Vatican Tour Question- Grotto Included?
 

Am I understanding this correctly- one can descend into the grotto where the Popes (specifically John Paul II) are buried- from inside St.Peters Basilica- and that no guide is required?

You can descend to the burial places of the Popes. The entrance is on the right of the Basilica porticus. Be prepared for a long queue, though. Check which queue you are joining because the one for the cupola is just next to it.

Thanks- I've added that to my notes.

When we were in Rome last year, we went to the grotto, and it was a very somber and extremely interesting experience. I would highly recommend doing this. Luckily we did not have to wait very long at all to get to it, the line was much much shorter than the line to the Basilica. Then, and I can't exactly remember how, but we wound up in the Basilica without having to go back in the line outside. An English couple (the guy reminded me of Paul McCartney)at breakfast in our hotel, gave us this hint (of going to the grotto first to avoid the long lines) and it worked out great. John Paul II's burial site was very "humble" and much different than all the others.

Thanks, flowerlover. I'm always looking for ways to avoid a line- and that makes sense to go to the grotto first. I'm actually wondering if we should try 2 visits to the Vatican- one just for St. Peter's, going as early as possible, and another with a reservation for the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. It will probably depend on how our tour situation works out. I have wanted to visit John Paul II's grave since I watched the funeral. I expect it will be a moving experience.

There are multiple entrances/stairs to the grottoes. Scroll down below the diagram for the listing of tombs:
http://www.saintpetersbasilica.org/grottoes.htm

Last summer when I exited the Sistine Chapel a there was a pretty much a direct entrance to the Pope's tombs. From there you can walk up a flight of stairs directly into the basilica.

When we were in the Vatican about 5 years ago, it seemed to be a matter of luck whether you would be able to see the grotto. There was a small door near the main altar that just happened to be allowing access as we went by. We went in and I would recommend it.

John Paul II is in a glass casket in the main part of the Basilica. It is amazing to see him, as his body has not decomposed. Ask any of the many aides to show you where it is. The Italians revere him.

kybourbon- Thanks for the link- its fantastic- I'm still getting all the big items in line for this trip, and haven't had much time to look into the details. This one will really come in handy.

MrNuke, was that entrance clearly visible when you exited the Sistine chapel?