Vatican completes restoration of mausoleum under St. Peter's

Published: 2008-05-27

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican has completed the restoration of the largest and most luxurious mausoleum in the vast necropolis under St. Peter's Basilica. The Mausoleum of the Valerii displays some of the most ornate decoration among the 22 family mausoleums in the ancient underground cemetery. "We had wanted to restore it for a long time, but we didn't have the money. Now we're extremely happy" the funding came through and the yearlong restoration has been completed, said Maria Cristina Stella, an official at the Fabbrica di San Pietro, the office responsible for the basilica's upkeep. The $300,000 project was funded by the Rome-based Foundation for Music and Sacred Art, the Italian branch of Mercedes-Benz, and other sponsors. Stella and other Vatican officials spoke at a May 27 press conference at the Fabbrica's headquarters near the basilica. The Vatican necropolis includes the burial grounds where St. Peter's tomb has been venerated since early Christian times.

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