Welcome to the world's only museum of the Swiss Guard. It is located in the old Simplon fortress above Naters in the canton of Valais. It communicates in many ways the history and daily life of the Swiss Guard in Rome. Numerous memorabilia by former guardsmen from 5 centuries show the solidarity of the population of the Alpine cantons with the Guard.
The Pontifical Swiss Guard is the only remaining papal military corps in arms. It safeguards the Apostolic Palace, the entrances to the Vatican City and the access to the Pope's summer residence in the town of Castel Gandolfo and is responsible for the personal safety of the Pope. The corps was founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II.