Overview:

The Vatican Necropolis, also known as the "City of the Dead," is an underground cemetery beneath St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. It is believed to be the burial site of St. Peter, the founding leader of the Christian Church. The necropolis is made up of hundreds of tombs from Ancient Roman times, as well as more recent tombs for special members of the Catholic Church. It is the only official cemetery in Vatican City, and its walls are decorated with intricate frescoes and sculptures. Visitors may tour the necropolis, though the itinerary is tightly regulated by the Vatican. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Vatican-City
Prominent Features:

The Vatican Necropolis is an ancient burial site located beneath the Vatican City. It is located close to the Circus of Nero, and the oldest visible tomb dates back to the 1st century. The Necropolis is composed of two levels, which is divided by an earthen rampart dating back to the 4th century. The lower level has a number of tombs, which date back to the 1st century AD. Many of the tombs were excavated in the 19th century and are frequently visited by tourists today. The upper level, in contrast, has not been excavated and its exact layout remains a mystery. The Vatican Necropolis has an important religious significance, as it is believed to contain the burial sites of some of the earliest Roman popes, including St. Peter, St. Paul and St. Pius V. It is also likely that Saint Peter was buried in this necropolis. This national monument of Vatican-City portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Vatican Necropolis, also known as the “City of the Dead” or the “Necropolis of the Vatican”, is an extensive network of tombs located beneath the Vatican City. It has been estimated that the necropolis may contain as many as 10,000 tombs. The history of the necropolis goes as far back as the time of the Roman Empire. It is believed to have been used by early Christians to bury their martyrs and other important figures. The Vatican Necropolis was also a place of pilgrimage for essential believers of the faith. Throughout the centuries, the necropolis was modified and expanded to serve the needs of the Roman Catholic Church. Pope John Paul II ordered an exploration of the site in 1980, which unearthed several important artifacts, such as writings and wall decorations. In recent years, the Vatican Necropolis has allowed archaeologists and scholars to study the tombs and other remains from a religious, cultural, and historical perspective. The necropolis also lends an insight into ancient Roman religious practices, such as public worship and the veneration of martyrs. Today, the necropolis is open to the public for a fee, giving tourists and visitors a unique opportunity to explore a sacred piece of the Roman Catholic faith. You must visit one of these historical places in Vatican-City on your Vatican-City tour

Interesting facts:

• The Vatican Necropolis, also known as the “City of the Dead”, is a vast cemetery directly underneath the Vatican City in Rome. • It contains the tombs of many popes and other notable Vatican figures, and also includes St. Peter's tomb. • It was founded in the 1st century AD and was expanded significantly during the 4th century. • The necropolis was discovered in 1939 when workers were repairing a broken floor of an area known as "the Grottoes," used as a burial and worship site in the past. • The Vatican Necropolis is considered to be one of the oldest Christian cemeteries in the world. • For centuries, the Vatican necropolis was only accessible by the Pope and a select group of lay people called the "Necropolis Guard". • The necropolis is home to the tombs of at least five Popes, including the first Pope, Saint Peter. • The Vatican Necropolis is still actively in use, and a large number of recently-discovered tombs have been opened and studied. • It is also home to many other ancient artifacts, including coins and pottery. Visit one of the famous monuments of Vatican-City with your friends and family.