8) Vatican Secret Archives
Image VIA
I guess if a place has got the word “secret” in the title you can assume it’s not for public eyes. The archives contain the state papers, correspondence, papal account books, and many other documents which the church has accumulated over the centuries. There is an estimated 52 miles of shelving and well over 35,000 volumes of work. And I bet you every single one of them is the most boring thing you’ve ever read in your life.
Since 1722, on the command of Pope Paul V, the secret archives were split from the main library. No one was allowed in. Since 1881 a handful of scholars have been allowed to witness the secrets held within. Nowadays, you can request to see any of the documents you want (as long as they are over 75 years old), but you ain’t getting in there, no Siree.
If this list has left you feeling sad and left out in the cold, don’t worry, there are plenty of awesome places you can visit instead. Sod the Vatican.
