Incredible secrets hidden in the walls of the secret archive of the Vatican

The Vatican officially gained independence and became a sovereign state in 1929. But in fact, over the course of many centuries, the papacy has influenced the fate of the whole world, with no particular regard to anyone.

Back in 1610, a special secret archive was allocated in the Vatican library, which contained large-scale collections of priceless manuscripts - evidence of the power of the Holy See. Until the end of the 19th century, the archive was the largest container of secrets in the world, but then it was gradually declassified.

The size of the secret archive is staggering. Just imagine: 650 departments, 85 kilometers of shelving, more than 35 thousand books and various documents! Rumor has it that the largest collection of occult literature in the world has been collected in the local walls. However, this is not the main interest, but the numerous historical documents covering immediately 16 centuries of human history - from old Europe to Asia, from the discovery of America to the Second World War. So, in the library’s secret archive you can find manuscripts of the greatest thinkers and scientists, manuscripts that highlight the most high-profile inquisition processes, documents from the time of the Crusades and much, much more.

When in 1924, scientists were granted access to the archive, at first only documents were declassified until the mid-19th century. Then the volume of available materials was gradually expanded until 1939. And soon, perhaps, departments devoted to the Second World War will be open for study.

This page is from the record of the interrogation of Galileo Galilei in 1638.

The same suicide note that Marie Antoinette wrote before her execution in 1793.

A verdict passed by the Inquisition to the outstanding astronomer Giordano Bruno in 1600.

A letter for Pope Clement VII, written in 1530, which refers to the wedding of King Henry VII with Katerina of Aragon.

A letter from Pope Pius XI of 1934 in which he answers Adolf Hitler on the intention of the Reich Chancellor of Germany to strengthen ties with the Vatican.

The Golden Bull of Pope Clement VII on the occasion of the coronation of Charles V in France in 1364.

This purple, gold-embossed parchment describes the gifts of Otto I Church, 950.

Report on the trial of the Templars, 1311. 231 readings on 60 meters of parchment.

Fragment of the last letter of Queen Mary Stuart, written in 1586 for Pope Sixtus V.

Watch the video: A rare look at the Vatican Library's treasures (May 2024).