Vatican Grottoes (Grotte Vaticane)

For centuries, the Vatican Grottoes have served as the final resting place for numerous popes, including St. Peter, the first pope, and several royals. Located beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, these grottoes can be accessed via stairs from the transept. Visitors can explore a series of ornately decorated chapels and tombs, each offering a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the Catholic Church. Art enthusiasts will find particular interest in a 14th-century fresco of the Madonna by Pietro Cavallini, adding to the historical and artistic significance of the site.