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Vatican Bank (IOR)

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Vatican Bank (IOR) (Vatican)

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The Institute for the Works of Religion (Istituto per le Opere di Religione, abbreviated as IOR), commonly known as the Vatican Bank, is a private financial institution based in the Bastion of Nicholas V within Vatican City. It was founded in 1942 by Pope Pius XII to manage assets intended for religious or charitable purposes. The IOR is not a central bank; instead, it primarily manages accounts for religious orders, church institutions, and Vatican employees. In recent decades, the bank has undergone extensive reforms to meet international standards for transparency and anti-money laundering. The institute is supervised by a Commission of Cardinals and a Board of Superintendence consisting of financial experts. The bank's profits are regularly allocated to the Church's worldwide mission and the Pope's various charitable projects.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C781014182326262117128
Rain mm7377695657342626708211492

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Vatican Bank (IOR) is a private financial institution and is not open to the public. Only authorized personnel and clients may enter.
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Typical hours
As it is a bank, there are no public visiting hours. The building can be viewed from the outside at any time.
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Photography
Photography of the exterior facade is allowed. Photographing inside or of security areas is strictly prohibited.
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Time needed
A quick look from outside takes only a few minutes. Do not plan for a longer time as the interior is not accessible.
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Combine with
The building is located near St. Peter's Square and the Vatican Museums. A visit to these attractions can be easily combined.
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Getting there
The Vatican Bank is located within Vatican City, near the government building. It is a few minutes' walk from St. Peter's Square.
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Insider tip
Respect the security zone and do not attempt to enter the building. The best view of the bank is from Viale Vaticano.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90500, 12.45500

Facts

  • The IOR was officially established on June 27, 1942.
  • Its headquarters is located in a 15th-century bastion tower.
  • The bank employs approximately 100 staff members.
  • It manages assets worth several billion euros.
  • Customers must be clergy, religious orders, or Vatican staff.
  • The IOR has published annual financial reports since 2013.

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Sights in the town Vatican Bank (IOR) (10)

Vatican Museums🏛 museum

Museums of Vatican City, housing a vast collection of art and antiquities.

♿💶

Galleria degli Arazzi🏛 museum

Gallery of the Vatican Museums, known for its tapestries.

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Tower of the Winds🗼 tower

Tower in Vatican City, also known as the Gregorian Tower.

Galleria delle Carte Geografiche🏛 museum

Map-filled art museum in the Vatican, displaying historical maps.

Necropoli della Via Triumphalis

Ancient necropolis in Vatican City, located along the Via Triumphalis.

Belvedere Courtyard

Former Vatican courtyard, part of the Belvedere complex.

Punto panoramico di viale della Galea

Viewpoint on Viale della Galea, overlooking Vatican City.

Saint Peregrin's Church

Church in Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Peregrine.

Scala Elicoidale Giuseppe Momo

Double helix staircase in the Vatican, designed by Giuseppe Momo in 1932.

Apostolic Palace

Official residence of the Pope in Vatican City.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can I open an account there as a tourist?
No, accounts are reserved for clergy, religious orders, and Vatican employees.
What does the abbreviation IOR stand for?
IOR stands for 'Istituto per le Opere di Religione' (Institute for the Works of Religion).
Where is the building located?
The bank is headquartered in the Tower of Nicholas V within Vatican City.
Are there ATMs in the Vatican?
Yes, there are ATMs, and their menu interface is famously available in Latin.
When was the bank founded?
The institute was founded in its current form in 1942 by Pope Pius XII.
Vatican Bank (IOR): where is it located?
Vatican Bank (IOR) is located in Vatican City, Vatican.
Vatican Bank (IOR): what is there to see?
Highlights include Vatican Museums, Galleria degli Arazzi, Tower of the Winds.
Vatican Bank (IOR): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Vatican Bank (IOR): why is it worth visiting?
The Institute for the Works of Religion (Istituto per le Opere di Religione, abbreviated as IOR), commonly known as the Vatican Bank, is a private financial institution based in the Bastion of Nicholas V within Vatican City.
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History & landmarks

Vatican Library — Vatican Bank (IOR) (Vatican)
Vatican Library
One of the oldest libraries in the world with extremely valuable manuscripts.
Apostolic Palace — Vatican Bank (IOR) (Vatican)
Apostolic Palace
The official residence of the Pope in the Vatican.
Vatican Pharmacy — Vatican Bank (IOR) (Vatican)
Vatican Pharmacy
The most visited pharmacy in the world.
Belvedere Courtyard — Vatican Bank (IOR) (Vatican)
Belvedere Courtyard
An architecturally significant courtyard in the Vatican.
Swiss Guard Barracks — Vatican Bank (IOR) (Vatican)
Swiss Guard Barracks
The place where the smallest army in the world is stationed.
Vatican Museums — Vatican Bank (IOR) (Vatican)
Vatican Museums
One of the largest and most significant art museums in the world with priceless treasures.
Sistine Chapel — Vatican Bank (IOR) (Vatican)
Sistine Chapel
Famous for Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and the Last Judgment.
Pigna Courtyard — Vatican Bank (IOR) (Vatican)
Pigna Courtyard
Known for the huge bronze pine cone sculpture.