Swiss Guards are Swiss soldiers who have served as guards at foreign European courts since the late 15th century.
Soldier and officer of the Gardes Suisses in French service in 1757
Massacre of the Swiss Guards
Swiss Guards on the grand staircase of the palace during the storming of the Tuileries
The Lion Monument in Lucerne. The incised Latin may be translated, "To the loyalty and courage of the Swiss".
The Pontifical Swiss Guard is an armed force and honour guard unit maintained by the Holy See that protects the Pope and the Apostolic Palace within the territory of the Vatican City State. Established in 1506 under Pope Julius II, the Pontifical Swiss Guard is among the oldest military units in continuous operation.
Conclave of Pius V, with Swiss Guard guarding the entrance (Codex Maggi, 1578)
Armor for the Papal Guard of Gregory XIII, c. 1580s (Higgins Armory Museum)
A member of the Swiss Guard during the reign of Pius VII, c. 1811, by Hortense Haudebourt-Lescot
Kneeling salute in Clementine Hall (1937)