Vatican Necropolis TourScavi vs. Via Triumphalis vs. Grottoes: Which Underground Level Is Which?
The three levels explained
Level 1: The Grottoes (free with basilica entry)
The Grottoes sit directly beneath the basilica floor, between the floor you walk on and the Scavi street below. They are essentially a crypt holding papal tombs, including the glass-sided case of John XXIII. The entire level is free if you pay for basilica entry (there is no separate charge). The €20 guided tour includes a guide who navigates the crowds and explains the history, but you are not paying for entry — you are paying for expert navigation and skip-the-line access.
Level 2: The Scavi (€13, direct booking)
The Scavi is the 2nd–4th-century pagan-and-Christian mausoleum street buried when Constantine levelled the slope to build the first basilica in the 4th century. It runs directly under the basilica floor. Groups of roughly 12, about 90 minutes, constant ∼20 degrees Celsius and humid. At the end is the Trophy of Gaius and the graffiti wall where Margherita Guarducci identified remains the Vatican has concluded are Peter’s. You must book direct with the Ufficio Scavi by email or fax; 2+ weeks notice; €13 per person; min. age 15; Mon–Sat only.
Level 3: Via Triumphalis (€50, GetYourGuide)
Via Triumphalis is a separate Roman cemetery buried under the Vatican hillside, accessed from Piazza del Risorgimento rather than from the basilica. It is geographically distinct from the Scavi, though both are underground necropolises. The €50 GetYourGuide product is the only bookable reseller route. Visitors go on set days (Fridays and Sundays), with a compulsory guide, limited slots, and it sells out weeks ahead.
Comparison table
| Feature | Scavi | Via Triumphalis | Grottoes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Under basilica | Vatican hillside | Basilica crypt level |
| Era | 2nd–4th c. AD | Roman cemetery | Medieval–present |
| Contents | Mausoleum street, Peter’s grave | Roman burials | Papal tombs |
| Price | €13 | €50 | Free |
| Book via | Ufficio Scavi (direct) | GetYourGuide | Basilica ticket |
| Duration | ~90 min | ~1.5 h | 45 min (guided) |
| Lead time | 2+ weeks | Weeks ahead | Same-day slots |
| Ages | 15+ only | All ages | All ages |
| Best if | You want the grave | You want Roman cemetery | You want papal tombs |
The confusion point
All three are called “Vatican necropolis tours” in travel marketing. But they are not the same thing. The Scavi is a distinct archaeological site; Via Triumphalis is a distinct cemetery; the Grottoes are burial crypts. The Scavi is the most prestigious (Peter’s grave, oldest, closest archaeological environment), but also the hardest to reach. If you can’t book months ahead, the Via Triumphalis product is a true alternative. If you want papal tombs without waiting months, the Grottoes on the €20 or €54 tour get you there.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Grottoes the same as the Scavi?
No. The Grottoes are one level above the Scavi. They hold papal tombs and are free with basilica entry. The Scavi is the 2nd–4th-century mausoleum street below that, with Peter’s grave at the end, €13 direct booking.
Is Via Triumphalis the same as the Scavi?
No. Via Triumphalis is a separate Roman cemetery on the Vatican hillside (accessed from Piazza del Risorgimento). The Scavi is directly under the basilica. Different locations, different eras, both called ‘necropolis.’
Which one has Peter’s grave?
The Scavi. At the end of the mausoleum street is the Trophy of Gaius, the graffiti wall, and the remains the Vatican concluded in 1968 are Peter’s. That is exclusive to the Scavi tour.