Overview:

The Swiss Guard Barracks in Vatican City is the official residence and headquarters of the Swiss Guard, the military force responsible for the security and protection of the Vatican. Located in the Borgo area of Rome, the barracks are the home and workplace for the Swiss soldiers who serve the Pope. The structure also houses the Pontifical Swiss Guard Commandant's office, the canteen, the officers' mess, a chapel, and a medical clinic. The barracks are located near the entrance to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Palace. The guard members are dressed in colorful traditional uniforms for public ceremonies and serve both as a symbol of the Papal Guard and in a functional capacity. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Vatican-City
Prominent Features:

The Swiss Guard Barracks in Vatican City is part of the Swiss Pontifical Guard. The Barracks serves as the official residence of the Swiss Guard, an elite force of Swiss soldiers protecting the Pope and the Vatican City. The barracks are located at the entrance of St. Peter’s Square and, more notably, provide a dramatic backdrop to the Papal Audience each Wednesday, when the Pope appears on his balcony at the Apostolic Palace. The barracks also host the swearing-in ceremony of the new recruits each May 6th, and serve as the primary residence of the hundred-plus Swiss Guards on duty. The barracks were built near the end of the 16th century and are notable for their distinctive architecture, featuring square barracks and terraces surrounded by arches, balustrades, and various saints. This national monument of Vatican-City portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Swiss Guards in Vatican City were created by Pope Julius II in 1506, when he hired a group of 150 Swiss mercenaries to protect the Pope and the Holy See. The Swiss Guard was originally formed to repel French forces when they attacked Rome in 1527. Throughout the centuries, the Swiss Guard has faithfully served the Pope and the Catholic Church. The original barracks of the Swiss Guard were located near the Vatican's Porta del Popolo. This was shortly after the storming of the Vatican by the French, and their original goal was to protect the Pope during times of danger. This first barrack was eventually replaced with a larger facility, located near St. Peter's Square, where the current barracks are located today. The current barracks were built in 1908, under the guidance of Giuseppe Momo. This new complex was designed to house and train Catholic Swiss Guards, and contains living quarters, a chapel, and a small library. These barracks are similar to those found in European military landmarks, with several alterations to make it unique to the Swiss Guard. The barracks also include a crest at the entrance, emblazoned with the words, “Who Awaits You, Serves You". The Swiss Guard barracks are not open to the public, due security reasons. Visitors can, however, view the entrance from St Peter's Square, along with the exterior walls where the crest is located. The Swiss Guard also performs the traditional changing of the guard ceremony for tourists, in which a Swiss Guard opens the doors of the Pauline Chapel for the Pope. This ceremony includes the playing of the Swiss anthem and the Swiss Guards in traditional uniforms and colours. You must visit one of these historical places in Vatican-City on your Vatican-City tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Swiss Guard was founded by Pope Julius II in 1505 and is the world’s oldest active military unit. 2. The unit consists of Catholic Swiss men ages 19 to 30 - all of whom must be unmarried and hold Swiss citizenship. 3. New recruits must be at least 5'7" tall, in good physical health and highly disciplined. 4. The barracks for the guards is located on the hill of the Vatican. The building is a 16th-century structure and features a bell that rings at all hours. 5. When the guards are not on duty, they attend classes, exercise, and perform other duties in the barracks. 6. Each guard is allowed only one cup and one plate in the barracks. 7. Before assuming their duties, new recruits must swear no false promises or alliances. 8. Each guard carries a saber, a halberd, and a pike at all times while on duty. 9. The guard wears a traditional uniform that has remained mostly unchanged since its inception in the 16th century. Visit one of the famous monuments of Vatican-City with your friends and family.