The crypt underneath the central nave of Saint Peter’s Basilica contains the graves of 148 dead Popes. A number of these were created by famous artists like Bernini and Canova.
The tomb containing Saint Peter’s relics is right below the main altar. Until the year 1979, when Pope John Paul II started allowing visitors, it was impossible to see the tomb.
Carlo Maderno created the confessio where the Apostle Peter can be found and which also contains a 9th century mosaic depicting Christ. In order to reach the tomb one passes underneath an arch with the inscription “Sepulcrum Sancti Petri Apostoli“, which means The Grave of the Holy Apostle Paul.
