The Vatican Secret Archive (Topographical Map no. 19a) is a private Archive of the Pontiff and houses some important historical documents of the Roman Curia and Roman patrician families.

Access

Access to the Vatican Secret Archive is permitted to scholars and qualified researchers upon presentation of specific documentation. The following can be consulted:

  • documents up to and including the whole papacy of Pius XI (February 1939)
  • the Vatican Information Office archive

Opening days and times

For researchers:
Open from Monday to Saturday, from 1 October to 30 June, from 8:30am to 1:00pm.
For afternoon access (from 14.00 to 16.45) written applications explaining the reasons must be addressed to the prefect and handed in to the Admission Secretariat.

For visitors:
The Archive can be open in the afternoon for paid visits from tourist groups upon request. Booking is mandatory and can be made by writing to: accettazione@aav.va

For further information:
Phone: +39 06 698833, +39 06 69883211
Fax: 06 69885574
Email: archivio@aav.va
Official website