What is in the catacombs under the Vatican?

Catacombs are outside of Rome, they are underground burial chambers of early Christians which were used a secret gatherings for Mass. Under the altar of St Peter Basilica is the tomb of Saint Peter. There are other important graves near there as well but its not call the catacombs.



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The catacombs, dedicated to Saints Marcellinus and Peter, retain the tombs of the two martyrs. You have to return to the times of the Emperor Diocletian to know the history of life of the two martyrs.

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Peter's Basilica and the crypts, with which you will visit a large part of the church and its catacombs. An expert guide will tell you the historical and artistic details of this monumental basilica and the first level of the underground where the remains of some kings and popes since the tenth century are kept.

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Pope Gregory was driven by a passion for learning. He ordered that all Egyptian and “Egyptianized” artifacts in the Pontifical states (and Roman antique markets, private villa collections etc.) be gathered together in a new museum.

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The tunnels that are accessible today on catacomb tours are only a fraction of the total catacombs, which stretch for miles. And even then, archaeologists believe that there are parts of the catacombs which still remain hidden. The full extent of the catacombs may never be known.

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A pope is the Bishop of Rome and the leader of the Catholic Church. Approximately 100 papal tombs are at least partially extant, representing less than half of the 265 deceased popes, from Saint Peter to Benedict XVI.

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History of the Tomb A massive fire occurred in Rome in the year 64 AD, for which Emperor Nero blamed the Christians. This subsequently led to the crucifixion of St. Peter, who was considered the leader of the Christians. He was then buried at the Vatican Necropolis close to the site of his death.

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