Secret Vault Under the Vatican Opened After 5000 Years & It Holds Terrifying Discovery

Mysteries Around Me
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22 Video Views·Feb 23, 2026
The Vatican archives, whenever they're going to be opened,
are going to reveal extraordinary levels of details.
For centuries, the Vatican has kept some of the world's biggest secrets
hidden behind thick walls and locked gates.
But now, after 500 years, one of the most mysterious vaults has been opened.
And what they've found inside?
Historians and researchers have uncovered things
that were thought to be lost forever.
Priceless treasures, ancient writings,
and discoveries that could completely change what we think we know about history.
And a big observatory.
Has done for hundreds of years.
Peter's bones, were they somebody else's bones?
Again, we can't know for sure.
They can channel the power of God to drive Satan away.
Number one, secret Vatican vaults.
Secrets surrounding the controversial papacy of Pope Pius XII
are being revealed to the world today from the Vatican's secret archives.
Imagine a vault containing over 1200 years of hidden history.
That's exactly what you'll find in the Vatican's secret archives,
now called the Apostolic Archives.
These archives hold some of the church's most secret documents,
locked away for centuries.
But now, for the first time,
parts of these archives have been opened to the public.
Scholars, who were once only allowed to see certain documents,
are now exploring records that stretch back through the ages.
So, what have they found?
One of the most interesting discoveries is a collection of letters
from Galileo Galilei during his trial for heresy in the 1600s.
These letters give us a clearer picture of the conflict
between science and religion at the time,
especially how Galileo's ideas challenged the church.
Another intriguing find is a series of secret diplomatic letters
from Pope Pius XII.
The person himself of Pope Pius XII
will come out in a different way, of course,
because there are answers to questions that are open.
During World War II,
there has always been controversy
about what the Pope did during the Holocaust.
Was he silent, or was he secretly working to help people?
These documents give us some clues,
but they also leave us with more questions.
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Number two, the 500-year-old art.
While cleaning the frescoed walls,
Cruz discovered two never-before-seen paintings
by the artist Raphael.
Deep inside the Vatican,
a stunning artistic discovery was made,
completely by accident.
In a room known as the Room of Tears,
where newly elected popes go for a moment of private reflection,
something amazing was found under layers of dirt and soot.
During a restoration project,
faint outlines of beautiful frescoes began to appear.
Slowly but surely,
art restorers uncovered a forgotten masterpiece
hidden for centuries.
These frescoes, full of rich symbolism,
are believed to be about 500 years old.
But the big question is, who painted them?
Art historians think the frescoes could belong
to the golden age of Renaissance art,
the same period as legendary artists
like Michelangelo, Raphael, and Botticelli.
However, no one has been able to identify the artist for sure.
Some think it might have been one of Raphael's students,
or maybe a lesser-known artist from Michelangelo's time.
The clues are there,
but so far, no one has been able to solve the mystery.
Number three, the hidden room.
The argument will be reinvigorated
as we open the room to the public,
and I hope the scholars will come back,
pause and look at the drawings,
and start to do more analysis in due course.
Another incredible discovery comes from a hidden room
beneath the Medici chapels at the Basilica of San Lorenzo.
This small, almost unnoticed space was sealed for centuries.
The room was discovered in 1975
when they were searching for a new exit for the museum
because of visitors' increasing numbers.
But what was found inside is priceless.
It's believed that Michelangelo himself used this room
as a hideout during the political turmoil in Florence in 1530.
The walls of the room are covered in chalk and charcoal sketches.
These rough drawings show studies of anatomy
and early versions of some of Michelangelo's most famous works.
One sketch, for example, is thought to be a study
for one of the sculptures in the Medici tombs,
which are located right above the hidden room.
These tombs are decorated with stunning sculptures
like dawn, dusk, night, and day,
which are considered masterpieces of Renaissance art.
Some of the sketches also look like figures
from the Sistine Chapel,
reminding us of Michelangelo's genius at work.
Even though these drawings aren't polished works of art,
they give us a rare look into the mind of a master
during a very challenging time in his life.
Number four, Vatican Necropolis.
It's extraordinary to think that with the creation of a car park,
the Santa Rosa car park, you have this discovery.
Hidden beneath the magnificence of St. Peter's Basilica
is a secret many people don't know about,
the Vatican Necropolis.
This vast underground burial site dates back to Roman times
and offers an extraordinary look
into the early days of Christianity.
Discovered in the mid-20th century,
the necropolis, also called the scavi,
is filled with ancient tombs and mausoleums
from the 1st to 4th centuries AD.
Just meters beneath,
one of the most famous churches in the world.
These ancient graves tell the story
of the church's earliest roots.
Archaeologically, in other parts of the hill,
we have burials,
including, of course, the famous burials
underneath St. Peter's Church.
The necropolis stretches hundreds of meters underground
with burial chambers
decorated with beautiful frescoes and mosaics.
Preserving these ancient artifacts was no easy task.
The excavation had to be done with extreme care
to avoid damaging St. Peter's Basilica above.
Plus, the high humidity levels underground
posed a big risk to the fragile artwork.
So the Vatican used advanced preservation techniques
to protect this historical treasure.
Number five, ancient papal documents.
Deep inside the Vatican archives,
there's a collection of documents
that spans over a thousand years.
These papers tell the story of major world events
and the rise of Christianity
and even include personal letters
between popes and rulers, saints and scientists.
While some of these records
have been shared with the public,
many remain sealed and hidden from view.
One of the most mysterious parts of the collection
is the ancient papal documents,
including the files from the Inquisition
during the Middle Ages.
Although some information about the Inquisition
has been made public,
a large part of the records is still locked away.
These hidden documents might reveal details
about the Church's interrogation methods,
private decisions about individual cases
and secret letters between inquisitors and the pope.
What could these unseen files contain?
Could they reveal facts
that would change the way we view the Church's past?
Number six, Codex Vaticanus.
Inside the Vatican library
sits one of the most important books in history,
the Codex Vaticanus.
This ancient manuscript written in Greek
is one of the oldest and most complete copies of the Bible.
It dates back to the fourth century CE
and is incredibly valuable to scholars,
theologians and historians.
The Codex Vaticanus was first mentioned
in the Vatican library's records in the 15th century
during the time of Pope Nicholas V.
It's amazing that this ancient book survived
through centuries of wars,
political changes and religious debates.
The Codex was written on vellum,
a type of fine parchment,
and originally included all 73 books of the Bible.
However, some parts of the manuscript
have been lost over time.
For example, the end of the book of Hebrews,
along with parts of 1 and 2 Timothy,
Titus, Philemon and the book of Revelation are missing.
Even with these missing sections,
the Codex Vaticanus is still one of the most important texts
in biblical studies.
Number seven, frescoes in the catacombs.
Beneath the streets of Vatican City and Rome
lies a hidden underground world,
the ancient catacombs.
These are where early Christians buried their dead
and expressed their faith through art.
Some of these burial sites date back to the second century AD.
Inside the catacombs, you'll find frescoes,
paintings on the walls that give us a glimpse
into the beliefs of early Christian communities
who often had to practice their faith in secret.
These Roman catacombs, including those under Vatican City,
weren't just places to bury the dead.
They also served as spots for worship and reflection.
The catacombs were dug into soft volcanic rock,
sometimes across several levels.
Over time, people painted frescoes
on the walls of these underground tombs.
These paintings tell stories,
showing the shift in Christian art
from simple symbols to full scenes from the Bible.
Number eight, mummies in the Vatican.
Among all the treasures and historical items in the Vatican,
you might not expect to find mummies, but they're there.
While they might not be as well known
as the mummies from Egypt's pyramids,
the mummies in the Vatican Museum
are fascinating links to ancient civilizations.
Some of these mummies date back as far as 2000 BCE.
They don't just offer a window into the past.
They also show the Vatican's connection
to Europe's growing interest in Egyptology
during the 18th and 19th centuries.
During this time, Europe became obsessed with ancient Egypt.
Explorers and collectors brought mummies
and other ancient artifacts back from Egypt.
The Vatican joined in when Pope Gregory XVIII
opened the Vatican's Egyptian Museum in 1839.
Today, the museum holds several mummies,
each preserved through different methods
like embalming or natural processes.
Number nine, Leonardo da Vinci's Codex.
One of the treasures hidden in the Vatican Library
is a collection of Leonardo da Vinci's writings and sketches
known as the Codex Vaticanus Urbinus 1270.
This codex was put together by his student,
Francesco Melzi, after Leonardo passed away in 1519.
Unlike da Vinci's other notebooks,
which are famous for being a bit disorganized,
this codex is well-structured
and gives a clearer picture of his brilliant mind.
The Vatican got hold of it in the 17th century
and it's been a valuable resource ever since.
One of the most fascinating parts of the codex
is Leonardo's detailed study of human anatomy.
His sketches of muscles, bones, and organs,
along with his careful notes,
show how deeply he wanted to understand the human body.
But Leonardo's curiosity didn't end with anatomy.
The codex also includes his thoughts on mechanics,
physics, and the principles of movement and force.
It's a perfect example of how he blended art and science,
constantly exploring and pushing boundaries in both fields.
Number 10, the obelisk in St. Peter's Square.
Right in the center of St. Peter's Square,
you'll find an impressive obelisk
that tells a story of history, power, and faith.
This huge monument, standing about 84 feet tall,
originally comes from ancient Egypt,
specifically the city of Heliopolis.
It was built around 1300 BCE by Pharaoh Ramses II
to honor the Egyptian gods and show the power of the pharaohs.
Its journey to the Vatican didn't happen until much later.
In 1586, Pope Sixtus V ordered the obelisk
to be moved to its current spot in St. Peter's Square.
Getting this massive stone into place
was a huge engineering challenge.
Surrounding the obelisk are the beautiful colonnades
designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini,
which stretch out in a symbolic embrace,
welcoming visitors to the church.
Number 11, the Borgia Apartments.
Hidden within the Vatican Museums are the Borgia Apartments,
a stunning example of Renaissance art and history,
but also wrapped in controversy.
These rooms were commissioned by Pope Alexander VI,
who was part of the infamous Borgia family.
Known for their mix of power, politics, and scandal.
Despite the controversies surrounding the Borgia family,
the apartments are a reflection of the cultural richness
of the late 15th century,
showcasing both the glory of the papacy
and the artistic talent of that time.
The walls of the apartments are decorated
with beautiful frescoes by the artist Pinturicchio.
These paintings tell stories of faith and triumph,
with one of the most famous works, The Resurrection,
celebrating Christ's victory over death.
Another piece, The Virgin and Child,
shows a tender moment between Mary and baby Jesus.
These frescoes are not just incredible works of art,
they also tell the stories of the era's
spiritual and political world.
Number 12, The Shroud of Turin.
The Shroud of Turin is one of the most mysterious
and talked about relics in Christian history.
Many believe this linen cloth
was the burial shroud of Jesus Christ,
as it bears a faint image of a man
who shows signs of being crucified.
For centuries, this relic has sparked
both devotion and curiosity.
Its first recorded appearance
was in France in the 14th century,
but its true origins are still unknown.
Some think the shroud was brought to Europe
by the crusaders, while others believe
it might have been created much later.
Regardless, the image on the shroud,
complete with bloodstains and marks from crucifixion,
has convinced many that it is
the actual burial cloth of Christ.
In 1988, radiocarbon dating tests
were done on the shroud, and the results suggested
that it was created between 1260 and 1390 CE,
which would make it a medieval artifact
rather than an ancient one.
However, not everyone agrees with these findings.
Some critics believe that the sample tested
came from a patched up part of the cloth,
not the original fabric.
There are many theories
about how the image was created,
with some suggesting natural processes
like heat or light,
while others point to microbial activity.
Despite years of research and debate,
the shroud's origins remain a mystery.
Number 13.
The body of St. Catherine of Siena.
In the Basilica di San Domenico in Siena, Italy,
you'll find the remains of one
of the Catholic Church's most important saints,
St. Catherine of Siena.
She was a mystic, a reformer,
and is considered a doctor of the Church.
Her influence during the 14th century was immense,
both in religious and political circles.
Today, her body rests in this basilica,
and people from all over the world
come to honor her memory.
After she died in 1380,
something amazing happened.
When her body was exhumed 50 years later,
it was found to be
in a remarkably well-preserved state.
This miraculous discovery
only increased the devotion to her.
Parts of her body,
like her finger and head,
are displayed in a special chapel
inside the basilica.
Pilgrims visit to connect with these relics,
hoping to feel a deeper spiritual bond with the saint.
Every year on April 29th,
which is her feast day,
the basilica becomes a center
of celebration and prayer.
Number 14.
The Holy Grail, Spain.
The Holy Grail is one of the most legendary
and sought-after relics in history,
believed to be the cup used by Jesus Christ.
During the Last Supper,
the grail has fascinated people for centuries.
While the grail has appeared in many myths and stories,
there's a chalice in Valencia Cathedral
that some believe could be the real thing.
This ancient cup, made from agate
and sitting on a gold base,
has been a focus of devotion for a long time.
Its connection to Christ and the Last Supper
makes this chalice incredibly important to Christians.
Even though historians argue about how old it is,
some think it could date back to the 4th or 5th century,
the cup's spiritual significance is what matters most.
In the 15th century,
people started referring to this chalice as the Holy Grail,
and since then,
it has become a powerful symbol of divine grace.
Every year, on the first Sunday of October,
the Feast of the Holy Grail takes place in Valencia,
attracting both believers and the curious.
Whether it's the actual relic from the Last Supper
or just a symbol of something greater,
the Holy Grail in Valencia holds a special place
in both religious devotion and cultural legend,
representing the connection
between the human and the divine.
Number 15.
The Caves of Qumran.
The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
In the Qumran caves
is one of the biggest archaeological finds
of the 20th century.
These caves are near the Dead Sea
in what's now the West Bank,
and the scrolls inside them
date back to between the 3rd century BCE
and the 1st century CE.
In 1947,
a Bedouin shepherd found the first scrolls by accident,
changing how we understand early Jewish life
and the beginnings of Christianity.
Over the next 10 years,
more scrolls were found in 11 different caves.
It's believed that a Jewish group called the Essenes
wrote these scrolls.
The Essenes lived far from others,
focusing on religious purity.
Their writings give us a glimpse
into their beliefs, traditions,
and their view of the world ending soon.
The scrolls include parts of the Hebrew Bible,
commentary on scriptures,
and rules on how they lived together.
Experts from all over,
including scholars from the Vatican,
worked to translate and preserve these texts.
At first,
only a few people were allowed to study the scrolls,
but eventually,
they were made available to more scholars.
The study of these scrolls
has changed modern biblical research,
giving us a deeper understanding of religious life
during a very important time in history.
Number 16.
The Stone of Anointing.
Inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem
is a special stone called the Stone of Anointing.
For millions of Christians,
this stone is incredibly important.
According to tradition,
it's the spot where Jesus Christ's body was laid
and prepared for burial after his crucifixion.
Also called the Stone of Unction,
it represents Christ's suffering,
death,
and resurrection,
key events that form the foundation of Christianity.
The stone you see today
was placed in the church
during a major restoration in 1810,
but it's believed to sit where the original stone once was.
When people visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre,
they often kneel before the Stone of Anointing.
They anoint it with oils
and say prayers in deep respect.
For many,
touching the stone
makes them feel closely connected to the events
surrounding Jesus's death.
Located at the entrance of one of Christianity's holiest sites,
the Stone of Anointing continues to attract visitors
from around the world.
For those who travel to Jerusalem,
standing before the stone
brings a sense of wonder and spiritual reflection,
tying them to the legacy of Christ's sacrifice.
Number 17.
The St. Martin's Cathedral Altar.
In the center of Bratislava, Slovakia,
stands St. Martin's Cathedral,
a building rich with history and tradition.
Built in the 13th century,
this grand Gothic church
has seen centuries of change.
It was even the coronation church
for 11 kings and queens of the Kingdom of Hungary,
including Empress Maria Theresa.
At the heart of the cathedral is the altar,
an impressive piece of art.
Made in the Gothic style,
it has beautiful wood carvings
and a tall reredos behind it,
which is like a decorative screen.
The altar is filled with religious symbols
and stories that capture the attention
and hearts of those who see it.
Gothic altars were meant to impress,
and this one does just that
with its detailed craftsmanship.
Number 18.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem
lies the Chapel of the Holy Cross,
one of the most sacred places for Christians.
Tradition says that this is where
Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine,
found the true cross,
the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.
The church, built in the 4th century CE
by Emperor Constantine,
honors the events of Christ's crucifixion,
burial, and resurrection.
When Saint Helena traveled to Jerusalem
looking for Christian relics,
she discovered the true cross,
which was a huge moment in Christian history.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross
now stands as a reminder of this discovery,
symbolizing the lasting power of faith
and the importance of the cross in Christianity.
Number 19.
The Relics of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.
The relics of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux,
a very loved Catholic saint,
are important to many people around the world.
Also called Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus
and the Holy Face,
she lived a simple life as a Carmelite nun.
Her deep faith and devotion
made her one of the most respected saints
in the Catholic Church.
After she became a saint,
the Basilica of Saint Thérèse
was built in Lisieux, France,
to keep her relics.
These relics, which include parts of her bones,
have traveled around the world
so people from many countries can honor them.
The journey of her relics
reminds people of her simple
but powerful message of love and trust in God,
often called her Little Way.
Number 20.
The Pilgrimage Church of Vise.
Hidden in the Bavarian Alps
is the Pilgrimage Church of Vise,
also known as Vise Kirche.
Built in the 18th century,
this beautiful church is known
not just for its amazing art and design,
but also for a miracle
that is said to have happened there.
According to local stories,
a wooden statue of the scourged Savior
showing Christ after his suffering
started to cry.
This miracle brought many people
to the small village of Vise,
hoping to be healed.
The original chapel was too small
for the growing number of visitors,
so a bigger church was built.
When you enter the Pilgrimage Church of Vise,
you are greeted by bright colors,
detailed stucco decorations,
and incredible frescoes.
The gold and white interior
gives a feeling of heavenly beauty,
making it a place
where art and faith come together.
Today, people still visit Vise Kirche
to pray for healing
and reflect on the miracle
of the crying statue.
This church remains a special place
for both art lovers
and those looking
for a deeper spiritual experience.
Number 21.
The Altarpiece of Ghent.
The Ghent Altarpiece,
also called the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,
is one of the greatest works
of Western art.
It was finished in 1432
by two brothers,
Hubert and Jan van Eyck,
and is displayed
in St. Babo's Cathedral
in Ghent, Belgium.
Known for its incredible detail,
lifelike images,
and deep religious meanings,
it has amazed people for centuries.
The altarpiece was ordered
by a rich merchant
named Jodokas Veed
and his wife, Elizabeth Borloot.
It has 12 panels
and can be opened and closed.
When closed,
it shows the archangel Gabriel
telling the Virgin Mary
that she will give birth to Jesus.
But when it's opened,
you see the main scene,
the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,
which represents Jesus
and his sacrifice for humanity.
The van Eyck brothers
used new painting techniques
that made the figures and details
look incredibly real.
The colors are vibrant,
the textures are detailed,
and the religious story it tells
makes it one of the most admired
and studied pieces of Christian art.
Number 22.
The Dogmatic Sarcophagus.
The Dogmatic Sarcophagus,
kept in the Vatican museums,
is an important example
of early Christian art and beliefs.
Carved from marble
in the mid-4th century CE,
it was likely made
for a wealthy Christian family,
and is covered in beautiful carvings
that show key ideas
of the Christian faith,
which is why it's called dogmatic.
The front of the sarcophagus
has two rows of carved biblical scenes.
One of the main scenes
is the creation of Adam and Eve,
showing God's role as the creator.
This ties in to Christian teachings
about Jesus being the new Adam,
meaning he brings a new chance
for humanity's salvation.
The Dogmatic Sarcophagus
gives us a look
into how early Christians used art
to show their beliefs,
mixing stories from the Bible
with important ideas
about creation and salvation.
It's an important piece
for understanding
the early development
of Christian art and theology.
Number 23.
Centuries-Old Tombs.
In the centre of London,
under the floor of an old medieval church,
archaeologists have made
an exciting discovery.
Centuries-Old Tombs.
These tombs are believed to belong
to important people
from medieval times,
such as church leaders
and local nobility.
The fact that they were buried
under the church floor
shows how respected they were
in the community,
as the church was central
to both spiritual and social life
during that time.
What makes this discovery
even more interesting
is the detailed stonework
and inscriptions on the tombs.
The beautiful carvings and designs
on the coffins
show how much care was taken
in remembering and honouring the dead.
Number 24.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
In the busy city of Thiruvananthapuram
in Kerala, India,
the Padmanabhaswamy Temple
is known for its beauty,
wealth and deep sense of mystery.
Built in the 16th century,
this temple is dedicated
to Lord Vishnu
and is famous for its grand architecture,
detailed carvings and tall towers.
However,
what truly catches people's attention
are the hidden doors inside the temple,
doors that are believed to guard
vast treasures and sacred items.
The biggest mystery of the temple
lies in these sealed chambers,
especially one door said
to lead to the royal treasury
called the Kottaram.
Even though there have been attempts
to open these doors,
many remain locked,
protected by strong local beliefs.
Some say that opening them
could release unknown forces,
adding to the temple's magical
and mysterious feel.
In 2014,
after a court ruling,
an inventory of the temple's wealth
was ordered.
Many treasures,
like gold,
jewels and ancient artifacts,
were found,
but some of the hidden doors
were never opened.
The mystery of what could still be inside
these secret chambers
continues to spark curiosity,
leaving us to wonder
what other treasures
or ancient secrets
might still be waiting
behind those doors.
Number 25
St. Peter's Bone Fragments
A recent discovery in a Roman church
has created a lot of excitement
and discussion.
Archaeologists believe
they may have found
bone fragments of St. Peter,
one of the most important figures
in Christianity.
Peter was a fisherman from Galilee
who became one of Jesus'
closest disciples.
According to the New Testament,
Jesus chose Peter
to lead the early Christian movement.
If these remains truly belong to Peter,
it would be a huge discovery.
The bones were found
during an excavation at a church
that may have strong ties
to the early days of Christianity.
This church could have been a place
where Peter's followers once gathered.
Scientists will need to use methods
like radiocarbon dating
to check how old the bones are
and to see if they really could belong
to Peter.
If these revelations blew your mind,
just imagine
what else could be hidden
beneath the Vatican.
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