One of the most spiritual and mystical places to visit in the Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican is by the beginning of the entrance when you pass the graves of all the popes, with reference to the tomb of the late Pope John Paul II and of course, the 1st pope, St. Peter. Just this in itself is worth a visit to the tombs. It impressed me a whole lot.
In the basement of the Basilica of St. Peter is the mausoleum of the Popes and the tomb of John Paul II, Pope Pius XII, Paul VI, etc. Crowds flock to their graves out of curiosity or veneration. But undoubtedly it's the most famous tomb and the most interesting is that of the apostle Peter, his tomb is the real "leitmotiv" of building and the largest basilica in Christendom. Numerous studies support the authenticity of the remains and the sarcophagus. It's very exciting to see the tomb of the initiator of the Christianity and to contemplate his mausoleum that is simple and of early Christian character.
