Hidden Secrets of The Vatican

Funky Fact: Home of The Pope, Vatican City is the world’s smallest totally independent nation.

Hours: Mon. – Sat.: 9am – 6pm (Ticket box closes at 4pm)

Cost: Free to wander the city. Entrance fees start at: €49

The Vatican, the smallest independent state in the world and the residence of the Pope, is a place of mystery and intrigue. Located within the walls of the Vatican City, the Vatican has a rich history and a number of hidden secrets that are only known to a select few.

  1. The Vatican Library
  1. The Vatican Secret Archives

The Vatican Secret Archives contain over 53 miles of shelves filled with documents dating back to the 8th century. The archives are only open to a select few, including historians and scholars. It is said that the archives contain a number of secret documents, including the Papal Bull excommunicating Martin Luther, the Treaty of Tordesillas, and the records of the Spanish Inquisition.

  1. The Vatican Necropolis
  1. The Vatican Gardens
  1. The Sistine Chapel
  1. The Vatican Observatory

The Vatican Observatory is a research institute that is dedicated to the study of astronomy and the search for extraterrestrial life. It is said that the observatory contains a number of secret documents and artifacts that are related to the search for extraterrestrial life.

7. The Swiss Guards

The Swiss Guards are the small military force responsible for the protection of the Pope and the Vatican City. They are known for their distinctive blue, red, and yellow uniforms, which were designed by Michelangelo in the early 16th century. The Swiss Guards have a long history, dating back to 1506 when they were first recruited by Pope Julius II. Today, they are composed of Swiss citizens who have completed basic training in the Swiss Armed Forces and have completed a course in Vatican City.

The Swiss Guards are sometimes referred to as the Vatican City police

8. Poste Vaticane

Mail in Vatican City is handled by the Poste Vaticane, the postal service of the Holy See. The Poste Vaticane has its own stamps and postmarks, which are VERY popular among collectors. Mail is delivered to the various buildings within Vatican City, as well as to the Apostolic Palace where the Pope resides. International mail is also handled by the Poste Vaticane and is sent to other countries via the Italian postal service.

The Vatican is a place of mystery and intrigue, and it is no surprise that it contains a number of hidden secrets. From the Vatican Library and Secret Archives, to the Vatican Necropolis and Gardens, the Vatican is full of secrets that are known only to a select few.