Overview:

is located inside the Vatican City, just off Bernini's Colonnade. This memorial commemorates the 147 Swiss Guards who died protecting the Vatican in 1527, during the Sack of Rome. The memorial is comprised of an obelisk and an inscription which reads: “Eternal glory to the swiss guard who died for their fatherland in 1527.” You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Vatican-City
Prominent Features:

The Swiss Guard War Memorial is located in the Vatican City, specifically in St. Peter's Square. It was commissioned by Pope Paul VI on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the entry of Swiss Guards in the Vatican Palace in 1564. Designed by the Swiss modernist sculptor, Hans Erni, the monument was dedicated in 1971. The memorial stands at a height of 67 inches and is made from a bronze plaque, set on a marble slabs, containing a representation of a Swiss Guard in a classical posture of defense and a sword in his hand. The sides of the War Memorial are decorated by four low reliefs portraying battle scene involving the Swiss Guard. The bronze plaque also contains a citation from the Pope, expressing his admiration and appreciation for the service of the Swiss Guard in the protection of the Catholic Faith and the independence of the Vatican City. There is also an inscription of the names of 67 Swiss Guards who were killed in the line of duty during the early 19th century. This national monument of Vatican-City portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Swiss Guard War Memorial is located at the Swiss Guard barracks in Vatican City, Rome, Italy. It was erected in honor of the Swiss Guards who bravely defended the city and the Pope during the Sack of Rome in 1527. The Memorial is a marble obelisk that stands approximately 8 meters tall. The obelisk is composed of four distinct parts, which represent the heroic acts of the Swiss Guards. The four parts are a cube, cylindrical column, a pyramid, and a crown. On the obelisk stand four bronze medallions depicting four bloody swords, representing the courage and loyalty of the guards. The memorial was erected in 1930 at the suggestion of Pope Pius XI. The monument has since become a symbol of Catholic loyalty to the Papacy. It is seen as a sign of admiration and of gratitude for the martyrdom of the Swiss Guards during the Sack of Rome. The monument serves to remind us of our forefathers’ sacrifice and dedication. You must visit one of these historical places in Vatican-City on your Vatican-City tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Swiss Guard War Memorial in Vatican City is the only memorial in the world dedicated solely to the Swiss Guard who are an elite military force that serve as papal guards in Vatican City and the Apostolic Palace. 2. The memorial was unveiled in 2006 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Swiss Guard’s duty to the Pope. 3. The memorial includes a large bronze statue of a Swiss guard pay his respects in front of a high stone wall bearing a relief of the Cross made of marble. 4. It also includes a set of memorial plaques and a granite obelisk. 5. The memorial was sculpted by Italian artist Sergio Splendore. 6. The Swiss Guard War Memorial is the first monument built in the Vatican City since Michelangelo created the iconic ‘Pietà’ in the early 1500s. Visit one of the famous monuments of Vatican-City with your friends and family.