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Swiss Guard Barracks

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Swiss Guard Barracks (Vatican)

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The barracks of the Pontifical Swiss Guard are located in the northeastern part of Vatican City, near the Sant'Anna entrance. This military facility serves as the housing and training center for the world's smallest army, which has been responsible for the protection of the Pope since 1506. The barracks include residential areas for the guardsmen, administrative offices, a dedicated canteen, and an armory where both historical halberds and modern firearms are stored. Parts of the building complex date back to the 19th century, but it has reached its capacity limits due to the increase of the guard's strength to 135 men. Currently, there are plans for a comprehensive reconstruction of the barracks to provide modern standards and accommodation for guardsmen with families, while respecting the historic facade facing the Vatican.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C781014182326262117128
Rain mm7377695657342626708211492

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Swiss Guard barracks are not open to the public. The building and the guards can be seen from outside at the entrance.
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Typical hours
There are no visiting hours as it is a military area. The guards are on duty around the clock.
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Photography
Photographing the guards from outside is allowed and very popular. Please respect the dignity of the soldiers.
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Time needed
A short photo stop and watching the guard takes about 10-15 minutes. For a thorough tour of Vatican City, allow more time.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby Vatican Gardens and St. Peter's Basilica. St. Peter's Square lies directly in front of the entrance.
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Getting there
The barracks are at the entrance to Vatican City, near St. Peter's Square. They are within walking distance from Ottaviano metro station.
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Insider tip
Watch the changing of the guard, which takes place every hour. The best viewpoint is right at the entrance gate.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90500, 12.45700

Facts

  • The Swiss Guard was officially founded on January 22, 1506.
  • The current authorized strength of the guard is 135 men.
  • Guardsmen must be Swiss citizens and Roman Catholic.
  • The barracks are located immediately behind the Porta Sant'Anna.
  • A major reconstruction project is planned for approximately 2026-2030.
  • The armory houses suits of armor dating back to the 16th century.

Explore nearby

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Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

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Sights in the town Swiss Guard Barracks (10)

Saint Peregrin's Church

Church in Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Peregrine.

Chiesa di Sant'Egidio a Borgo

Oratory in Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Giles.

Saint Anne of the Pontifical Grooms

Parish church of Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Anne.

Necropoli della Via Triumphalis

Ancient necropolis in Vatican City, along the Via Triumphalis.

Window of the Pope's study

Window of the papal study in the Apostolic Palace.

St. Pellegrino Gate

Gate in Vatican City, part of the Vatican walls.

Vatican Museums🏛 museum

Museums of Vatican City, displaying ancient and Renaissance art.

Museo Chiaramonti🏛 museum

Branch of the Vatican Museums, exhibiting ancient sculptures.

Punto panoramico di viale della Galea

Viewpoint on Viale della Galea in Vatican City.

Belvedere Courtyard

Former Vatican courtyard, now part of the Vatican Museums complex.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the Swiss Guard barracks?
No, this area is a restricted military zone and not open to the public.
Where is the barracks located?
In the eastern part of the Vatican, near the Porta Sant'Anna gate.
How many guardsmen live there?
About 110 to 135 Swiss Guards are stationed there.
Are there plans for a new barracks?
Yes, a modern new building is planned to improve living conditions.
Can you see the guards training?
Occasionally they can be seen drilling in the nearby courtyards.
Swiss Guard Barracks: where is it located?
Swiss Guard Barracks is located in Vatican City, Vatican.
Swiss Guard Barracks: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint Peregrin's Church, Chiesa di Sant'Egidio a Borgo, Saint Anne of the Pontifical Grooms.
Swiss Guard Barracks: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Swiss Guard Barracks: why is it worth visiting?
The barracks of the Pontifical Swiss Guard are located in the northeastern part of Vatican City, near the Sant'Anna entrance.
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History & landmarks

Vatican Pharmacy — Swiss Guard Barracks (Vatican)
Vatican Pharmacy
The most visited pharmacy in the world.
Vatican Bank (IOR) — Swiss Guard Barracks (Vatican)
Vatican Bank (IOR)
The Institute for the Works of Religion.
Apostolic Palace — Swiss Guard Barracks (Vatican)
Apostolic Palace
The official residence of the Pope in the Vatican.
Vatican Post Office — Swiss Guard Barracks (Vatican)
Vatican Post Office
The postal service of the Vatican, known for its own stamps.
Vatican Library — Swiss Guard Barracks (Vatican)
Vatican Library
One of the oldest libraries in the world with extremely valuable manuscripts.
Belvedere Courtyard — Swiss Guard Barracks (Vatican)
Belvedere Courtyard
An architecturally significant courtyard in the Vatican.
Sistine Chapel — Swiss Guard Barracks (Vatican)
Sistine Chapel
Famous for Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and the Last Judgment.
Pigna Courtyard — Swiss Guard Barracks (Vatican)
Pigna Courtyard
Known for the huge bronze pine cone sculpture.