{"id":25314,"date":"2026-04-02T10:27:02","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T09:27:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/?p=25314"},"modified":"2026-05-05T17:41:18","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T16:41:18","slug":"why-does-the-vatican-have-swiss-guards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/why-does-the-vatican-have-swiss-guards","title":{"rendered":"Why Does The Vatican Have Swiss Guards? Discover The Fascinating Truth"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite being the smallest state in the world, Vatican City is anything but insignificant. In fact, it even has its own army. Among its most recognizable figures are the Swiss Guard, the soldiers responsible for protecting the Pope. Composed exclusively of Swiss nationals, they have been safeguarding the Vatican for over 500 years, making them the longest-standing army in the world.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But you might be asking yourself, why<\/span> does the Vatican have <i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swiss<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Guards? What are the Vatican Guards called officially? And what do they do today?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These questions often come up when visiting or learning about the Vatican, since the story behind their presence isn\u2019t always widely known. Read on to discover who the Swiss Guards are and why they are still so important to the Vatican in modern day.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_15675\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15675\" class=\"wp-image-15675 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/St-Peters-Square-Vatican-City.jpg\" alt=\"Enjoy the view more than 425 feet high\u00a0from\u00a0the Basilica's massive dome.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"575\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-15675\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">One of the best views of The Vatican is form the dome of St. Peter\u00b4s Basilica<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/why-does-the-vatican-have-swiss-guards\/#Who_Guards_the_Vatican\" >Who Guards the Vatican?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/why-does-the-vatican-have-swiss-guards\/#Why_does_the_Vatican_have_Swiss_Guards\" >Why does the Vatican have Swiss Guards?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/why-does-the-vatican-have-swiss-guards\/#What_do_the_Swiss_Guards_Actually_Do_Today\" >What do the Swiss Guards Actually Do Today?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/why-does-the-vatican-have-swiss-guards\/#How_Are_the_Swiss_Guards_Recruited\" >How Are the Swiss Guards Recruited?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/why-does-the-vatican-have-swiss-guards\/#Whats_With_the_Uniforms\" >What\u2019s With the Uniforms?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/why-does-the-vatican-have-swiss-guards\/#Why_Does_the_Vatican_Have_Swiss_Guards_Today\" >Why Does the Vatican Have Swiss Guards Today?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/why-does-the-vatican-have-swiss-guards\/#FAQs_%E2%80%93_Why_Does_The_Vatican_Have_Swiss_Guards\" >FAQs &#8211; Why Does The Vatican Have Swiss Guards?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/why-does-the-vatican-have-swiss-guards\/#What_Can_I_Expect_to_Visit_on_a_Vatican_Tour\" >What Can I Expect to Visit on a Vatican Tour?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/why-does-the-vatican-have-swiss-guards\/#Are_Private_Tours_Available\" >Are Private Tours Available?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/why-does-the-vatican-have-swiss-guards\/#Will_I_See_the_Swiss_Guards_During_My_Tour\" >Will I See the Swiss Guards During My Tour?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Guards_the_Vatican\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who Guards the Vatican?\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Vatican\u2019s security system is more complex than it first appears. One of the more surprising <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/facts-about-vatican-city\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fun facts about Vatican City<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is that, despite its tiny size, it maintains both a military unit and a separate police force.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To break it down, the Swiss Guards (officially known as the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pontifical Swiss Guard)<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are the body that is responsible for protecting the Pope and key areas of Vatican City. The military force of Vatican City is dedicated exclusively to the security of the Pope and his residence, functioning sort of like an exclusive bodyguard.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Corps of Gendarmerie of Vatican City State, on the other hand, handles law enforcement, border control, and general security within the city-state, ensuring that visitors exploring sites like the Sistine Chapel or the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/the-vatican-museums\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vatican Museums<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are safe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While their roles are distinct, the two forces work closely together and complement each other as part of a coordinated security system.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_25320\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-25320\" class=\"wp-image-25320 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/csm_Vereidigung_von_vorne_87491aac42.jpg\" alt=\"Why does the Vatican have Swiss guards? a group of swiss guards in traditional red yellow and blue uniform with silver armour and plumed helmets\" width=\"1920\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/csm_Vereidigung_von_vorne_87491aac42.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/csm_Vereidigung_von_vorne_87491aac42-768x307.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/csm_Vereidigung_von_vorne_87491aac42-1536x614.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-25320\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo credit: www.schweizergarde.ch<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_the_Vatican_have_Swiss_Guards\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why does the Vatican have Swiss Guards?\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, why do Swiss Guards guard the Vatican in the first place?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The answer goes back to the early 16th century, when Swiss soldiers were considered among the most reliable and highly trained mercenaries in Europe. Their reputation for discipline and dedication made them a natural choice for Pope Julius II, who established the Swiss Guard in 1506 as his personal protection force.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their loyalty was proven during the Sack of Rome in 1527, when Swiss Guards defended Pope Clement VII against invading troops, one hundred and forty-seven of whom lost their lives in the process, cementing their reputation for centuries to come.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, to address the question of why Swiss Guards protect the Vatican, a key reason lies in a long tradition of trust; they do so not only for practical security purposes, but as part of a centuries-old legacy that continues to this day.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_25321\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-25321\" class=\"wp-image-25321 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/csm_03690_06052018_3f4d20cbd5.jpg\" alt=\"A member of the swiss guard in a black beret and red white and blue uniform salutes to a troop who also wear ruffles neck collar and silver armoured helmet with red feather plumes\" width=\"1920\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/csm_03690_06052018_3f4d20cbd5.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/csm_03690_06052018_3f4d20cbd5-768x307.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/csm_03690_06052018_3f4d20cbd5-1536x614.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-25321\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo credit: www.schweizergarde.ch<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_do_the_Swiss_Guards_Actually_Do_Today\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What do the Swiss Guards Actually Do Today?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>If you are wondering why the Swiss Guards still guard the Vatican in modern times, you are in the right place.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the role of the Swiss Guard is rooted in history, they also have important responsibilities in the present day. This includes operating as a trained, modern security force dedicated to keeping both the Pope and the Vatican safe.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you plan on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/the-sistine-chapel-in-the-vatican-museums\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">visiting the Sistine Chapel<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and other famous spots around Vatican City, you\u2019ll spot the Pontifical Swiss Guard stationed at key points like St. Peter\u2019s Basilica. While their primary duty is, of course, to protect the Pope, they have additional official responsibilities, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To accompany the Supreme Pontiff on Apostolic journeys<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To guard the access to the Vatican City State<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To protect the College of Cardinals during the Vacant See<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To perform other services of order and honor<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Swiss Guard also serves in Papal Chapels, ceremonies, and official audiences, receiving orders from the Prefect of the Papal Household. During key moments such as a papal transition, they help safeguard the process, including protecting the College of Cardinals during a conclave.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><b><i>Insider Tip:<\/i><\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/vatican-tours\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vatican Tours<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you\u2019ll also have the chance to see the Swiss Guards up close and take photos of them on duty.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"attachment_25322\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-25322\" class=\"wp-image-25322 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/csm_Foto_1_78c88f15bf.jpg\" alt=\"a member of the Swiss guard stand in a corridor of the one of the official buildings he serves and protects \" width=\"1920\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/csm_Foto_1_78c88f15bf.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/csm_Foto_1_78c88f15bf-768x307.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/csm_Foto_1_78c88f15bf-1536x614.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-25322\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo credit: www.schweizergarde.ch<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Are_the_Swiss_Guards_Recruited\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Are the Swiss Guards Recruited?\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/schweizergarde.ch\/paepstliche-schweizergarde\/en\/become-a-swissguard\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Joining the Pontifical Swiss Guard<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a highly selective process. Candidates apply through a formal application that includes background checks and a recommendation from their local parish, reflecting the importance placed on personal discipline and commitment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To be eligible, recruits must:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be Swiss citizens<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be male and Catholic<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be unmarried at the time of entry (with specific conditions for marriage during service)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be between 19 and 30 years old<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be at least 1.74 m tall<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have completed military training in Switzerland<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have a clean criminal record<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guards must also be fluent in German since that\u2019s the official working language of the Vatican Guards \u2013though they also generally speak Italian and multiple other languages to interact with visitors from around the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_25318\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-25318\" class=\"wp-image-25318 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/csm_09718_06052017_18fd65c7a1.jpg\" alt=\"approximately 30 members of the Swiss Guard in full uniform marching in line\" width=\"1920\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/csm_09718_06052017_18fd65c7a1.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/csm_09718_06052017_18fd65c7a1-768x307.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/csm_09718_06052017_18fd65c7a1-1536x614.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-25318\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo credit: www.schweizergarde.ch<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_With_the_Uniforms\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s With the Uniforms?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/petersuciu\/2025\/10\/02\/swiss-guard-debuted-new-formal-uniform-while-keeping-renaissance-era-attire\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Swiss Guard\u2019s colorful uniforms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are one of their emblematic features. Designed in a Renaissance style, the blue, red, and yellow outfits (known as gala uniforms) are often incorrectly attributed to Michelangelo, but they actually date to the early 20th century, inspired by the historical colors of the Medici family.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the gala uniform is the most famous and recognizable, the Swiss Guard also wears several other distinct outfits, each designed for specific duties, from daily service and training to ceremonial occasions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As part of their official equipment, the Swiss guards also carry weapons, with the halberd being their traditional tool. The guards are also trained to use modern-day arms, including stun guns, which were <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/article\/2024\/may\/05\/vatican-swiss-guards-ready-to-sacrifice-lives-pope\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">introduced in 1981.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_25323\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-25323\" class=\"wp-image-25323 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/csm_04689_06052017_2960d65ba7.jpg\" alt=\"A close up of the head and shoulders of a Swiss guard stood in line with his colleagues\" width=\"1920\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/csm_04689_06052017_2960d65ba7.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/csm_04689_06052017_2960d65ba7-768x307.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/csm_04689_06052017_2960d65ba7-1536x614.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-25323\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo credit: www.schweizergarde.ch<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Does_the_Vatican_Have_Swiss_Guards_Today\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Does the Vatican Have Swiss Guards Today?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To sum up, it\u2019s a combination of history, trust, and practicality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What began in 1506 as a small group of elite mercenaries has evolved into one of the most unique security forces in the world. Today, the Pontifical Swiss Guard continues to protect the Pope and Vatican City, both because of tradition, while also functioning as an active modern security unit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And while their eye-catching uniforms may be the first thing you notice, it\u2019s their history and ongoing role that make them such an essential part of the Vatican experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Want to see them up close? <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/vatican-tours\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vatican tours<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you\u2019ll have the chance to spot the Swiss Guard in action, learn more about their story, and capture some of the most iconic photos of your visit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_19073\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19073\" class=\"wp-image-19073 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Walks_Vatican-After-Hours-WEB-0001resize.jpg\" alt=\"Inside the Vatican\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Walks_Vatican-After-Hours-WEB-0001resize.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Walks_Vatican-After-Hours-WEB-0001resize-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-19073\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Vatican Museums house an extensive collection of art and artifacts amassed by the Catholic Church over centuries.<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_%E2%80%93_Why_Does_The_Vatican_Have_Swiss_Guards\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs &#8211; Why Does The Vatican Have Swiss Guards?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_I_Expect_to_Visit_on_a_Vatican_Tour\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Can I Expect to Visit on a Vatican Tour?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All of our tours are designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the Vatican and its historic, religious and artistic importance. While each tour offers its own itinerary, most tend to include highlights like St. Peter\u2019s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and key sections of the Vatican Museums.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can check our full offering of<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/vatican-tours\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tours at the Vatican<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Private_Tours_Available\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are Private Tours Available?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes! Our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/vatican-tours\/private-vatican-tour\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Private Vatican Tour<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a great option if you\u2019re looking for a more personalized and flexible experience. With one of our expert guides, you\u2019ll be able to explore Vatican City at your own pace and focus on what interests you most \u2013whether that\u2019s lingering over Raphael\u2019s frescoes, admiring Michelangelo\u2019s Piet\u00e0, or taking in St. Peter\u2019s Dome.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Will_I_See_the_Swiss_Guards_During_My_Tour\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Will I See the Swiss Guards During My Tour?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most of our tours pass through the areas where the Swiss Guards are stationed, so there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ll catch them in action. Your expert guide will likely explain why the Swiss guard the Vatican, along with other interesting context that brings this historical site to life.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_12036\" style=\"width: 1730px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12036\" class=\"wp-image-12036 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/The-Vatican-Museums-on-the-Pristine-Sistine-with-Walks-e1570718965854.jpg\" alt=\"A tour group with a guide, stand in awe, looking at the ornate painted walls of one of the rooms you visit on the Vatican Tour\" width=\"1720\" height=\"1145\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/The-Vatican-Museums-on-the-Pristine-Sistine-with-Walks-e1570718965854.jpg 1720w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/The-Vatican-Museums-on-the-Pristine-Sistine-with-Walks-e1570718965854-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/The-Vatican-Museums-on-the-Pristine-Sistine-with-Walks-e1570718965854-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1720px) 100vw, 1720px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-12036\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A guided tour will bring the abundance of artifacts to life with stories and historical significance.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check out <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/vatican-tours\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">our complete list of Vatican Tours<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with Walks of Italy and explore the smallest country in the world with professional guides, skip-the-line access, and exclusive insights that you won\u2019t find on your own.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Despite being the smallest state in the world, Vatican City is anything but insignificant. In fact, it even has its own army. Among its most recognizable figures are the Swiss Guard, the soldiers responsible for protecting the Pope. Composed exclusively of Swiss nationals, they have been safeguarding the Vatican for over 500 years, making them [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":103,"featured_media":25318,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[149],"tags":[326,325,324],"ppma_author":[295],"class_list":["post-25314","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-attractions","tag-art-culture","tag-the-sistine-chapel","tag-the-vatican-museum"],"authors":[{"term_id":295,"user_id":103,"is_guest":0,"slug":"vera-armus","display_name":"Vera Armus","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/V.-Armus-Picture-300-px.png","url2x":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/V.-Armus-Picture-300-px.png"},"user_url":"https:\/\/vera-armus.journoportfolio.com,%20https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/mordisco.monster","last_name":"Armus","first_name":"Vera","job_title":"","description":"Vera is a freelance writer\/guide who is passionate about food history, culture and immigrant-driven cuisine. Her work has appeared in publications such as Gastro Obscura and Eater. As a proud Argentine-NYer living in Barcelona, she holds a deep love for empanadas, 99 cent pizza, and turr\u00f3n. "}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25314"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/103"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25314"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25314\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25342,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25314\/revisions\/25342"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25318"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25314"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25314"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25314"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=25314"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}