August 10, 2009. The halls of the Vatican Secret Archives and the famous Tower of the Winds can now be seen on computers around the world.

A virtual tour of the so-called “Pauline Chambers” is available online on the Vatican’s website. Until now few people knew about it because it had been reserved for scholars.

Now the Vatican Secret Archives, the study room, the Tower of the Winds and the Vatican Observatory can be visited at any time without having to travel to Saint Peter’s.

A camera in the center of the room allows online visitors to appreciate the frescoes and the magnificent decorations done by painters like Juan de Patmos and Bril, among others.

This isn’t the only virtual tour on the Vatican website. You can also tour the tomb of St. Peter and of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

These are places that until now have been reserved for a privileged few and are now just a click away.
BR