Discovering the Hidden Secrets of Giant Inscriptions

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As you dive into the adventures of the Vatican in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, you will encounter an intriguing optional side quest known as "The Secret of Giants." This quest involves searching for a series of hidden inscriptions scattered throughout the city. It’s part of a larger set of Fieldwork side quests in the Vatican that complement the main storyline. These quests often delve into historical details that enrich the narrative, and in this case, "The Secret of Giants" helps unravel the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Father Crescenzo.

Finding the Inscriptions

There are ten inscriptions to uncover in "The Secret of Giants," each located throughout the Vatican, often cleverly concealed. While many can be discovered during your exploration as soon as you have free roam, others necessitate the completion of specific main quests or side tasks beforehand. To begin this quest, you will need to progress far enough through the main storyline to unlock it.

How to Start "The Secret of Giants" Quest

Your adventure begins during the main quest titled "The Stolen Cat Mummy," when you first arrive at the Vatican. There, you will embark on an exploration of underground ruins alongside Father Antonio. This section is mostly straightforward—just follow the path down, swim through the grotto, and use your whip to open the door. Inside, Antonio discovers the skeletal remains of Father Crescenzo, along with his journal that reveals his obsession with the strange inscriptions hidden throughout the Vatican. You can’t miss this step, so continue with the main quest until you reach this point.

Completing this portion of the storyline also unlocks another Fieldwork quest called "The Mad Priest." You can speak to Sister Catherine at the Sistine Chapel to initiate this quest.

Antonio will then ask you, as part of the main quest, to return with photos of four inscriptions located around the city. This task is technically separate from "The Secret of Giants," but it is essential for unlocking it. Indy will mark their locations based on Father Crescenzo’s map, and you can set out to search for them.

Unlocking the Camera

First, you need to obtain a camera. Antonio requires photographic evidence of the inscriptions, and suggests that his contact at the Vatican Post Office can help. Head to the map marker to talk to Ernesto, who will offer to sell you a camera for 379 lire. If you can’t afford it right away, consider exploring the Blackshirt outposts and completing other side quests to gather enough money. Participating in the Vatican boxing ring can also earn you some extra cash. Once you have sufficient funds, return to Ernesto to buy the camera.

With your camera in hand, you’re ready to seek out the inscriptions. Though they can be challenging to locate, all inscriptions are marked on shield-shaped seals, so once you’ve found your first, identifying the rest will become easier. After locating four, return to Antonio to continue with the main quest and unlock "The Secret of Giants." To successfully complete the Fieldwork quest, you must find all ten inscriptions (and progress the main narrative a bit farther). From here, you can collect the inscriptions in any order.

How to Find All the Inscriptions

Inscription #1: Post Office Alley
- Located near the Post Office in a small alley; you must complete "A Savage Discovery" for access.
Inscription #2: Belvedere Courtyard Garden
- Head to the smaller garden area from the eastern side of the Belvedere Courtyard and find the inscription above a fountain.
Inscription #3: Belvedere Courtyard Fountain
- In the central area of the Belvedere Courtyard, look for an inscription on the northern side of the large central fountain.
Inscription #4: Fountain of Confession
- Visit the Fountain of Confession and head up the east stairs to find a smaller fountain with an inscription above.
Inscription #5: Excavation Site
- Located near the Apostolic Palace; you can bypass Blackshirts by opening a secret side entrance during "The Mad Priest" quest.
Inscription #6: Rooftops
- Access the upper floors of the Apostolic Palace and find the inscription by jumping onto the rooftops.
Inscription #7: Behind the Stage
- Look for a scaffold south of the giant Mussolini banner, climb it to reach the next inscription.
Inscription #8: Sewers
- Progress in "The Mad Priest" quest to unlock sewer access, where you’ll find the inscription after climbing upwards.
Inscription #9: Hidden Alcove
- Continue the main quest until you get through wooden double doors that lead you upstairs, then rappel down to find the inscription.
Inscription #10: Apostolic Library Courtyard
- Start "A Nun In Trouble" to access the Apostolic Library’s museum wing, then go to the courtyard to find the final inscription.

With all ten inscriptions collected, head back to Antonio’s office and interact with the poster board next to his desk to submit your photos. He will reward you with one of the Ancient Relics found in the Vatican, and you’ll also earn the achievement “The Path of Junia” for finishing "The Secret of Giants" in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.