The Swiss Guard: What you need to know

If you’ve ever visited the Vatican City, you will have encountered soldiers that look like they’ve been plucked straight from the 1500s - but did you know that every guard you meet is from Switzerland? Here’s what you need to know about the Swiss Guards and why soldiers from the alpine nation have a long history of protecting world leaders.

All you need to know about the Swiss Guard in the Vatican (Schweizer garde, Garde suisse)

Alongside the Pope and Sistine Chapel, one of the most iconic symbols of the Vatican is the Pontifical or Papal Swiss Guard. These soldiers are easily identified by their Renaissance-style yellow and red uniforms, armour and halberds.

Though they look archaic, the Swiss Guard are still the principal defenders of the Pope and the Vatican as a whole. What's more, everyone in their ranks is Swiss. Here's why.

History of the Swiss Guard

The approximately 135 men who currently serve in the Pope's Guard are the holders of a long and prestigious tradition of Swiss soldiers serving in foreign armies. Following the founding of the Old Swiss Confederacy in 1291, the country had to fight for its independence from the Habsburg Austrians and later waged war against the Savoyards, French and Burgundians. In these early conflicts, the Swiss were able to defy the odds and defeat foes superior in both numbers and arms.

The most notable examples came against the Austrians at Morgarten (1315) and Sempach (1386), against the Burgundians at Murten (1476) and against the French at Novara (1513). Even after the devastating Battle of Marignano in 1515 - which cost the lives of 10.000 soldiers and ended Switzerland's territorial expansion - the Swiss developed a reputation as fierce and unrelenting fighters.

Switzerland becomes a country of mercenaries

Before and following Marignano, soldiers from Switzerland were increasingly employed by other countries as mercenaries. Thanks to the weakness of the central government, Swiss cantons often lent countries whole regiments of soldiers, and eventually, monarchs started to employ the Swiss as their personal guards.

The first Swiss Guard

The first Swiss Guard was created by French King Louis XI in 1480. The so-called “hundred Swiss" (Cent-Suisse) served as bodyguards to French kings right up until the 1800s, and in 1616 were bolstered by a whole regiment of Swiss soldiers.

The most famous period for the Swiss Guards was during the French Revolution. On August 10, 1792, Republicans stormed the Tuileries Palace, killing up to 600 of the 900 Swiss defending the King and palace. This action eventually led to the abolition of the French monarchy.

The sacrifice of those Swiss Guards is remembered at the Lion Monument in Lucerne. The last Swiss Guards to officially serve France were disbanded in 1830.

Elsewhere, Swiss Guards were used by Sardinia, Prussia, Spain, Saxony, the Dutch Republic, Genoa and even as far away as Egypt. However, the first federal constitution of 1848 banned Swiss citizens from serving in the armies of foreign powers - with one very notable exception.

Why do the Swiss guard the pope?

In 1506, Pope Julius II founded the very first Swiss Guard to serve the Papal States and the Catholic Church. Julius himself had been Bishop of Lausanne, and knew of the Swiss’ prowess in battle, giving the Guard the title of “defenders of the church’s freedom.”

The Swiss Guard played a major role during the Italian Wars of the 16th century, most notably their last stand during the Sack of Rome in 1527. All 189 Swiss Guards were killed, but the sacrifice allowed the Pope to (briefly) escape. 

By the 17th century, the Swiss Guard had settled as the main security force for the Pope himself. Barring a few interruptions, the unit has served this purpose ever since. Today, they are similar to a modern security service for a president or prime minister, with plain-clothed Swiss Guards protecting the Pope wherever he chooses to travel.

How to become a Swiss Guard

So you want to become a Swiss Guard? New halberdiers are admitted to the force every spring and autumn, so be sure to prepare for what is a surprisingly gruelling set of rules and requirements.

Swiss Guard requirements

First, every member of the Swiss Guard must be a Swiss citizen and identify “with his homeland, is familiar with the culture and actively lives the Swiss values ​​and virtues.” “His” is the telling word, as no women are able to join the Guard.

Budding guardsmen must also be adherents to the Catholic faith. Though applicants from all Swiss cantons are welcome, most come from Catholic-dominated regions - as of 2024, Fribourg (17), Valais (16) and St. Gallen (13) have the most serving members. Interestingly, you don’t necessarily need to know Italian to apply.

Applicants must also be at least 1,74 metres tall, between 19 and 30 years old, in perfect health, have completed Swiss secondary school and basic training for the army, have a driving licence and be single. Guardsmen who want to marry and stay in service have to be at least 25 years old, have completed five years of service and be willing to add an extra three years to their time with the Guard.

Training regime for the Papal Swiss Guards

After an application, interview process and medical at the Vatican, recruits are sent to Canton Ticino for basic training. There they are taught various subjects ranging from shooting and personal safety to firefighting and law.

In the second month, prospective guardsmen are sent to Rome, where they will begin their military training, start to learn Italian and begin to build an affinity with their role and surroundings. Various mental and physical exams are scattered throughout their time serving. Once their training is complete, they swear allegiance to the Pope at a special ceremony.

How long do Papal Guards serve for?

Each member of the Swiss Guard is required to serve for at least 26 months. Those who serve longer often specialise in various security and surveillance roles, earning qualifications that are recognised by the Swiss government.

What is the salary of a Swiss Guard?

Though the salary of a Swiss Guard is not publicly disclosed, in 2015 commander Christoph Graf suggested it totals 1.500 euros per month for a regular halberdier (private). However, they are given free housing when in Rome and their children are given free tuition at the Swiss school in the city.

Swiss Guard uniform

Once you are given your first posting as a Swiss Guard, you will be issued with the official uniform. The uniform that the unit is most known for was designed by commander Jules Repond in 1914 and was inspired by a 1577 painting by Jacopo Coppi. The Swiss Guard uniform consists of blue, red and yellow cloth stripes, a red vest and trousers, a black beret and a white ruff.

The colours themselves are said to have been inspired by two noble Italian families. The red and the yellow originate from the Delle Rovere coat of arms used by Guard founder Pope Julius II, while the red is said to derive from the house of Medici - one of the most prominent Italian families of the Renaissance era.

Officers in the Swiss Guard are identified by their entirely red uniforms and golden embroidery. During ceremonial duties, guardsmen wear plate armour and a morion helmet with colourful ostrich feathers - though in 2019 the Guard replaced this metal helmet with a much lighter model made of PVC.

In terms of weapons, on ceremonial duties guardsmen are equipped with halberd - the Swiss' medieval weapon of choice during periods of conquest - while officers are given batons or dress swords. Of course, the Pope is not protected solely by polearms, with security guardsmen typically using standard Swiss Army guns and equipment.

The Swiss Guard

In all, Papal Swiss Guards have their history in a Switzerland more famous for war-making than peace, cheese, mountains and chocolate. Though that past has long been confined to the history books, its legacy lives on in the stunning regalia seen in the Vatican today.

Thumb image credit: Drop of Light / Shutterstock.com