entire Vatican City than the supposed final resting place of St Peter? Not as famous as the museums, the Basilica or the Sistine Chapel , a Vatican necropolis tour is well worth the money. It’s an exclusive experience, with entry on special agreement only . Vatican Scavi reservations are definitely hard to come by!

In addition, the conditions inside the Necropolis aren’t for everyone. It’s a bit claustrophobic for example, so not everyone wants to visit. Therefore, you can count yourself part of an exclusive group of people who have seen the remains of St Peter! You’ll just have to get past the Swiss Guards that guard the Vatican Necropolis entrance first!

What to expect in the Vatican Necropolis ?

Whilst it would make good sense to try and tick off the whole of the Vatican in one day, we’d recommend against it. It is indeed possible, but you might feel a little tired and overwhelmed by the end of the day!

The Vatican Scavi Tour is awe inspiring, and from start to finish will take about 2 hours , perhaps 3-4 if you spend more time in the Vatican Grottoes . On top of that, you will want to take a tour of the Basilica too!

If you do all of this in combination with the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel , you’d be exhausted! The Vatican Museum needs at least 3 hours to do it justice. And that’s not including queuing for tickets if you didn’t prebook skip the line tickets to the Vatican.

If you do want to combine all together, we suggest you look at the Vatican gardens and Necropolis via triumphalis Tour , mentioned a bit later on this page.

How to get tickets to visit the Necropolis ?

Vatican necropolis entrance tickets.

As we mentioned before, tickets are on a limited basis and subject to approval by the Scavi office.   Only 250 people max are permitted to enter each day . Of course, this is to preserve the ancient site from mass tourism destruction.

The Scavi website promises to accept all requests, provided there is enough space on the time slot requested. See here for more details as to how to apply for a slot directly with the Scavi office.

Tickets cost just €13 and include a full guided tour ! What a deal!

Vatican Necropolis Scavi Tour

Due to the sensitive nature of the site, tour groups must be accompanied by a qualified guide . They are really knowledgeable about the area.  The groups are limited to sizes of 12 only . From the Vatican Necropolis entrance you will be led through the area, learning as you go. Finally, you will come to the Tomb of St Peter.

At the end of the tour, the tour guide will leave you to have a look around the Vatican Grottoes . This is not to be confused with the Necropolis, and is one level up. This is the resting place of many of the Popes through the ages.

Vatican gardens and Necropolis via Triumphalis Tour

If you want even more of an overview of the Necropolis, then check this out. The Vatican Gardens and Necropolis tour, including the Via Triumphalis, is a special treat. The Via Triumphalis is the route along which most of the Necropolis is found. As the name suggests, the tour will see a knowledgeable guide take you through the Vatican Gardens and Necropolis. The ticket also includes free access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel so is a good overall package.

Our Top tips to visit the Vatican Necropolis

• Skip the Queue! If you have access to the Vatican Necropolis you will be able to skip the people queuing to get into the Basilica at the end of your tour!
• Reserve early! Due to the limited space you might be disappointed if you don’t!
• Pay by credit card. If you get confirmation you are accepted you will receive a link to do so.
• Top Tip! The tickets are scarce and are reserved sometimes months before. If you can’t get one, show up anyway and ask if anyone has cancelled. You might get lucky!

Important information about the Vatican Necropolis

Pay attention to these rules – this is a sacred site so needs to be treated accordingly.

• Appropriate dress – no skirts, shorts or bare shoulders
• Important for families – no one under 15 years is allowed in!
• Rucksacks are not permitted
• Not suitable for those suffering claustrophobia
• Not suitable for those who suffer from issues caused by damp atmosphere

Vatican Necropolis opening hours

Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Saturdays until 6pm

How to get to the Vatican Necropolis ?

The Vatican City is accessible by many different forms of transport. The entrance to the Vatican Necropolis can be found in St Peter’s Square, directly below the basilica.

By Metro, take line A to Ottaviano-S. Pietro. It will take just a few minutes to walk into the Vatican

By Train , the St Pietro Station is located about 10 minutes’ walk from the Vatican City

By Bus , Line 64 and 62 stop directly at the Vatican.  Don’t forget that many Hop on Hop off busses stop here too!

Walk – Of course, if you are near enough, you can walk to the Vatican City. Nearby Trastevere is a convenient location for example, with Passeggiata del Gianicolo offering some cool shade in the summer.

FAQ – Vatican Necropolis

I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Can you tour the Vatican necropolis?

You can tour the Necropolis only on Scavi office approval. You have to send a request ahead. only allows about 250 people per day to visit the Necropolis.

Can you visit the necropolis?

Yes you do. But remember that only 250 people per day are allowed to visit the Necropolis, and this in groups of 12-15 people.

How long is the Vatican Necropolis Tour?

Expect a visit of at least 1,5-2 hours.

Is the Scavi tour worth it?

It is if you’re into religion and don’t want to miss out apostle tomb’s and ancient Rome cemeteries.

Are all the popes buried in the Vatican?

Most of them, yes. But there are also Papal tombs in Rome’s major churches as other churches around Italy.

What is the difference between a cemetery and a necropolis?

Cemeteries are places where the deceased are buried, while a necropolis is a kind of large cemetery, but is usually found in places steeped in history or in ancient cities.

Thanks for reading this guide. Visit the Scavi website directly if you want, or look for special deals on Roma Pass . Here, you are able to get bolt-ons that you can’t buy directly from the Scavi website, such as audio guides and extended tours. One we would recommend is the Necropolis plus Basilica tour – this will really finish off the day nicely.

If you are interested in a tour of the Vatican Necropolis then you had better get working on it quickly to ensure you don’t miss your slot!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. All fields are required.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

© Visit Vatican Info I 2020

Beneath St Peter's Basilica: The Vatican Scavi

Visiting the Vatican Scavi is difficult for mere mortals – requiring a grapple with Vatican bureaucracy and the timing of a trained ninja. But for those that do gain access, it’s worth the trouble.Also known as the Vatican Necropolis, The Tomb of the Dead or St. Peter’s Tomb, the area was discovered beneath St. Peter’s Basilica in the 1940s (around the time of World War II) when the Vatican commissioned excavations to be carried out there before Pope Pius IX was set to be buried in the space. Long presumed to be the final resting place of St. Peter, it was presumed that there wasn’t much on the scavi beneath St. Peter's.

What archaeologists found however, was a burial ground (aka a necropolis) dating all the way back to the 4th century. They found the temple of Emperor Constantine who had ruled at that time and a spot of ancient graffiti that translated as Peter is here. You should never take a graffiti artist's word for it but archaeologists today are quite sure that bone fragments retrieved here belonged to Saint Peter himself, one of Jesus’s twelve apostles.

A visit to the Vatican Scavi  then,   is a pretty unique treat for Catholic visitors or anyone with archaeological curiosity. Access   however , is limited and extremely tricky to come by. The only way to get in is to contact the Vatican directly through the Vatican Scavi office by emailing [email protected] to request access. When you email you need to tell them all of the dates you will be in Rome and available to visit; how many of you there are; the names of everyone in your group; and in the case that you are travelling as part of an organisation or larger party, what your relation is (e.g. if it is a parish visit or a college trip). Tours are booked according to language so you need to specify this in your email too to ensure that you can understand your guide.

Because only 200 people are allowed into the Vatican Necropolis per day in groups with a maximum size of 12 due to space and preservation concerns, demand is high. It is recommended therefore that you email as soon as you have dates for your trip – we’re talking months before you get on the plane – and that you don’t try to re-arrange a visit once it is booked. In some  cases   you may actually be on the list but not have gotten an email from the Vatican so if you applied in good time and never heard back, it’s worth heading down to the Scavi office once you arrive in Rome to double check.

You may get an email back saying that there is in fact availability for one of your dates, in which case you should respond and the Scavi office will send you out a confirmation. You need to print this confirmation and bring it with you the day of your tour, showing up at least 10 minutes before departure with no big bags or backpacks. There is a free bag check office at St. Peter’s Basilica that will mind your possessions, although small handbags and bum bags are allowed. Approach the Swiss  guards   stationed at the left of St. Peter’s Basilica who will let you through the barriers and point you towards your guide.

Admission to the Scavi is €12 and as I said before, it’s worth every penny and pain. Get in a couple of months ahead, get your date sorted and book one of our morning or afternoon Vatican Tours to see the inside of St. Peter’s Basilica too. The gritty maze underneath the temple couldn’t be any more different from the gold-gilded, frescoed wonder inside. View our wide range of St. Peter's Basilica Tours .

The Capuchin Crypt

For those interested in ancient Christian ruins, we would also highly recommend a visit to the Roman Catacombs. Dating back to a time when Nero reportedly burned Christians as nightlights, it’s home to a number of precious early Christian artworks and artifacts as well as miles and miles of individual and family tombs. Our Crypts & Catacombs Tour visits one of these incredible networks as well as Basilica San Clemente where we explore ruins from the 4th, 2nd and 1st century piled one on top of the other underneath the church (hence the name “The Lasagne Church”). We also visit the eerie Bone Chapel (pictured above) where the Capuchin monks have created artworks from the bones of 4,000 of their late brothers.

Welcome to the new City Wonders blog! Inside these pages you'll find everything you need to experience your travels to their fullest. Whether it’s on our top-rated tours, or getting tips on what to do during your free time, our travel experts provide you with that 360° insight that makes every trip totally unique.

Get in Touch

Phone number.

UK : (+44) 800 098 8019

USA and Canada : (+1) 800 358 1942

Italy : +39 06 8336 0561

France : +33 (0) 170371426

Spain : (+34) 900 838 432

Australia : (+61) 1 800 790 369

Ireland (Dublin-HQ) : +353 (0) 1 576 0535

Opening Hours

15 facts: Things you didn't know about Rome

Could you walk the seven hills of rome, get to know city wonders.

A City Wonders tour is the product of meticulous research, detailed planning, and a passion for providing customers with travel experiences they will cherish forever.

With City Wonders it's not just facts, our passionate guides tell you the stories that bring the sights to life.

• All of our guides are experts in their field
• We only hire fluent English-speakers so nothing is ever lost in translation
• We focus on the little details and anecdotes that make City Wonders so special

Related Tours

The Original Crypts, Catacombs & Roman Undergrounds Tour with Transfers

Exclusive Breakfast at the Vatican with Tour of the Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica

Semi-Private Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Tour

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Italy Travel Experts Tours and Vacations

How To See St. Peter’s Tomb in Vatican City

Brandon Shaw Last Updated: November 3, 2022

Rome is full of incredible things to visit, but if you want something really exclusive, there’s only one place to go: the Vatican Scavi. Also known as the Vatican City Necropolis, The Tomb of the Dead, or St. Peter’s Tomb, the Scavi is famous for being the final resting place of one of Jesus’ 12 apostles, Peter. Here’s how you can see St. Peter’s Tomb.

Pro Tip:  Planning your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. See our  guide to Vatican City  for more planning resources, our  top St. Peter’s Basilica tours  for a memorable trip, and  how to climb St. Peter’s Dome .

Visiting St. Peter’s Tomb: What We’ll Cover

If you want to see St. Peter’s Tomb, you’ll need to put a visit to the Vatican Scavi on your itinerary. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about St. Peter’s Tomb, where to see it, and how to get tickets.

What is the Vatican Necropolis?

• Where is St. Peter’s Tomb?
• How to get tickets
• How long is the Scavi / Necropolis tour?
• What are the Vatican Grottoes?

First off, let’s define the Greek word Necropolis. “Necro” means dead, and “Polis” means city. Put them together and you have the City of the Dead—or what we would call a cemetery today.

In Ancient Roman times, the area across the river (where the Vatican is today) was not a very hospitable part of the city. It was mostly low-lying, which meant flooding and malaria. This is one of the reasons why it was a popular area for cemeteries (necropoli). Recent excavations have found dozens of Mausolea in the area.

The necropolis wasn’t always underground. Originally, it was an open-air cemetery with tombs and mausolea. The mausoleums unearthed were initially labeled with the Greek alphabet letters Φ (phi), Χ (chi), and Ψ (Psi). Later, they were marked with Latin letters.

Where is St. Peter’s Tomb?

In the 1940s, as they were expanding the underground area to bury the popes who had died, they found the ancient necropolis and a significant piece of ancient graffiti, which translated as “Peter is here.”

As the story goes, St. Peter was crucified in Rome in A.D. 64 on the orders of Emperor Nero. Then, when Constantine became the first Roman emperor to embrace Christianity in the 4th century, he had a church built on the site of St. Peter’s grave—this was the original St. Peter’s Basilica. When Michelangelo designed the current Saint Peter’s Basilica, he centered the dome right over the spot where St. Peter’s grave was.

There is some debate as to whether the bones really are St. Peter’s. However, there are a few archaeologists today who are quite sure that bone fragments retrieved here belonged to the man himself.

If you search online for the Vatican Necropolis, you will often come across the word Scavi , which simply means excavations in Italian. After the above-mentioned excavations were complete, they decided to offer visits to the necropolis. As a result, the tour was called the Scavi Tour named after the excavations of the 1940s and this is where you’ll visit St. Peter’s Tomb.

How To Get Tickets To See St. Peter’s Tomb

The only way to get tickets for the Vatican Scavi is to email the Scavi Office directly, at [email protected]. You will need to provide the following in the email:

• The exact number of visitors (please remember that no children under 15 are allowed).
• The names and surnames of each visitor you need tickets for.
• Your preferred language for the tour.
• The dates you are available for a visit (the more you give, the more chance you have!).
• Your contact information.

It’s best to send the email as early as possible. In fact, the best time would be to send the email the moment you book your flights. It’s a VIP experience for a reason—only 250 people are allowed through each day! If you compare that to the 20,000 that visit the Vatican Museums, it’s an incredibly small number. Tickets are notoriously hard to get and tours get booked up months and months in advance.

Tickets are €13 per person. Concession tickets are not available, and when you receive confirmation of an available spot, you must pay for the tickets online within 10 days in order to secure them.

Popular Vatican Tours

Best Selling Tour

Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

This our most popular and longest-running Vatican tour to date. It enters the Vatican City & Museums an hour before the public opening and visits the Sistine Chapel as it opens. Admissions are included and our English-speaking guides do a wonderful job bringing the museums to life!

Top Rated Tour

Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb Tour with Papal Tombs

Get the most out of your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica by joining a guided tour up to the top of the tallest dome in the world! Our tour includes all admissions including an elevator to the highest possible point and an English-speaking guide.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our guide to Vatican City as you plan your trip.

How Long is the Scavi / Necropolis Tour?

The tour includes a maximum of 12 people and lasts around 90 minutes. While the guided tour only takes around 1.5 hours, be sure to factor in the time it will take you to find the entrance and show your tickets as you plan.

You’ll get to see the actual tomb of St. Peter and the bones of the dead Apostle at the end of the tour in the Vatican grottoes, underneath the Basilica. You are free to explore these for as long as you like before heading up to see the Basilica.

What Are The Vatican Grottoes?

The Vatican Grottoes is a vast underground graveyard below St. Peter’s Basilica, which you’ll be able to see at the end of the Scavi tour. It contains the tombs and sarcophagi of many popes, as well as secular monarchs such as the tomb of Queen Charlotte of Cyprus, the tomb of the Stuarts, and the tomb of Queen Christina of Sweden.

There are also some incredible archaeological sights, such as the remaining columns from the original 4th-century basilica. The entrance is in the Pier of St. Andrew near the high altar of St. Peter’s Basilica, and it’s free to enter. However, there may well be a line. These grottoes form part of our Detailed Itinerary Vatican Tour .

This our most popular and longest-running Vatican tour to date. It enters the Vatican Museums an hour before the general public and visits the Sistine Chapel before heading to St. Peter’s Basilica. Our English-speaking guides will amaze you with how they bring the museums to life!

Exclusive Value

Vatican Night Tour with Sistine Chapel

You’ve heard about the crowds at the Vatican, but did you know that the museums are almost empty in the evening? This night tour of the Vatican is perfect for those who prefer to explore Rome later at night. You’ll have 2 hours of a guided tour to key areas in the Vatican, plus the Sistine Chapel. And you’re welcome to stay on your own until the museums close at 10 pm!

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Rome tours to take and why .

Here’s Where To Stay in Italy’s Most Popular Destinations

Rome , Florence , Venice , Amalfi Coast , and Capri

Best Hotels & Where to Stay

Reader Interactions

Comment (1).

December 12, 2019

This was one of the most amazing experiences we had in an amazing trip to Rome. Well worth the effort to try to get tickets, we got those first and planned the rest of our trip around them

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• In The Press

POLICY & TERMS

• Cancellation Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Europe Chevron

Italy Chevron

Rome Chevron

What To Do in Vatican City: Our Guide

By Maresa Manara

A visit to Vatican City—one of Rome’s most popular tourist sites—can be overwhelming and insanely crowded. We get it, and we're here to help. Here’s our guide covering what to do, what to see, what to skip—and where to retreat for lunch when you're done.

St. Peter's Basilica Arrow

First-time visitors to Rome would be remiss to skip St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most famous Catholic churches in the world. With its gilded roof and world-renowned artwork, it’s not hard to see why it draws 25,000 visitors every day. Skip the crowds by getting there early—the Basilica opens at 7 a.m. year-round.

St. Peter's Basilica Cupola Arrow

The views from the top of the Cupola span all of Rome—but it’s the secret rooftop coffee shop that makes those 551 steps worthwhile. While the café is indoors, order a Maxibon gelato or a €1 espresso to go, then have it on the rooftop terrace overlooking the Eternal City.

Vatican Scavi Tour Arrow

A tour through the catacombs beneath Vatican City—including the original tomb of St. Peter—and the history they contain. It's not for the feint of heart, the claustrophobic, or the unlucky: tickets are notoriously hard to come by. But the guides are experts, and you can request that they be English speakers. Bonus: you're deposited at St. Peter's Basilica at the end of the tour, meaning you get to skip the long lines outside.

Pinacoteca Vaticana Arrow

The collection in the Pinacoteca Vaticana is one of the greatest ever—and it should be, considering it represents the life’s work of every pope dating back to the 16th century. If you want to see how the Roman Catholic religion has inspired art over the last five hundred years, this is the place to do it.

Olivia Morelli

Tony Perrottet

Jahnavi Bhatt

Federica Bocco

Raphael Rooms Arrow

The Raphael Rooms, along with The Last Judgement , are pretty much the reason people come to the Vatican Museums in the first place. If you’re here and you don’t see this, you’ve probably got a very good story explaining why.

The Sistine Chapel Arrow

It’s the colors of the frescoes that are truly eye-popping—a testament to over a decade of recent restoration work. The Last Judgment covers an entire wall, took Michelangelo nearly four years to complete, and needs to be seen at least once in a lifetime.

The Aventine Keyhole Arrow

The Aventine Keyhole still feels like a secret, and because the surrounding park is so beautiful, it doesn’t feel you’re traipsing a long way for novelty. We’ve never met anybody who wasn’t charmed by this view, and it’s ideal if you can’t face wading through tourists to get to the major sights.

Papal Audience Arrow

The Papal talk begins a 10:30 a.m., but decent seats fill up quickly, so we’d suggest arriving by 8:30 a.m. Even then, given the crowds of tens of thousands of people, binoculars are useful. This is definitely a time for somber reflection; there’s a prayer at the end of the talk, which is printed on the back of your ticket.

Vatican Gardens Arrow

Lush greenery, divided into sections to reflect different historical periods. Despite being in the center of Rome, this is the kind of place where birds rest beside trickling fountains and walls are covered with emerald vines, hemmed-in by trimmed green hedges. It's the perfect escape from the chaos and crowds of Vatican City. Tours last for two hours, so try and book an early morning or late evening tour—it can get warm during summer.

Pontifical Swiss Guard Arrow

The Swiss Guards have been officially guarding the Pope since 1506, making them the oldest army in the world. To join, guards must be 19-30 years old and be single, Swiss Catholic men. They’re best known for their gold-and-blue-striped uniforms and helmets sprouting crimson plumes. Yet while the guards’ outfits are ornate, don’t be fooled: these men are warriors. Their official role is to accompany the Pope during his travels, to protect the College of Cardinals during papal transitions, and to guard the entrances to Vatican City.

Vatican Museums Arrow

It’s wall-to-wall Renaissance Art in the Vatican Museums—a saying that’s actually true when you consider that many of the masterpieces (including Michelangelo’s "Last Judgement") are painted on church ceilings. There are supposedly 20,000 pieces on display, most of them heavy on religious iconography, including clouds, sunbeams, and angels, all wreathed in lots and lots and lots of gold. If that’s a bit thick, there’s a fine collection of Greek and Roman statues that all look very imposing.

Seminarians Tour of St. Peter's Basilica Arrow

The tours aren’t well known—most people tend to book the official paid-for tours. Expect fellow travelers to be inquisitive, in-the-know types who’ve done their research and would like insider’s knowledge of one of the world’s most important holy sites.

Friday Night at the Vatican Arrow

One of the best ways to experience Vatican City is during Friday nights, with live music and happy hour, and access to museums and the Sistine Chapel between 7 and 11 p.m. The museum is divided into a series of smaller galleries and museums, each filled with religious artifacts, antiques, and ancient and modern artwork.

Chorus Café Arrow

Finish off a day at Vatican City with an aperitivo at Rome’s ultra-stylish Chorus Café, a 15-minute walk from St. Peter’s Basilica. The smart Art Deco interior was once a choir room for the Vatican, so take a seat at the bar and spot the statue of the Pope that still remains.

Il Sorpasso Arrow

Skip the overpriced stale panini in the kiosks around Vatican City and make for neighborhood local Il Sorpasso. An easy 15-minute walk from St. Peter’s Basilica, it manages to be unassuming and chic at the same time—basically, the trattoria of our dreams.

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Yekaterinburg
• Novosibirsk
• Vladivostok

• Tours to Russia
• Practicalities
• Russia in Lists

Rusmania • Deep into Russia

Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

Plan your next trip to Russia

Ready-to-book tours.

Your holiday in Russia starts here. Choose and book your tour to Russia.

The Unique Burial of a Child of Early Scythian Time at the Cemetery of Saryg-Bulun (Tuva)

<< Previous page

Pages:  379-406

In 1988, the Tuvan Archaeological Expedition (led by M. E. Kilunovskaya and V. A. Semenov) discovered a unique burial of the early Iron Age at Saryg-Bulun in Central Tuva. There are two burial mounds of the Aldy-Bel culture dated by 7th century BC. Within the barrows, which adjoined one another, forming a figure-of-eight, there were discovered 7 burials, from which a representative collection of artifacts was recovered. Burial 5 was the most unique, it was found in a coffin made of a larch trunk, with a tightly closed lid. Due to the preservative properties of larch and lack of air access, the coffin contained a well-preserved mummy of a child with an accompanying set of grave goods. The interred individual retained the skin on his face and had a leather headdress painted with red pigment and a coat, sewn from jerboa fur. The coat was belted with a leather belt with bronze ornaments and buckles. Besides that, a leather quiver with arrows with the shafts decorated with painted ornaments, fully preserved battle pick and a bow were buried in the coffin. Unexpectedly, the full-genomic analysis, showed that the individual was female. This fact opens a new aspect in the study of the social history of the Scythian society and perhaps brings us back to the myth of the Amazons, discussed by Herodotus. Of course, this discovery is unique in its preservation for the Scythian culture of Tuva and requires careful study and conservation.

Keywords: Tuva, Early Iron Age, early Scythian period, Aldy-Bel culture, barrow, burial in the coffin, mummy, full genome sequencing, aDNA

Information about authors: Marina Kilunovskaya (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Vladimir Semenov (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Varvara Busova  (Moscow, Russian Federation).  (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences.  Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Kharis Mustafin  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Technical Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Irina Alborova  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Biological Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Alina Matzvai  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected]

Shopping Cart Items: 0 Cart Total: 0,00 € place your order

Price pdf version

student - 2,75 € individual - 3,00 € institutional - 7,00 €

Copyright В© 1999-2022. Stratum Publishing House

Follow Puck Worlds online:

• Follow Puck Worlds on Twitter

Site search

Filed under:

• Kontinental Hockey League

Gagarin Cup Preview: Atlant vs. Salavat Yulaev

Share this story.

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on Twitter
• Share this on Reddit
• Share All sharing options

Share All sharing options for: Gagarin Cup Preview: Atlant vs. Salavat Yulaev

Gagarin cup (khl) finals:  atlant moscow oblast vs. salavat yulaev ufa.

Much like the Elitserien Finals, we have a bit of an offense vs. defense match-up in this league Final.  While Ufa let their star top line of Alexander Radulov, Patrick Thoresen and Igor Grigorenko loose on the KHL's Western Conference, Mytischi played a more conservative style, relying on veterans such as former NHLers Jan Bulis, Oleg Petrov, and Jaroslav Obsut.  Just reaching the Finals is a testament to Atlant's disciplined style of play, as they had to knock off much more high profile teams from Yaroslavl and St. Petersburg to do so.  But while they did finish 8th in the league in points, they haven't seen the likes of Ufa, who finished 2nd. 

This series will be a challenge for the underdog, because unlike some of the other KHL teams, Ufa's top players are generally younger and in their prime.  Only Proshkin amongst regular blueliners is over 30, with the work being shared by Kirill Koltsov (28), Andrei Kuteikin (26), Miroslav Blatak (28), Maxim Kondratiev (28) and Dmitri Kalinin (30).  Oleg Tverdovsky hasn't played a lot in the playoffs to date.  Up front, while led by a fairly young top line (24-27), Ufa does have a lot of veterans in support roles:  Vyacheslav Kozlov , Viktor Kozlov , Vladimir Antipov, Sergei Zinovyev and Petr Schastlivy are all over 30.  In fact, the names of all their forwards are familiar to international and NHL fans:  Robert Nilsson , Alexander Svitov, Oleg Saprykin and Jakub Klepis round out the group, all former NHL players.

For Atlant, their veteran roster, with only one of their top six D under the age of 30 (and no top forwards under 30, either), this might be their one shot at a championship.  The team has never won either a Russian Superleague title or the Gagarin Cup, and for players like former NHLer Oleg Petrov, this is probably the last shot at the KHL's top prize.  The team got three extra days rest by winning their Conference Final in six games, and they probably needed to use it.  Atlant does have younger regulars on their roster, but they generally only play a few shifts per game, if that. 

The low event style of game for Atlant probably suits them well, but I don't know how they can manage to keep up against Ufa's speed, skill, and depth.  There is no advantage to be seen in goal, with Erik Ersberg and Konstantin Barulin posting almost identical numbers, and even in terms of recent playoff experience Ufa has them beat.  Luckily for Atlant, Ufa isn't that far away from the Moscow region, so travel shouldn't play a major role. 

I'm predicting that Ufa, winners of the last Superleague title back in 2008, will become the second team to win the Gagarin Cup, and will prevail in five games.  They have a seriously well built team that would honestly compete in the NHL.  They represent the potential of the league, while Atlant represents closer to the reality, as a team full of players who played themselves out of the NHL. 

• Atlant @ Ufa, Friday Apr 8 (3:00 PM CET/10:00 PM EST)
• Atlant @ Ufa, Sunday Apr 10 (1:00 PM CET/8:00 AM EST)
• Ufa @ Atlant, Tuesday Apr 12 (5:30 PM CET/12:30 PM EST)
• Ufa @ Atlant, Thursday Apr 14 (5:30 PM CET/12:30 PM EST)

Games 5-7 are as yet unscheduled, but every second day is the KHL standard, so expect Game 5 to be on Saturday, like an early start. 

Loading comments...