Swiss Guard at the Vatican City
The Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, nestled within the city Rome. It is famous for its many historical and beautiful attractions, such as the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica, as well as the Vatican Museums. It is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and is well-known for the Swiss Guards in full uniform guarding Vatican City.
History
The birth of the Vatican City began from the conflicts of the Papal States and the Kingdom of Italy. The papal states run by the Popes, controlled Rome, but after The Kingdom of Italy took over, the Pope to hide within the Vatican walls. This resulted in the next 59 years of the Popes refusing to leave Vatican City, refusing to acknowledge the Kingdom of Italy as a country as well as grumbling on how they were confined within the Vatican Walls by the Kingdom of Italy. Finally, in 1929, the Prime Minister of Italy proposed an agreement. The agreement to make Vatican City its own country, controlled by the Pope, neutral to any political issues.
Why the Swiss?
Swiss Guard are a soldier that are have served as guards for multiple European countries since the 15th century. The Swiss banning of foreign military occurred in 1874, except for the Pontifical Swiss Guards. This was due to the alliance between the Swiss and the holy roman empire, resulting in the Pope to have its own personal army. Comprising around 134 soldiers, it is the smallest army in the entire world.
Their Style
There are strict rules for soldiers to be excepted into the Pontifical Swiss army. Needing to be a single male aged between 19 to 30, who is both a Catholic with a Swiss citizenship. Even their stature is assessed, the minimum height being at least 174cm. What really grabs your attention in these soldiers are their uniforms. Brightly stripped clothes and shoes, colours of orange, red, blue and white. Their black helmets covered with fluffy red mohawks. The uniform represents the traditional renaissance period. Soldiers using weapons from that era as well, including swords or halberds.
Where to see them
You can see them on your visit to Rome! Simply visit any of the Vatican entrances, day or night, and you will be able to see these brightly dressed soldiers. They are also placed throughout the area on public events such as the Holy Mass. If you happen to be in the area in May, it’s well worth a trip to see the soldiers swearing in a new member.
View our range of Vatican City Tours here: https://www.vaticancitytours.it/
