Vatican Grottoes

The Vatican Grottoes hold a hidden gem known as the Clementine Chapel, situated at the heart of the peribolos. This chapel serves as a cherished highlight for visitors exploring the Vatican Grottoes, acting as a protective enclosure for the tomb of the Apostle Peter. A remarkable feature within the chapel is the "subterranea Confession," which was constructed in the late sixth century by Popes Pelagius II and St. Gregory the Great.

Incredibly, this room has remarkably preserved both its original identity and purpose throughout the ages, as well as the Pallia niche. Throughout history, devoted pilgrims have flocked to this sacred site, just as they continue to do today. Positioned at the rear of the Constantinian monument, directly above Peter's grave, the location was once believed to be the resting place of the apostle's head.

Also Checkout: Facts About the Vatican Museums

In close proximity to the Tomb of St. Peter, within the Vatican Grottoes, lies the initial resting place of Pope John Paul II, whose burial took place on April 8, 2005. Interestingly, the space previously accommodated the sarcophagus of Pope John XXIII. However, on June 3, 2001, Pope John XXIII's remains were transferred to the St. Jerome Altar in the basilica, following his beatification in 2000.

Subsequently, after his own beatification, Pope John Paul II was repositioned under the Altar of St. Sebastian on May 1, 2011. For the burial of John Paul II, the deepest of the three customary coffins, crafted from cypress, was utilized. These sacred burial sites within the Vatican Grottoes bear witness to the profound reverence and significance accorded to the resting places of esteemed popes, commemorating their enduring legacy and impact on the Catholic faith.

Must Read: How to Get to Vatican Museums

The oldest chapel in the vicinity of Peter's tomb has a fascinating history dating back to its origins as a small oratory commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII in 1580. Subsequently, Pope Clement VIII expanded and connected the space to the new peribolos of the grottoes in 1592.

Within this chapel, a remarkable painting by the renowned 14th-century Roman artist Pietro Cavallini can be admired. This artwork is famously known as the "Madonna della Bocciata" due to an intriguing legend associated with it. According to folklore, the face of Mary in the painting appeared bloated after a drunken soldier lost a bowling game and angrily threw a bowl at the sacred image, causing her face to seemingly bleed.

Suggested Read: Restaurants Near Vatican Museums

Apart from the crypts, visitors come across a wide selection of monuments as they explore the Vatican Grottoes. A huge image of the Holy Madonna may be found in one of the Vatican Grottoes' southern corners. Madonna is seen here wearing red and black clothing and extending her arms slightly, with an orange halo over her head. This artwork is flanked by reliefs of Church Doctors that have been preserved for centuries.

You May Also Like: Vatican Museums at Night

At the southern extremity of the grottoes, near the exit, there is a funerary monument to Pope Calixtus III. Calixtus ruled the Church and the Papal States from the 14th century until his death. Although his ashes were stored in Santa Maria in Monserrato, a memorial monument in his honor was erected at St. Peter's Basilica.

Must Explore: Timings of the Vatican Museums

The marble statue of St. Peter is a well-known picture across the world. It is, in fact, the most popular sculpture one comes across when they visit the Vatican Grottoes. The statue, which is located just before the grottoes' exit, depicts the apostle sitting with his arms folded and his feet decorated with sandals. Almost every visitor to the Vatican Grottoes is known to make gestures of kissing the Apostle's feet.

Also Read: History of Vatican City