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Gendarmerie Barracks
The Gendarmerie Barracks serve as the headquarters for the Corpo della Gendarmeria, the civil police force of Vatican City. Established in 1816 by Pope Pius VII, the corps is responsible for maintaining public order, ensuring the security of residents, traffic control, and judicial police duties. While the Swiss Guard is primarily responsible for the Pope's personal protection and ceremonial duties, the Gendarmerie acts as the regular law enforcement agency of the state. The barracks, located in the northern sector of the Vatican, house living quarters, training facilities, and the high-tech operations center used to monitor the city's extensive surveillance network. Officers are highly trained, often recruited from Italian police forces, and are equipped to handle everything from petty theft to complex security threats. They also provide protection for the Pope during his international apostolic journeys. The barracks represent the operational heart of Vatican security, ensuring that the sovereign territory remains a safe and orderly environment for its inhabitants and millions of pilgrims.
- Location: Vatican
- Top sights: Saint Anne of the Pontifical Grooms · St. Pellegrino Gate · Chiesa di Sant'Egidio a Borgo
- Population: ~829 (2026)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 7 | 8 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 23 | 26 | 26 | 21 | 17 | 12 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 73 | 77 | 69 | 56 | 57 | 34 | 26 | 26 | 70 | 82 | 114 | 92 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The Gendarmerie was established on July 14, 1816.
- The force consists of approximately 130 to 150 active officers.
- Saint Michael the Archangel is their official patron saint.
- They oversee security for the Pope's international travels and flights.
- The barracks house a central command room for all security cameras.
- The corps includes specialized rapid response and anti-sabotage units.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Gendarmerie Barracks (10)
Saints Martin and Sebastian of the Swiss
A church in Rome, Italy, dedicated to Saints Martin and Sebastian. It is the national church of Switzerland.
Window of the Pope's study
The window of the papal study in the Apostolic Palace. The Pope speaks from here on Sundays.
Saint Peter's Square
The large square in front of St. Peter's Basilica, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It is flanked by colonnades.
Vatican Obelisk
An Egyptian obelisk from Heliopolis, standing in St. Peter's Square. It was brought to Rome in the 1st century.
Necropoli della Via Triumphalis
An ancient necropolis under Vatican City, along the Via Triumphalis. It contains pagan and Christian tombs.
Raphael Rooms🏛 museum
Four reception rooms in the Palace of the Vatican, painted by Raphael and his workshop between 1509 and 1524.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists visit the barracks?
Who is housed in the barracks?
Is it allowed to photograph the building from outside?
Where is the barracks located?
Are there public events here?
Gendarmerie Barracks: where is it located?
Gendarmerie Barracks: what is there to see?
Gendarmerie Barracks: when is the best time to visit?
Gendarmerie Barracks: why is it worth visiting?
History & landmarks
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