Deep under the Vatican lies one of the world's greatest archaeological and religious wonders. It is almost unknown to the public, and was recently opened on a very limited basis to a few carefully vetted people each day as the so-called, “Scavi Tour.” The tour is often called the, “Hottest Ticket in Rome.”
Beginning 75 years ago, the Vatican began a secret search for the tomb of the Apostle Peter, whom legend said was buried on Vatican Hill after his execution by the Roman Emperor, Nero, in 66 A.D. Peter was Christ's most important lieutenant and, with Paul, one of the most important figures in early Christianity. Ultimately, after floods, cave-ins, and many twists and turns, the search found Peter's relics, as well as a vast Roman necropolis of house-sized tombs and early first, second and third century inscriptions secretly carved on stone walls by early Christians. All of these had been covered for 1700 years since the construction of the original St. Peter's in 330 A.D.
Read Full Article »