The Papal Swiss guard, Vatican City

/

The Papal Swiss Guard.

When I visited the Vatican City for the first time I couldn’t stop looking at the uniforms that the Papal Swiss Guards were wearing. The uniforms are very colourful, unusual and almost Renaissance-inspired looking. It is said that the Pope asked Michelangelo to design the uniforms and since then it hasn’t been changed.

Swiss Guard Uniform,Papal Swiss Guards,Vatican City Guards,Vatican City
Swiss Papal Guards

Friendly guards but do not underestimate them.

The guards are normally very friendly looking and I am sure they will gladly pose for a photo if asked. But never underestimate them. These guards are skilled soldiers with military experience. They are considered to be some of the elite soldiers in the world. They perform ceremonial duties and play an active role to protect the Pope.

It is not easy to be accepted in the Swiss Guard. Men must be Catholic, least 1,74m (5’8.5”) in height, between the ages of 19 and 30, have completed basic training in the Swiss military, and of course, be Swiss.

It is considered an immense honor to be a bodyguard of the Pope. In 2006, the Papal Swiss Guard celebrated its 500 year anniversary with a number of ceremonies and events, commemorating the long history of the Swiss Guards at the Vatican..

Vatican City Facts: The Swiss Guards.

• Established in 1506 by Pope Julius II the Pontifical Swiss Guard (Vatican guard) were originally employed as personal bodyguards to the Pope, at present they serve as the military force of the Vatican.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bP0n5AZWQ4?rel=0&w=540&h=410]

I have been fortunate to have done quite a bit of travelling. By heart I am an adventurer and I love exploring new places, cultures and food. Travelling can become stressful and expensive. Over the years I have learnt to travel as cost effective as possible, simply by travelling more clever. Nelmitravel.com is a Adventure and Budget Travel site where I review Airlines, Accommodation, Transport, Restaurants and give helpful travel information.

You might also like

Guryevsk; Kaliningrad; Kaliningrad Oblast; Nelmitravel; travel; travel Russia; Guryevsk Kaliningrad; 500 year old oak tree;
500 year old Oak tree in Guryevsk, Kaliningrad
December 18, 2020
Marienplatz,Fish Fountain,Tourist attractions in Munich; Fischbrunnen; Fish Fountain Munich;
The Fish Fountain in Marienplatz – Munich
August 7, 2020
Glockenspiel Munich. Munich Glockenspiel, Glockenspiel
The Glockenspiel – Munich
July 20, 2020

12 Comments

  5. I agree with jorie! At first, at first glance, I figured them to be Jesters..but then I remembered the titled of this post! What a juxtaposition! I love coming here…I always learn something new 🙂

    Reply

Thank you for visiting. Have a fabulous day!