Travelers’ Notebook

Admission: Admission to the necropolis is by reservation only, and a fee is charged. Visitors should go to the Ufficio Scavi (Excavations Office) located along the left side of the Basilica. Tell the Swiss Guard on duty that you are going to the Ufficio Scavi. Groups are kept small. It is best to sign up for one of the tours as soon as you arrive in Rome, although occasionally visitors are lucky and can join a tour almost immediately. Tours last approximately 60 to 90 minutes.