DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Bunker Access

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°10
Bunker Access (Vatican)

Weather…

The access to the Vatican bunker leads to a massive underground storage facility located beneath the Belvedere Courtyard, specifically designed for the Vatican Apostolic Archives. Completed in 1980 during the papacy of Pope John Paul II, this reinforced concrete bunker was built to address the increasing need for space and modern preservation standards. The facility spans two floors and contains over 85 kilometers of shelving, housing millions of historical documents, papal bulls, and diplomatic records spanning more than twelve centuries. The bunker is equipped with advanced climate control systems to maintain stable temperature and humidity levels, protecting fragile paper and parchment from decay. Access is highly restricted and granted only to qualified scholars and authorized archival staff under strict supervision. This modern feat of engineering ensures the long-term survival of one of the world's most important collections of primary historical sources.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C781014182326262117128
Rain mm7377695657342626708211492

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The bunker access is a secured entry point within the Vatican walls, not open to tourists. It leads to underground service corridors used by staff for logistical and security tasks - you cannot visit inside.
🕒
Typical hours
There are no public visiting hours whatsoever. The area operates 24/7 for authorized personnel only, with strict access control at all times.
📷
Photography
Photography is strictly forbidden near the access point due to security protocols. Even the exterior is considered sensitive, do not take pictures of the door or guards.
⏱️
Time needed
No time can be allocated for a visit since it is completely inaccessible to the public. If you walk past on the outside street, you might spend 30 seconds glancing at the entrance.
➕
Combine with
Combine a walk around the Vatican walls with visits to St. Peter's and the Museums. The bunker itself is not an attraction but you can see the fortified perimeter nearby.
🧭
Getting there
Located along the Vatican walls, the precise entrance is not marked for tourists. You can approach via the street around St. Peter's Square, but cannot enter.
💡
Insider tip
A practical tip: do not waste time searching for the bunker; focus on the many accessible Vatican treasures instead. The area is under surveillance, so behave discreetly.

Geography

Population
829 (2026)
Coordinates
41.90380, 12.45320

Facts

  • The bunker was officially inaugurated in 1980 by Pope John Paul II.
  • It is located deep underground beneath the Belvedere Courtyard.
  • The facility contains roughly 85 kilometers (53 miles) of linear shelving.
  • The reinforced concrete walls are designed to withstand fires and humidity.
  • Electronic systems maintain a steady temperature of 18°C (64°F) for preservation.
  • It stores millions of documents, including records from the 8th century onwards.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Casina Pio IV GardenCasina Pio IV Garden<1 km · WExplore →
Palazzo SpadaPalazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →
Medaglie d'OroMedaglie d'Oro2 km · NWExplore →
FlaminioFlaminio3 km · NEExplore →
Porta PiaPorta Pia3 km · EExplore →
GianicolenseGianicolense4 km · SExplore →
Val CannutaVal Cannuta4 km · WExplore →
ColosseumColosseum4 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Bunker Access (10)

Pius IV House

Seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, a historic building in the Vatican.

Galleria delle Carte Geografiche🏛 museum

Museum in the Vatican, displaying a collection of 16th-century maps.

💶

Raphael Rooms🏛 museum

Suite of reception rooms in the Palace of the Vatican, painted by Raphael and his workshop between 1509 and 1524.

💶

Belvedere Courtyard

Former Vatican courtyard, now part of the Vatican Museums.

Sistine Chapel

Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, Vatican City, world-famous for Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes.

Galleria degli Arazzi🏛 museum

Museum in the Vatican, exhibiting a collection of tapestries.

Tower of the Winds🗼 tower

Tower in Vatican City, a 16th-century observatory.

Dome of Saint Peter

Viewpoint atop the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, offering a wide view over Rome.

Cupola di San Pietro

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, designed by Michelangelo, a landmark of Rome.

Pauline Chapel

Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, Vatican City, famous for Michelangelo's frescoes.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is meant by bunker access?
It is the access to the Vatican Apostolic Archive.
Is the archive really 'secret'?
The name 'Secretum' means private; today it is open to researchers.
Can tourists enter?
No, only scholars with special accreditation.
Where is the entrance located?
Behind the Belvedere Courtyard, highly secured.
What documents are stored there?
Centuries-old papal correspondence and state documents.
Bunker Access: where is it located?
Bunker Access is located in Vatican.
Bunker Access: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pius IV House, Galleria delle Carte Geografiche, Raphael Rooms.
Bunker Access: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Bunker Access: why is it worth visiting?
The access to the Vatican bunker leads to a massive underground storage facility located beneath the Belvedere Courtyard, specifically designed for the Vatican Apostolic Archives.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Vatican →

History & landmarks

Fountain of the Galley — Bunker Access (Vatican)
Fountain of the Galley
A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.
Typography Street — Bunker Access (Vatican)
Typography Street
The central street of the Vatican's publishing district, home to the printing presses and editorial offices of official media.
Vatican Fire Station — Bunker Access (Vatican)
Vatican Fire Station
The headquarters of the Vatican Fire Brigade, responsible for fire protection and safety services throughout the entire enclave.
Observatory Crest — Bunker Access (Vatican)
Observatory Crest
An elevated point in the north of the Vatican Gardens where astronomical observations formerly took place.
Casina Pio IV Plateau — Bunker Access (Vatican)
Casina Pio IV Plateau
A flat, landscaped plain on which the Casina Pio IV is located.
Sala Rotonda — Bunker Access (Vatican)
Sala Rotonda
This circular hall was designed at the end of the 18th century by Michelangelo Simonetti modeled after the Pantheon.

More places

Palace of Leo XIII — Bunker Access (Vatican)
Palace of Leo XIII
This elegant building in the Vatican Gardens was designed as a summer residence for Pope Leo XIII.
Gallery of Maps — Bunker Access (Vatican)
Gallery of Maps
A 120-meter long corridor painted with 16th-century topographical maps of Italy.
Storage Annex — Bunker Access (Vatican)
Storage Annex
A functional building used for the storage of operational materials.
San Damaso Courtyard — Bunker Access (Vatican)
San Damaso Courtyard
The primary courtyard of the Apostolic Palace, where the Holy See's protocol receives visiting heads of state and diplomatic missions.
St. Peter&#39;s Dome — Bunker Access (Vatican)
St. Peter's Dome
The most distinctive feature of Rome's skyline, designed by Michelangelo.
St. Peter&#39;s Basilica — Bunker Access (Vatican)
St. Peter's Basilica
The world's largest church, built over the burial site of St.
Palace of Gregory XIII — Bunker Access (Vatican)
Palace of Gregory XIII
This part of the Apostolic Palace surrounds the San Damaso Courtyard.
Governatorato Palace — Bunker Access (Vatican)
Governatorato Palace
The administrative center of Vatican City, housing the government of the state.