Behind Locked Doors: Delving into the Intriguing World of the Vatican Archives
The Vatican Library is a treasure trove of history, boasting an extensive collection of 180,000 manuscripts in Latin, Greek, Syriac, and Arabic. Additionally, it houses 1,600,000 books spanning various fields of knowledge and science. Established in 1451 AD by Pope Nicholas V, the library, known as the "Bibliotheca Apostolica Vaticana," initially held 1,160 books, including 400 in Greek. It started with just a reading room. However, under the patronage of Pope Sixtus IV between 1471 and 1484 AD, the library underwent significant expansion. Financial support from the pope allowed for the construction of four additional halls. Over time, the library's collections and resources expanded, leading Sixtus V to make the decision to renovate and relocate it to a new headquarters between 1585 and 1590.
During the 18th century, the Vatican Library underwent a significant transformation known as the "focal transformation." This involved the addition of a new section dedicated to unique collections of ancient artifacts and masterpieces. In 1738, a department specializing in coins was established with the acquisition of a remarkable collection of Greek and Roman coins and medals amassed by Alessandro Albani. Today, it stands as the second largest collection of its kind globally. Additionally, in 1757, the Sacro Museum of Sacred Objects was established, further enriching the Vatican Library's diverse offerings.
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