Swiss Guards at the Vatican
by Carolyn Derstine
Title
Swiss Guards at the Vatican
Artist
Carolyn Derstine
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Switzerland may be wealthy now, but 500 years ago it was a poor country whose young men often resorted to seeking work abroad as mercenaries. Swiss mercenaries were in high demand in Renaissance Europe, but the pontifical Swiss Guard is the last remaining legacy of the tradition. The tiny force is responsible for the Pope’s safety, including the security of the Apostolic Palace, and acts as the de facto armed forces of Vatican City, the world’s tiniest sovereign state. The 130 members of the Swiss Guard are required to be Catholic, unmarried Swiss citizens who have completed Swiss military service. They need to be at least 5ft. 8in. tall and between the ages of 19 and 30. They can be seen on guard outside the Vatican every day, dressed in striped blue, red and gold uniforms and carrying halberds as their traditional weapons (although they are also equipped with modern firearms).
Uploaded
August 2nd, 2018
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