The Classic Papal Swiss Guards
February 5, 2009 by Jon Rochetti
Filed under Home & Living
Location: The Vatican
Destination: Vatican City
Country: Italy
Year Taken: 2008
Photographer: Scott Ableman
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The famous Papal Swiss Guards (or The Corps of the Pontifical Swiss Guard) are the official bodyguards of the Pope and responsible to provide security at the entrances to the Vatican and important buildings.
The first Swiss Guards were hired by Pope Sixtus IV in the late 15th century. Today, about 140 guards, in their traditional multi-colored official dress Renaissance looking uniforms, protect the Vatican.
To join the corps, applicants must be single Swiss Catholic males, between 19 and 30, who have also completed basic military training. New recruits must also be at least 5′8″ tall to qualify.
Guards carry a long sword or lance, along with a sidearm.
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Image – Flickr, Swiss Guards
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