Swiss Guard - Five Centuries Protecting Popes

Wearing their distinctive uniforms, members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard leave the interior of St. Peter's Basilica following an event in 2006.  At the time, they served the needs of Pope Benedict XV.

Some reports indicate that Michelangelo designed (or helped to design) the Swiss Guard uniforms.  Here's what the Vatican has to say about it:

With the passing centuries there have been a few minor changes, but on the whole the original dress has been maintained. It is commonly thought that the uniform was designed by Michelangelo, but it would seem rather that he had nothing to do with it. However, Raffaello [Raphael] certainly did influence its development, as he indeed influenced fashion in general in Italy in the Renaissance, through his painting.

Credits

Photo by Alberto Luccaroni - online, courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

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