In ancient times the Borgo was part of the Ager Vaticanus, in which Caligula built a circus, and Nero organized the first christian persecution during which St. Peter was martyred. Since the beginning of the VIth century, due to its proximity to St. Peter's basilica, built by Constantine above the tomb of the saint, the Borgo will benefit from the passage of all the pilgrims who went to the basilica. That is when the first facilities were built to accomodate the pilgrims, as long as several churches, like Santo Spirito in Sassia and San Leone Magno. Upon the return of the Popes from Avignon, the Borgo will become the residential district for powerful cardinals (Palazzo Cesi, Palazzo Torlonia). During this tour we will visit St. Peter's basilica, in which we will see Michelangelo's Pietà, Bernini's baldachin and the Vatican Grotto, where Pope's tombs are. From there we will move on to the church of Santo Spirito in Sassia, we will pass by the Santo Spirito hospital, we will visit the church of Santa Maria in Transpontina, and we will walk under the "Passetto" (a passageway that connects the Popes' fortress, Castel Sant'Angelo, to their apartments in the Vatican).

The visit include : St. Peter's basilica, the Vatican Grotto under the basilica where the Popes are buried, Santo Spirito in Sassia, Santa Maria in Transpontina, the Borgo quarter. No visits on Sundays and on religious holidays. The only additional cost is renting an audio-guide in St. Peter's (mandatory).

Other Rome and Vatican Tours
Painting in the Vatican Museums across the centuries
Vatican museum Sistine chapel and St. Peter's basilica
Through the Borgo quarter around the Vatican

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