Swiss Guard Uniform

The Swiss Guard uniform draws inspiration from the renaissance period. Though it appears that the Swiss Guard uniform has been unchanged for centuries, the concept of the modern Swiss Guard uniform was invented in 1914 by Commandant Jules Repond. The commandant drew inspiration from Michelangelo and Raphael’s depiction of Swiss guardsmen in the same type of uniform. There are variations on the modern Swiss Guard uniform, but all of the different styles still retain a renaissance quality. The Swiss Guard uniform blends well within the Vatican City instead of having armed soldiers with rifles patrolling the holy city in Kevlar and combat boots. The Swiss Guardsmen have traditionally carried halberds in history which can still be seen today in Vatican City.

In an age of modern weaponry, the carrying of halberds has more to do with tradition though the Swiss guardsmen are trained in using them and still has the potential of keeping away unwanted visitors. The Swiss Guards have been used as mercenaries dating back to the 15th century. Everyone, from the Pope to Kings all over Europe had used Swiss mercenaries as bodyguards and soldiers. Spain, France, Italian city states and the Holy Roman Empire have all used the services of the Swiss Guards at some point in history. France dropped the use of Swiss mercenaries during the French revolution, but Napoleon made use of their services during his tenure as emperor. The Swiss Guard was known for loyalty and strategic battlefield experience which was why many kings made use of their services. Switzerland was a poor country which forced many young men to travel Europe and made their livings abroad as professional soldiers.