TheVatican Grottoes are a series of underground chambers and chapels located under part of thenave ofSt. Peter's Basilica in theVatican. They are situated three meters below the current floor, and extend from the high altar (thepapal altar) to about halfway down the aisle, forming a true underground church that occupies the space between the current floor of the Basilica and that of theold Constantinian basilica of the 4th century.
The Vatican Grottoes are not to be confused with theVatican Necropolis, which is an ancient burial ground that dates back to theRoman times and lies at a lower level beneath the Grottoes and the Basilica.
The origins of the Vatican Grottoes date back to the 16th century, specifically around 1590–1591, when they were constructed to support the floor of the Renaissance-era St. Peter's Basilica. The initial concept was proposed by architectAntonio da Sangallo the Younger toPope Leo X followingRaphael's death in 1520.[1]
Pope Clement VIII, in 1592, undertook significant renovations of the medieval crypt, naming it the "Clementine" and installing a seventeenth-century altar near the tomb of Saint Peter. Between 1616 and 1617,Pope Paul V added straight corridors leading to the Confessio of Saint Peter,[2] along with several chapels such as the Chapel of the Salvatorello and the Chapel of the Madonna of Bocciata,[3] adorned withhagiographic paintings byGiovanni Battista Ricci.
In the 17th century, underPope Urban VIII, four small oratories were created at the base of the pillars supporting the dome, designed byGian Lorenzo Bernini and decorated by artists likeAgostino Ciampelli andGuidobaldi Abbatini.
Over the years, several popes have contributed to their expansion and embellishment.
Post mid-20th century, several chapels were added around the tomb of Saint Peter, representing various nationalities and patron saints. Notable among these are the Irish, Polish, Lithuanian, Patron Saints of Europe, and Mexican chapels, and the oratory with the tomb ofPope Pius XII.
In 1979, a large archway was opened to make the front of the Confessio, with the Niche of the Pallia, visible. This area, closest to Saint Peter's tomb, is surrounded by chapels dedicated to Our Lady, forming a crown around the Apostle's tomb. The central space of the grottoes, encompassing the tombs of successive popes, resembles a lower basilica with three naves.
The Vatican Grottoes housefrescoes,mosaics, sculptures, and inscriptions, many of which are relics from the older version of St. Peter's Basilica. The grottoes served as a memorial space, preserving the last images and elements of the ancient basilica.
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The Grottoes contain the tombs of 91 popes. Notably,Pope John Paul II was initially buried here in 2005 before his remains were moved to the Altar of St. Sebastian. Additionally, it houses the graves of some royals, such asQueen Christina of Sweden andQueen Charlotte of Cyprus.[4] Within theClémentine Chapel, behind the altar, liesSt. Peter's Tomb, marked by a grill covering some white marble.
