Rome

Since 1505, the Swiss Guard has been a small force responsible for the safety of the Pope. It serves as the military of Vatican City.

Recruits to the guards must be Catholic, single males with Swiss citizenship and who have completed basic training with the Swiss military. Recently the Swiss guard has begun considering allowing women to join the latest batches of recruits. The term of service is between 2 and 25 years.

After the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in 1981, a much stronger emphasis has been placed on the Swiss Guards' functional, non-ceremonial roles. This has included enhanced training in unarmed combat and small arms. The small arms are the same as those used in the Swiss army.

In April-May 2006, to celebrate 500 years in the line of duty, a group of veteran guards marched from Switzerland to Rome, a month-long journey through Italy.

Constantine's Arch

This arch spans the Via Triumphalis, the way taken by the emperors when they entered the city in triumph. This route started at the Campus Martius, led through the Circus Maximus and around the Palatine Hill; and on to the Forum Romanum and the Capitoline Hill.

Bernini's Columns

These double-wide columms are in the shape of an oval, "an embrace" as Bernini said. They are topped by figures of all the popes and many saints. As of 2009 this massive work is undergoing restoration to ensure that it will not crumble. We waited in this long line but it really didn't take too long. Worth it !