Vatican Scavi Tickets – How to Book the Necropolis Tour

Visiting the Vatican Necropolis is one of the most exclusive experiences in Rome. Hidden beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, this ancient burial site holds centuries of history — including the area traditionally recognized as the Tomb of St. Peter.

However, obtaining Vatican Scavi tickets is not simple. Access is strictly limited, daily capacity is extremely small, and demand remains high throughout the year.

If you’re planning to visit Rome and want to explore this extraordinary underground site, this complete guide explains everything you need to know about the Necropolis and how to secure your Vatican Scavi tickets before they sell out. BOOK NOW !

What Are the Vatican Scavi?

The term “Scavi” means “excavations” in Italian. The Vatican Scavi refer to the archaeological excavations beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, where an ancient Roman necropolis was discovered.

Dating back to the 1st century AD, the Vatican Necropolis contains:

Pagan and early Christian tombs
Ancient Roman mausoleums
Frescoes and inscriptions
Burial chambers from different social classes
The site identified as the Tomb of St. Peter

The excavations were carried out in the 1940s during the papacy of Pius XII. Archaeologists uncovered what many believe to be strong evidence of St. Peter’s burial site, making this one of the most significant Christian archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

Today, access to the Necropolis is only possible through a guided tour with official Vatican authorization.

Why Vatican Scavi Tickets Are So Difficult to Obtain

Many travelers underestimate how hard it is to secure Vatican Scavi tickets. Unlike Vatican Museums tickets, which can be purchased online instantly, Scavi tickets follow a much more restrictive system.

Here’s why:

Extremely Limited Daily Capacity

Only a small number of visitors are allowed inside the Necropolis each day. Groups are usually limited to approximately 10–12 people.

This restriction exists to:

Preserve the delicate archaeological structures
Protect ancient frescoes and walls
Maintain proper air and humidity levels
Ensure visitor safety in narrow underground corridors

Because of this, Vatican Scavi tickets sell out very quickly.

High International Demand

The Vatican Necropolis is considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Pilgrims, historians, and travelers from all over the world compete for limited spots.

During peak seasons (April–October), availability may be fully booked months in advance.

Special periods such as:

Easter
Christmas
Jubilee years
Summer holidays

make Vatican Scavi tickets even harder to obtain.

Reservation-Only System

Unlike standard ticket platforms, Vatican Scavi tickets require a reservation request and confirmation process. Dates are assigned based on availability, and flexibility is often necessary.

Waiting until the last minute dramatically reduces your chances of visiting.

What You’ll See During the Vatican Necropolis Tour

The Scavi tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and offers a unique underground journey beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.

During the visit, you will:

Walk along ancient Roman streets
Explore remarkably preserved mausoleums
See early Christian burial sites
Learn about Roman funerary traditions
Approach the area believed to be St. Peter’s Tomb

The tour ends inside St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing you to continue exploring independently afterward.

Because the site is underground, visitors should be aware:

There are narrow passageways
Temperatures are warm and humid
The tour is not recommended for those with mobility difficulties
There are age restrictions

These limitations further explain why Vatican Scavi tickets remain limited.

When Should You Book Vatican Scavi Tickets?

If you are serious about visiting the Necropolis, the most important rule is simple:

Book as early as possible.

Recommended booking timelines:

Low season: at least 1–3 months in advance
High season: 3–6 months in advance
Major religious events: even earlier

Many visitors search for Vatican Scavi tickets only weeks before traveling and discover that all available dates are fully booked.

Planning ahead is essential.

Why You Should Reserve Vatican Scavi Tickets on This Website

Due to the complex reservation system and limited availability, securing your Vatican Scavi tickets through this website well in advance ensures a smoother process.

Booking early allows you to: