The inside of St. Peter's, the basilica of the Vatican, is full of monuments, statues and works of art.

Outside is just as imposing.

The view from the outside does not in my view quite match the splendor that awaits the visitor on the inside of St. Peter.

The square where thousands of pilgrims and worshipers wait to see and listen to the Pope on his stage.

Guarding the Pope and the Vatican is the Papal Swiss Army. This mercenary stems back to 1506 guarding the Popes, and they have been found to be loyal and have a good reputation for discipline. The Corps of th Pontifical Swiss Guard are the last of the units which has served Kings, courts and states for hundreds of years. 

Rather than being of Italian citizenship the Swiss Guard must be Catholic by religion, single males and be a Swiss Citizen, from the Swiss military between the ages of 19 and 30.

     The Corps of the Pontifical Swiss Guard

                 The Swiss Guard at the Vatican