#32: The Vatican Archives

The Vatican, a global beacon of Catholicism, houses an enigmatic cornerstone: the Apostolic Archive. Established in 1612, this repository safeguards a vast collection of papal documents, historical records, and ancient manuscripts.

Once entirely secluded, the archives were shrouded in mystery. However, since 1881, access has been cautiously granted to a select group of vetted scholars. This limited accessibility ensures the preservation of delicate materials while allowing for scholarly research.