Here are the instructions:

"The Excavations Office is reached ONLY through the Holy Office Gate (through Colonnade to the left, at the end of Via Paolo VI): the visitors must first PASS TO THE Police Security Check Point and then ask the Swiss Guard for the Excavations Office."

All wrong and that's a very old map. I'll find another one and post it as the place where you have to go through security first is entirely outside the piazza.

You will exit the piazza at #3 on this map. As you exit under the columns, there will be a security screening on your right side. Once through the screening (no large bags), you will walk back to the Scavi office (#28).You will check-in there and then be told to wait outside until the tour starts.

http://saintpetersbasilica.org/Exterior/SP-Square-Area.htm

You are really doing your homework! You will love the Scavi tour.

This is from when we went 3 years ago - I don't think it has changed - but maybe someone who has been more recently can confirm.

You need to enter at number 2 on the map in the second link - there will be Swiss Guards there and you will have to show them your paperwork that you have reservation. Then they will let you through to number 59 (actual Scavi office) and from there you check in and wait in a prearranged (obvious) area.

The second map almost looks like you could get to 59 by going through 3 - but I don't remember that to be the case. Anyway - we went through at point number 2 - it is rather obvious as well as there are lots of Swiss Guards around.

enjoy!

Ok - others were posting as I was - perhaps I have outdated information....my apologies.

It's quite easy really.
Facing St Peter's basilica, look left of the facade. You see two gateways. Head to the one on the left with open metal gates. If a Swiss Guard is there, show your scavi reservation. Uffio Scavi is just on your right inside the gateway. Wait outside until your guide finds you.

Yes, you are outside, just near the restrooms and the Swiss Guards.

(I'm seriously envious you got a tour - we weren't able to. I even tried to charm my way onto a tour, no luck there either!)

Alec's, sugarmaple's and illnative's info is all outdated. The entry location changed last year. Before that time (I've done the Scavi tour multiple times), there was no security screening at all to go back to the Scavi office. You gained access to the left of the bottom of the steps to St. Peter's by getting permission from the Vatican employees at the base of the steps and then the Swiss Guard a few steps further. Now there is a bag scanner and it's outside the piazza. Follow the map I posted.

So I will follow kybourbon's map.

From within the piazza exit at #3, and now I am outside the piazza then do security/bag screening there. (I think I thought the columns were solid and that you could not pass through.)

Question: Is there security or lines to enter the piazza? I think the security/lines that I am reading about is to either enter the (1) basicalla or (2) futher away at the vaitican musuems.

I don't want to be late, and all I remember from my last visit in the mid-80's was the long walk around the vatican walls.

http://saintpetersbasilica.org/Exterior/SP-Square-Area.htm

hi, davispeets,

you are getting two sets of security mixed up.

there used to be a security check to get into St. Peter's itself on the right of the colonades [opposite ky's no 3]. there was also a completely separate one [and presumably still is] for entry to the Vatican museums at the entrance thereto which is right round the vatican walls as you describe.

what it appears may have happened is that they have moved the St. Peter's security from the right of the colonades [as you look at the front of the Basilica] to the left, so that they "catch" people with scavi tour bookings, who previously avoided a search.

in any event follow what ky says, and allow yourselves PLENTY of time to get through security.

Yes, you can walk under the columns. Here's a pic although it's toward the opposite side and shows the Pope's apartments above them.
http://saintpetersbasilica.org/Exterior/Square/Pics/PoliceCart-sps.jpg
http://saintpetersbasilica.org/Exterior/Square/Pics/Entry%20Queue.jpg

No security to enter the piazza. They have not moved security to enter St. Peter's. It is still on the left. Looks like the people in the line in my bottom link are waiting to get through that security to enter St. Peter's.

They added a security (sometime in 2011 as it didn't exist in 2010) just for people going behind the scenes as they were failing to have these people send their bags through a screening. The only people that can use the one outside at #3 are people with their Scavi tour letters (you will have to show them) and people on official business with the Vatican (they also have to show documentation. The security on this side is not for tourists visiting St. Peter's. You will not have a line at this security entrance.

As I mentioned earlier, you can't take bags on the tour except small like a purse or camera bag (no pictures allowed on the tour). If you have a backpack that needs to be checked, that is on the left side of the piazza and you could have a longish line. I wouldn't take one.

When you finish the tour, you will be within the secure zone of St. Peter's (most likely one level below where the many Pope's tombs are located). You do not have to get in another security line (unless you plan to go to the museums which are totally outside the piazza). As you go up the steps from the tomb area, you will be at #68 on this map.
http://saintpetersbasilica.org/grottoes.htm

This is the area for the elevator to the dome (the line for the elevator often extends outside this area and down the front steps of St. Peter's). There's a big fountain (fill your water bottle) and a gift shop (oddly has better prices than some of the other shops within the Vatican). You can go to your right and go in the front of St. Peter's.

This map shows the museum entrance (red arrow).
http://saintpetersbasilica.org/Pics/Maps/Vatican-area-map.jpg

Kybourbon -

Thank you so much for your detailed explanation and the links. My primary concern was being late or lost for my reservation and I feel at ease now. Excellent information.

So, the Saturday Scavi reservation is nailed down........Now I am thinking about the special Friday nights at the Vatican Museum for the Museum portion of the trip. That might make a nice Friday/Sat combo.

Oh no! I put left twice when I meant right! St. Peter's security line and the baggage check are on the right as you stand in the piazza facing the Basilica. Scavi security is on the left (I did have the numbers right with the maps) Sorry! Need to proofread before posting (a habit I can't seem to develop).

I had read enough that in the picture in my mind - I knew it was on the right side - so I didn't even notice. I need to proofread - I can't believe how many spelling errors I made in an earlier post - embarrassing.

Thanks again - I will think of you with absolute thankfulness and joy when I glide over to the exact right location and impress my husband with bypassing the long line.

ok ky, if i've understood you correctly, the normal security check for St. Peter's remains where it used to be on the right as you look at the Basilica, but the Scavi security is on the left.

hopefully the queues on the left won't be anything like the ones on the right. BTW, after the Scavi tour, can you still get into St. Peter's without doing security again?

The last two times I've been, the tour has exited into the grottoes so you are in the secure area.

Post back and let us know about any changes.

Good to know...thanks everyone we have a Scavi tour in September.

Can I assume that a very small, flat purse (and I mean small/flat) is acceptable and will not be considered a large bag/backpack?

Your purse will be OK. Besides the obvious security issue, they don't like large bags or backpacks in the Scavi because the spaces are tight and it would be easy for someone to bang into the walls with a big bag or backpack.

"... Saturday Scavi reservation is nailed down ... Now I am thinking about the special Friday nights at the Vatican Museum ..."

davispeets: I think I'm a week or two behind you, heading the same way. I'm just going to draft off of you, for a while!

I just looked at "Friday nights at the Vatican" and would love to book it. But, our flight arrives FCO at 2:30pm on a Friday, after a 65 minute layover in LHR. That seems tight, and my Eeyore voice mutters that it'd be easy to miss the Rome flight. Plus, we're also going to be jetlagged. Am I overthinking?

I wouldn't visit the museums jet-lagged. You won't enjoy it or remember most of it.

denisea - I carry a cross-body bag and it hasn't been a problem. Mine is probably medium purse size, big enough to hold wallet, make-up bag and camera.

Leave extra time...we weren't sure and by the time we figured it out ( asked the swiss guards) we were a few mins late. They were not happy. They did let us tag along with the next group but we felt bad. Enjoy!

Just27-- I don't think you are over thinking it. I wouldn't do it the same day I landed. The more I thought about the Vatican Musuems and St. peter's - the more I decided I wanted a tour to make it manageable and provide the narrative. So where I am now is thinking about Walks in Italy's Pristine Sistine tour- it's an early morning tour. I won't do it until I come back to Rome from Umbria towards the end of my trip.

Denisea - I want to draft off your planning! I really enjoyed you past Paris adventures.

We can all draft off each other -- that's the beauty of these forums.

Thanks for the info on the purse...I am a planner and would never risk being denied entry or missing my time slot, so I wanted to be sure.

Davispeets...absolutely! I am missing Paris but we leave in 39 days for Rome. This forum is such a godsend for planning and getting great advice. LowCountryIslander has been an invaluable source of info for me for Rome! If you don't have them take a look at Eat Rome and Rome Foodie apps for dining advice! They are both very helpful.

We are planning to do WoI Pristine Sistine tour and The Colisseum VIP tour with the top tier and underground. We have Scavi reservations and a food tour planned with Elizabeth Minchilli. And our last night we a Sparkling Saturday wine tasting at VinoRoma. Maybe I will post our plan for last minute critiques.

denisea - If you haven't seen them already, read Kristina's two Rome reports. She's a foodie (chef) so she includes lots of restaurant/food info (and pics) and she created a Google map showing all the links. She also has a website (lots of pics) with all her trip reports.

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/four-friends-eight-days-easter-week-in-rome-a-trip-report.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/mozzarella-museums-and-macchiato-four-friends-spend-another-week-in-rome.cfm

One of my all time favorite Rome trip reports.

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/rome-i-loved-it.cfm

We have Scavi tickets for September and I have two questions. First, my wife wants to inquire about footwear and I've read somewhere else that it is HOT and HUMID on this tour, is that correct?

First, my wife wants to inquire about footwear and I've read somewhere else that it is HOT and HUMID on this tour, is that correct?>>

I can help about footwear - anything comfortable will be suitable.

re the temperature, we were there in Feb when it wasn't hot or humid - it was warmer than the snow outside though!

I've been in September (early and late) and it was very humid.

We were there in late Oct (2011 and side note - kybourbon's explanations are exactly what we encountered) and it was quite humid and warm.

thanks, kybourbon....much appreciated! Hoping it is not humid when we are there...we have had enough this summer in Atlanta and would love to get away from it! If not, we will not complain as we will in Rome and Prosecco helps with humidity!

Ditto. I HATE hot and humid and would have noticed it very likely alot more than other people.

Did the tour in Feb, Mar and early-May with no problems but I wonder?

The area is sealed and climate-controlled, I know the humidity levels are kept constant but I don't know if the temperature is?

So a Feb vs August might be hotter if not controlled perhaps that is where the 'hot and humid' info comes from?
Anyone do a hot August day visit (esp in the afternoon)? Regards, Walter

Opps posted too slow. I see it seems to depend on the season. Regards, Walter

It was in the mid 90's first week of Sept. 2011 in Rome. Hot and humid in the Scavi. I've always wondered about the controls as it really seems that much humidity could not be good for ruins. I'm not sure it's really sealed anyway. While you go through an airlock door (is it really or just a glass door?) there are areas that it's obvious there is no seal. If there is a service in St. Peter's, you can hear it in parts of the Scavi tour.

it's obvious there is no seal. If there is a service in St. Peter's, you can hear it in parts of the Scavi tour.>>

when we got to the central area, where the chapel is, we could hear the singing from the midday service at the great altar just starting - it was very moving. Even this old atheist was weeping, goodness knows why.

kybourbon, ya got me too thinking about my 'climate controlled' comment which I've read many times online over the years (google "st peter's" necropolis "climate control" and it gets quite a few hits).
But not by any official sources, only tourists, bloggers, etc.

I tried again redefining my search expecting to get official-type site stating the necropolis is kept constantly at xx% humidity and a temp of xxC and stating how it is done and why. But with no luck.

So I had too do it the old fashioned way and actually open a book .

I have the 'Roma Sacra-The Vatican Necropolis' which when I bought it years ago was only availiable at the Scavi Office.

In the section 'Preservation and Restoration' they talk about running into a problem with "micro-climactic and mircobiological problems" after the excavations were completed in 1950.
Caused by hi-temps and humidity, uncontrolled flow of air and high CO2 levels.
This caused salts, algae and mirco-organisms to form on the ruins and painted surfaces. Also humans were bringing-in spores, bacteria and heat.

In 1998 they started monitoring the micro-climate (temp & humidity) between the interior of the structures and the surrounding area.
What they did was; many mausoleums were sealed in glass, insulating panels installed on the floor and automatic doors installed along the visitor's route www.saintpetersbasilica.org/Necropolis/Pic/EntranceScavi-Intr.jpg .
Also some biocides were used and the lights were filtered to prevent the growth of mirco-organisms.
So it seems that it is not really 'climate controlled' (like a lab) but more like the natural underground climate in the necropolis is just maintained and harmful elements are kept in check?

Also this is only for the underground necropolis excavation (where the mausoleums are) and not for the Constantinian Memorial were you see the plexiglass box with St. Peter's bones behind the Clementine Chapel's altar, this location is 1 level above the mausoleum necropolis level.
And directly below the floor of the Basilica and on the same level as the Grottoes.
Regards, Walter

"when we got to the central area, where the chapel is, we could hear the singing from the midday service at the great altar just starting - it was very moving. Even this old atheist was weeping, goodness knows why."

As an old Atheist myself what was the most moving experience at an historical site or object in my lifetime was seeing St. Peter's bones.

I believe in an historical Jesus and actually seeing the remains of a major disciple of his and how those events changed the World history was overwhelming.

If you look at all the evidence without bias and using common sense, the pieces fit for that location and Peter being buried there IMO.
Regards, Walter

well, Walter, I'm not convinced necessarily about the historical veracity, but it's all about faith anyway, isn't it, for those who do believe?

BTW, i don't remember the bones being behind plexiglass - the ones we saw were in a plastic box, a bit like the ones you'd use to put your sandwiches in for a picnic.

"well, Walter, I'm not convinced necessarily about the historical veracity,..."

I don't blame you . It's a puzzle with many pieces missing and harder too prove than disprove.

"BTW, i don't remember the bones being behind plexiglass - the ones we saw were in a plastic box, a bit like the ones you'd use to put your sandwiches in for a picnic."

No, I said "the plexiglass box with St. Peter's bones".
It's actually 2 boxes side-by-side but it looks like a single box.

In 1968 all the bones after being examined and seperated were placed in 19 plexiglass boxes.

This is a photo of 2 of those plexiglass boxes containing *some* of the bones of the 60-70yr old man found in the tomb. Soil samples taken from these bones match the soil from the original simple dirt grave a few meters directly below.
www.culturaltravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/grafitti-wall-detail-wall-G-saint-peter-tomb-glass.jpg OR
http://tinyurl.com/d8poalc
Regards, Walter

walter - that's definitely NOT what we were shown - it was a bit far away, but to me it looked like tupperware!

annhig; I'm not doubting what you were shown and saw and I'm sure there is a logical explaination.

But that photo is exactly like what I have seen twice, the last time in '06 and if you google it the boxes are described as everything from plexiglass, glass, transparent, clear etc by others.

I don't know when that photo I posted above was taken but this one dates to 1975, it's not as clear but if you look at the left box you can see the same 4 seperate sections as in the clearer photo.
www.saintpetersbasilica.org/Confessio/Tomb/Wall_G.jpg

The 'Roma Sacra' guidebook I mention above has a photo of the same boxes except they have switched places, that photo is from sometime pre-2002.

No doubt the boxes are removed and cleaned of surface dust and grime (I assume they are sealed tight) now and then as I can see slightly different angles in those photos.

And from the same official guidebook;

"In 1968 nineteen transparent reliquaries with the bones attributed to Saint Peter on the basis of research carried out by Margherita Guarducci, were located (placed) in that niche." Regards, Walter

Walter - our first [and so far only Scavi tour] was in 2010, and I have no recollection of seeing any boxes like the ones you show. they certainly look rather more impressive than the tupperware.

Reporting back:

We did the Scavi tour this afternoon. We didn't take in any bags in since we did the Borghese Gallery in the morning, So they just wanded us -- I had my iphone with me and that was not a problem. Also, I stopped by earlier in the week after our Pritine Sisitine Tour with Walks of Italy to check in with the Swiss Guard and verify the location. he looked at my purse and said it was too big. It was a purse/messager bag but I didn't think it was huge - so I was surprised he said anything about it after Denisea reported back that people had backpacks.

You go through a portable trailer for security located on the outside of the basilica on the left. There was no one in line for the security so it only took a minute, then you went to the Swiss guards at the gate and waited until they let you in. I had to show my reservations twice to the Swiss Guard and the Scavi Office, Neither asked for ID.

Humidity: It was humid, I was sweating, which I typically don't do-- but I also was on some medications I normally don't take which could have been a factor. One woman on the tour was having a particularly hard time with the humidity. I had a bottle of water with me which was allowed. The tour guide said they keep it at 95 to 97 % humidity in some of the rooms.

The tour ended at the Grotto and from there we were able to enter the basilica without having to wait in he Basicalla line.

Nice experience- glad we did it and I would do it again if only to skip the Basilica line. The tour lasted a little bit over an hour.

Footware: Some people were wearing sandals inculiding the guide so I don't think footwear is an issue.

Thanks for all the info every one!

On 4 visits, 3 were by the rules but on 1 people were allowed in with backpacks and cameras and some were even taking pictures?

Also I'd like to tag this thread here for anyone that's interested.

www.fodors.com/community/europe/st-peters-tomb-at-the-necropolis-scavi-fact-or-fiction.cfm OR http://tinyurl.com/petermuzzy4
Regards, Walter