It was worth the time to me, but one note here..if you go trough you walk out the exit at the end...I think it is possible to not get back in the long line and just walk back up to the main entrance...but I didn't try that so I don't know.Another plus here was the ushers being very firm with people to be quiet and respectful. Actually kind of refreshing with all those seeing the sights who feel their conversation should be imposed loudly on everyone around them.
The Papal Tombs are the official resting place of the Popes. They are located one floor beneath St. Peter's Basilica and the entrance is on the right side. At the end of our tour through the Basilica, we visited the tombs. There was a small line in front of the stairs. When you step out of the huge Basilica, going down to the tombs, it is quite a contrast, but it is a great thing that the tombs are open for the public. Near every tomb you can read information about the Pope which is buried. The tombs house the remains of over twenty Popes, Kings, Queens and Cardinals including Saint Peter, John Paul I, Paul VI, Benedict XV, Pius XI, and Pius XII. John Paul II was raised from the Papal Tombs to the Basilica floor following his beatification in 2011.
We had pre booked tickets for this tour. IDs recommended. Must go through security check and then the Swiss Guards. The tour was about an hour and a half. Guide was informative. The grottos were very warm and humid. Walking areas are quite narrow with uneven surfaces and a lot of up and down stairs. We did see the area where the bones of St. Peter lie.
The Vatican Grottoes were light and bright and unlike anything I had expected. That being said, I wouldn't waste your time here unless there is a specific pope that you want to see. Instead, spend your time inside of the Basilica and enjoy all of the wonders that it contains.
The entrance is close to the middle of the basilica and easy to miss. Short stairs will get you to a dungeon with a number of tombs of popes. It's most 20th and 19th century popes plus a few older ones.
I think the Basilica was generally awesome for me. The Grottoes included. All these great (and maybe not so great men) have their remains here. It's supposed to be a solemn procession/walk through, but a littel whisper here, a little whisper there... you should check it out.
The Vatican Grottoes are not to be missed. It doesn't cost anything but a little extra time at St. Peter's to see, and what you will see are the tombs of many Popes, Cardinals, and Saints. Yes, it's a bit plain. Yes, it seems like just corridors. But you are in the presence of the tombs of Popes. The seat on earth closest to God. It does not take very long to pass through, and is worth it to pay your respects to some of the most influential men who have ever lived.
Even as a Non-Catholic I found this a fascinating visit. There is a feeling of peace around the tombs, it truely feels holy. Historically facinating to read about each Pope and note the style of the tombs. Well worth a visit.
We walked through here with our 10 year old kids and we were left somewhat underwhelmed. It is a series of tombs lying next to each other in what seems like a basement of the Vatican. Unless you are deeply into the history of the Vatican then this area won't be as interesting.
We exited our Scavi tour into the Vatican Grottoes but this place is actually accessible through the Basilica if you know how to get there. There isn't much to see in the Grottoes except corridors and chapels with caskets of some of the previous popes, cardinals, saints. It is a very solemn, holy area due to the proximity to Peter's tomb. It is located one level below the basilica floor, but one level above the Clementine Church.