The Scavi Tour.

When she first heard we would be visiting Rome, Carla and Adam suggested we book a tour of the Vatican underground Necropolis. known as the Scavi Tour. So we applied months ago to the Ufficio Scavi (Excavations Office) and a few weeks ago received an email stating we were successful. Their website states: "In order to preserve this exceptional historical, archaeological site and due to the limited premises around the venerated tomb of the Apostle Peter, only around 250 visitors per day are permitted to enter. Groups are composed of approximately 12 people and according to language." Considering the huge number of tourists that visit the Vatican each day 250 is not many.

We arrived early at the Vatican and saw the end of the Pope's weekly audience. The Vatican area is very impressive. Finally it was time for us to go through the police check, pass the Swiss Guards and go to the Excavations Office to change our email confirmation to tickets.
A young trainee priest, a 2nd year seminary student, originally from Minnesota was our guide. We found this tour to be fascinating as we heard the history of discovery and subsequent excavations of the area under St. Peter's Basilica. Our guided excursion was through the underground Necropolis, an ancient underground cemetery really. We saw mausoleums of non Christian families and importantly of a woman they believed was a Christian. That was important as then permission was given by the then Pope for excavations to continue. The stories behind it all were fascinating. At the end of the tour we saw what they believe to be St Peter's tomb and even some bones purportedly from St Peter's jaw. We were not permitted to take photos. The Swiss Guards photo is mine but the others are from the official website or other sites.Read more