Who Rests Beneath the Altar? The Famous Tombs of St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica holds great value in the history of Christianity. It is a place of grandeur, faith, and history. Millions of visitors stand in awe of its towering dome, intricate mosaics, and the breathtaking Pietà by Michelangelo. But what many don’t realise is that beneath this world-famous church lies a hidden world, one filled with tombs of popes, saints, and even a few unexpected figures.
So, who is buried in St. Peter’s Basilica? And can you visit these sacred tombs? Let’s take a journey beneath Vatican City to uncover the stories of those who rest here.

Why St. Peter’s Basilica Is Built on Sacred Ground

The story of St. Peter’s Basilica begins with Saint Peter himself. As one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and the first pope, Peter played a central role in early Christianity. He was martyred in Rome and crucified upside down around 64 AD during Emperor Nero’s brutal persecution of Christians. According to tradition, he was buried on Vatican Hill, and his grave became a place of pilgrimage.

A few centuries later, Emperor Constantine, the first Christian Roman emperor, ordered the construction of a grand church over Peter’s tomb. That original basilica stood for over 1,000 years before being replaced by the awe-inspiring structure we see today, completed in the 17th century.

But beneath all that beauty, marble, gold, and artistry, the Vatican Grottoes and Necropolis hold something even more valuable: the remains of those who shaped Christianity and European history. 
For an immersive experience of St. Peter’s Basilica, book a St. Peter’s Basilica Digital Audio Guide tour.

Who is Buried Under St. Peter’s Basilica?

Let’s step below the surface and explore who is buried under St. Peter’s Basilica.

Saint Peter—The Man Who Started It All

At the very heart of St. Peter’s Basilica lies the tomb of Saint Peter himself. It’s not just a legend. The Vatican conducted archaeological excavations in the 1940s and discovered a burial site deep beneath the basilica’s altar.

Among the ancient graves, they found a tomb marked with Greek inscriptions, including the words Petros eni (meaning “Peter is here”). The Vatican officially recognises these remains as belonging to Saint Peter, and his resting place has been a focal point of Christian worship for nearly 2,000 years.

If you ever stand inside the basilica, look up at Bernini’s massive bronze Baldachin; Peter’s tomb is right below it, beneath the Confessio Altar.

How Many Popes Are Buried in St. Peter’s Basilica?

St. Peter’s Basilica is a very prestigious site when it comes to popes. You may be wondering how many popes are buried in St. Peter’s Basilica. Well, there are over 90 popes buried in St. Peter’s Basilica, making it the largest papal burial site in the world. Some of the most beloved and historically significant popes laid to rest here include:

Pope John Paul II (1920–2005): Loved by millions, his tomb was originally placed in the Vatican Grottoes but was later moved to the main basilica to accommodate the growing number of visitors. You’ll find his simple white marble tomb near Michelangelo’s Pietà.

Pope John XXIII (1881–1963): Known as the “Good Pope,” he initiated the Second Vatican Council, which modernized the Church. When his body was exhumed in 2001, it was found almost perfectly preserved, leading to his beatification and relocation to a prominent spot inside the basilica.

Pope Pius XII (1876–1958): He led the Church through the challenges of World War II and was buried in the Vatican Grottoes, where his tomb remains a site of quiet reflection.

Pope Paul VI (1897–1978): A key figure in shaping the modern Catholic Church, he is interred in the grottoes below.

Pope Benedict XV (1854–1922): This pope worked tirelessly to promote peace during World War I, and his tomb serves as a reminder of the Church’s role in diplomacy and humanitarian efforts.

Each pope’s tomb tells a unique story. Some were adored, some were controversial, but all played a crucial role in shaping Catholic history.

The St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Entry Ticket Audio Guided Tour offers insights into various information on the cornerstones of the church.

Famous People Buried in St. Peter’s Basilica (It’s Not Just Popes!)

Surprisingly, not everyone buried under St. Peter’s Basilica was a pope. Here are a few famous people buried in St. Peter’s Basilica:

Queen Christina of Sweden (1626–1689): One of the most fascinating figures of her time, Christina shocked Europe by abdicating her throne, converting to Catholicism, and moving to Rome. She became a patron of the arts and was even friends with great thinkers like Descartes.

The Stuart Pretenders—James III, Charles Edward Stuart, and Henry Benedict Stuart: These three exiled British royals, known as the Stuart Pretenders, claimed the English throne but never ruled. The St. Peter’s Basilica tombs are a reminder of Europe’s long and complicated history of monarchy and faith.

The presence of these non-papal figures adds an extra layer of intrigue to the basilica’s underground crypts.

How Can You Visit the Tombs in St. Peter’s Basilica?

Can you visit the tombs in St. Peter’s Basilica? Yes! But how you visit depends on which tombs you want to see.

The Vatican Grottoes (Free and Open to the Public)

This area is directly beneath the main basilica and contains the tombs of many popes, along with other historical figures. Entry is free, and you can access it through a staircase near the high altar. However, photography is not allowed, as it is considered a sacred space.

The Vatican Necropolis (Requires Special Access—Book in Advance!)

The Scavi Tour takes visitors even deeper, below the grottoes, to the ancient Roman burial site where St. Peter’s tomb was discovered. This exclusive tour is limited to only 250 visitors per day, so you’ll need to book months in advance through the Vatican Excavations Office.

For those fascinated by history and archaeology, the Vatican Necropolis offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Book a St. Peter’s Basilica and Cupola Guided Tour for more!

Conclusion

Walking through St. Peter’s Basilica is like stepping into a living museum of faith, art, and history. But descending into its crypts and tombs takes that experience to another level.

Whether you come to honour Saint Peter, pay respects to a beloved pope, or explore the final resting places of historical figures like Queen Christina, a visit to the basilica’s underground to know who is buried in St. Peter’s Basilica is an unforgettable journey.

If you ever get the chance, take a moment in these quiet, sacred spaces. You’ll be standing where emperors, popes, and pilgrims have stood for centuries, connected by faith, history, and the passage of time.