Vatican Necropolis TourPapal Tombs: Where They Rest
The popes in the Grottoes
The Grottoes are the crypt level buried directly beneath the basilica floor, accessible to visitors. It holds the tombs of popes, the most visible being John XXIII, who lies in a distinctive glass-sided case. The coffin is visible, which is unusual; most papal tombs are stone sarcophagi. John XXIII was beloved for his ecumenical work and his human warmth; the glass case makes his tomb a focal point for pilgrims.
The Grottoes are free to enter with your basilica ticket. You can walk through on your own, though the €20 guided tour provides expert context and skips the crowds. The €54 dome + papal tombs tour bundles the Grottoes with the dome climb.
John Paul II and Francis: where they rest
John Paul II was interred in the Chapel of St. Sebastian, located in the main basilica upstairs (not in the Grottoes). The chapel is accessible to visitors; you will see his marble sarcophagus if you visit the basilica.
Pope Francis was the first pope in over a century to break the tradition of burial at St. Peter’s. Upon his death in 2025, he was buried at Santa Maria Maggiore, a different basilica on the other side of Rome. This was his own choice, honouring the church’s charity mission. As a result, St. Peter’s Basilica holds no current-reigning pope buried there.
Queen Christina of Sweden
One of only a few women buried in the Grottoes, Christina abdicated the Swedish throne in 1654 and moved to Rome, converting to Catholicism. She became a fixture of Rome’s intellectual and artistic circles and is buried in the crypt. Her tomb is one of the most visited in the Grottoes.
Visiting the papal tombs
To see the Grottoes and the tombs you have four options:
1. Free walk-through: Enter with your basilica ticket and walk the Grottoes on your own. No guide, no fixed route, no crowds management.
2. €20 guided tour: Grottoes guided tour, 45 minutes, skip-the-line, expert narration.
3. €33 dome + underground: Dome climb plus a brief underground section and access to the Grottoes.
4. €54 dome + papal tombs: The most comprehensive option — basilica, Grottoes, and dome climb, live guide, ~2 hours, 10,212 reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pope Francis buried at St. Peter’s?
No. In 2025, he chose to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore instead, breaking 600+ years of tradition. He was the first pope in over a century not buried at St. Peter’s.
Can I see John Paul II’s tomb?
Yes. He is buried in the Chapel of St. Sebastian, located in the main basilica (upstairs, not in the Grottoes). You can see his marble sarcophagus during a basilica visit.
Are the Grottoes free?
Yes, with your basilica ticket. The €20 guided tour gives you a guide and skip-the-line access; the €54 dome + papal tombs tour bundles it with the dome climb.