An ancient Roman mausoleum hidden in the bowels of St Peter's Basilica will open to the public later this month after ten months of restoration work, the Vatican said on Monday.
The Mausoleum of the Valerii is the largest and most heavily decorated of the 22 family tombs in the Vatican necropolis, which is located under the central aisle of the basilica and also houses the tomb of St Peter.
Dating to the second century AD, the mausoleum is famous for its stucco decorations, which include family portraits and are described by experts as ''of extraordinary value''.
Restorers using the latest technology to work in the humid microclimate of the necropolis have removed salty deposits from the decorations and set up a lighting system that shows off the tomb's colours, sculptures and reliefs.
Only around 200 people a day are allowed into the necropolis on pre-booked tours.
