Hello All,
I am looking for some advice. My husband will be doing the Necropolis tour under the Basilica of St. Peter's Basilica. Me and our 18 month old will be hanging out until he is done. I would love to be able to meet him in St. Peters after his tour is complete.
Has anyone done this tour and where exactly does it spit you out?
Thank you for your help!
Posted by
TN, USA
2116 posts
Also known as the Scavi tour, typically participants go up the stairs to exit by the main altar. But, if there is a private mass going on at the time, then I assume they exit back through the door from which they entered (as we did a few years ago while the beatification ceremonies were taking place).
So you and your child could wait for him inside the basilica, if it is not closed for a private mass. Or, you could wait for him in the main square outside the area where he entered (but you would likely not be given access to the area immediately near where he entered, but rather near the Swiss guard who will check his paperwork to allow him to go up a side area that leads to the entry door for the Scavi tour). Hope that makes sense. It will make more sense once you are there.
If the lines are long for the basilica, it could take you almost the amount of time that he enjoys the Scavi tour in order for you to make it to the front of the line and clear security for entry into the basilica (then you could all visit the church part together).
It will be very easy to tell if St. Peters is closed for a private mass, as the outside line will not be moving at all, and the guards can advise, too.
If you both have cell phones that work in Rome, it will be easier to fine tune meeting, but it would not be impossible to make it all work seamlessly even without cell phones (provided the line to gain entry for you is not 4-6 hours of a wait). There are also some informal little restaurant type places close by where you could also kill time and/or meet afterwards (if the basilica is closed for general touring).
Posted by
1867 posts
Agree to a meeting spot inside the Basilica BEFORE you split up. For example, at a certain time near the casket of Pope John 23rd or Pope John Paul II, or near a particular statue. St. Peter's is huge and can be crowded. A designated meeting point and time is essential. Use the RS guidebook or another guidebook to see the layout and "landmarks" within St. Peter's. Pick a spot that you can access regardless of a Mass and can be manageable with a toddler. For example, I would NOT pick the Blessed Sacrament Chapel with a toddler. Silence is strictly observed in that area. Your best bet is one of the famous statues or the tomb of one of the popes I listed above.