10 Things You Didn’t Know About St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome

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5Swiss Guards: The World’s Smallest Army Guards St. Peter’s

The colorful and distinctive Swiss Guards, clad in their iconic Renaissance-style uniforms, are responsible for protecting St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican City.

Established in 1506, the Swiss Guards are one of the oldest and smallest standing armies in the world. Despite their ceremonial attire, they are well-trained and equipped to handle security responsibilities for the Pope and the basilica.