Pontifical Swiss Guard

Three times a year young men from Switzerland are starting a new chapter in their lives, having been chosen for the responsible task to protect the Pope. Their service already begins with the preparations at home before they start training in the quarters of the Swiss Guard and eventually take up their duties in the Vatican having passed the final exam.


  • A recruit moments after arriving in the quarters of the Swiss Guard.
  • The recruit's bed.
  • First fittings.
  • Taking measure for the uniforms.
  • Getting trained in detaining methods.
  • Sports.
  • Exhausted after some units.
  • A lance and a halberd besides the Bronze Gate.
  • The commander inspects the uniforms in the court of the quarters before final exam.
  • Final exam in court San Damaso in the Papal Palace.
  • Receiving the Gala Uniform and sword.
  • Marching stairs inside the Papal Palace.
  • In court San Damaso before having a private audience with the Pope.
  • Proud and happy to meet the Pope in private.
  • Attending holy mass in Saint Peter's before swearing-in.
  • Marching past the Constantine memorial.
  • Getting the armor for the swearing-in.
  • Ready for the swearing-in.
  • An officer gets some help from his wife.
  • While avoiding to show some emotions the Vice-Commander is still checking his halberdiers during swearing-in ceremony.
  • Giving the oath during swearing-in ceremony in court San Damaso.
  • Halberdiers during swearing-in.
  • Guards being photographed by a tourist.
  • A Swiss Guard during his service in the Papal Palace.
  • The typical hand position of a Swiss Guard.
  • Swiss Guards in Braccio di Constantino.
  • A guard observing the visitors at a general audience on Saint Peter's square.
  • Explaining tourists that it is not possible to enter the Vatican.
  • After service in the portico of Saint Peter's basilica.
  • Closing the Bronze Gate in the evening.