The Vatican Grottoes

A Sacred Journey Beneath Saint Peter’s

“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church” - Tertullian

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Today’s Newsletter Presented By

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Detail of the Vatican Grottoes beneath Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, the papal enclave in Rome - Shutterstock

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Today’s email

• The Vatican Grottoes

• 8 Small Towns in Italy Worth Venturing Off The Beaten Path For

• Experiences Likely To Sell Out

• Around The Web: The Vatican Mosaic Studio; A Tribute to Migrants in St Peter’s Square; The City Beneath the City and more

• 🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

• From Social Media: Catania is a vibrant city on the eastern coast of Sicily, situated at the foot of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano

• Food in Italy: One Pan French Inspired Chicken Feels Fancy

• Extra: Basilica of St. Peter Basilica - Vatican Grotoes video tour, Roma, Italy

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The Vatican Grottoes

Located beneath Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Grottoes are a fascinating network of chapels and vaults, dating back to the 16th century. Originally constructed to support the Renaissance basilica, they also preserve remnants of the ancient church. Key features include the Clementine Chapel, Confessio of Saint Peter, and richly decorated chapels commissioned by popes over the centuries. Designed by renowned artists like Bernini, these sacred spaces house papal tombs and relics of early Christianity. Chapels dedicated to various nations and saints surround the Apostle Peter’s tomb, making the grottoes a powerful place of pilgrimage and history

Detail of the opening in front of the Confessio, located within the Vatican Grottoes beneath Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, the papal enclave in Rome - Shutterstock

8 Small Towns in Italy Worth Venturing Off The Beaten Path For

Italy, popularly known for its iconic cities such as Rome, Florence and Venice, is a country that never ceases to amaze with its vast cultural richness and scenic beauty. However, there’s more to Italy than just its famed cities. Scattered throughout the country, there are numerous small towns that offer a unique charm and authenticity that can make your Italian holiday truly unforgettable. These are eight small towns in Italy that are certainly worth a detour

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Experiences Likely To Sell Out

Top Experiences In Italy Likely To Sell Out

2024 is going to be a busy year - Here is a list of the top experiences that will most likely sell out and you should book in advance. Don’t delay!

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Around The Web

The Vatican Mosaic Studio

Founded in the 16th century, the Vatican Mosaic Studio preserves and creates stunning mosaic works for Saint Peter’s Basilica using centuries-old techniques. With over 10,000m² of mosaics and 28,000 enamel colours, it remains a centre of restoration and artistic excellence

A Tribute to Migrants in St Peter’s Square

Since 2019, Timothy Schmalz’s life-size sculpture Angels Unawares stands in St Peter’s Square, honouring migrants and refugees worldwide. Commissioned for the 105th World Day of Migrants & Refugees, it reminds us of our shared human journey and responsibility

St Peter’s Square

One of the world’s most iconic public spaces, St Peter’s Square features grand colonnades, fountains, and a striking obelisk. Free to enter year-round, it’s best visited early morning or evening to avoid crowds

The Baptistry at Saint Mary Major

Originally a winter choir, this sacred space was transformed into a baptistry under Pope Leo XII, featuring a red porphyry font and marble balustrade. It also honours Saints Cyril and Methodius and their liturgical legacy in Slav languages

Rome Night Tour with Big Bus

Enjoy a 1-hour panoramic evening tour of Rome's top landmarks beautifully lit after dark, including the Colosseum and Vatican. Departs nightly from Termini (Stop #1) at 7:50pm & 8:10pm, 18 April – 31 October

The City Beneath the City

Beneath the vibrant streets, noisy scooters, and scent of espresso, Naples hides a secret world carved through stone and time. The city’s underground tells a story stretching back over 2,000 years – from Greek aqueducts and Roman markets to early Christian catacombs and World War II shelters. While the surface bustles with life, the tunnels below offer a quieter, eerie, and often breathtaking look into Naples’ layered past.

Exploring underground Naples isn’t just about history – it’s about experiencing how this chaotic, passionate city has always adapted, reused, and built upon itself. Whether you’re walking through candlelit catacombs, wandering Roman streets preserved beneath churches, or discovering tunnels once built for royal escapes, each site shows how Naples is a city that never forgets its foundations

The Catacombs of San Gennaro - Shutterstock

🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

Are you ready to prove your travel smarts? Don’t miss the chance to play the hottest new trivia game for travel lovers!

Here’s a taste: Where is the famous Kylemore Abbey located?

Think you know? Don’t wait—thousands of trivia buffs are already hooked. Play Travel Quizzer now!

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From Social Media

Catania is a vibrant city on the eastern coast of Sicily, situated at the foot of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano

We Love Italian Food

One Pan French Inspired Chicken Feels Fancy

Extra

Basilica of St. Peter Basilica - Vatican Grotoes video tour, Roma, Italy

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