Dive into the exciting world of the Swiss Guard and get to know the past and present of the Pope's bodyguard better.
Crises, wars, the struggle of rulers for lands and honour - Europe knows many war campaigns in the decades around 1500, which are led with mercenaries. The Confederates are known for their loyalty and striking power and are therefore popular at the courts as bodyguards. Founded in 1506 by Julius II, the Guard still protects the Pope and his Papal Palace.
There is much to discover about the Pope's Life Guard in the Museum of the Swiss Guard. The museum is divided into two parts:
Part 1 History Present Contemporary Witnesses
The 50-metre-long ammunition hall now houses a permanent exhibition. On a timeline, you will meet the Guard commanders of the last 500 years in portrait form.
In reconstructed living quarters from the 1500s, 1900s and 2000s, you will find explanations as to why young men went or are going to Rome then and now. On information pillars, you follow 24 hours in the everyday life of a modern-day Guardsman and see historical photos.
Part 2 The Guard's Treasury
The second half is there in its original state: endless rows of concrete racks where thousands of bullets for the cannons were once stored. Today they contain personal items given to the Swiss Guard Museum by Guardsmen and their relatives.
Photo albums, medals, the Golden Record of the Guard music, wedding shoes, identity card from the Vatican and much more. Familiar and unexpected, precious as well as kitschy.
Notes
Dogs: are welcome
Opening hours: June-October, Saturdays 14.00-17.00
Payment: cash on site
Wheelchair accessibility: the entire Garda Museum is wheelchair accessible
Dates
Good to know
Categories
Exhibition
Foreign Language
Directions & Parking facilities
The Swiss Guard Museum, which is located in the Naters fortress, can be reached on foot from Brig railway station in 20 minutes.
A new footpath has been built from the old village of Naters through the rocks to the museum entrance. Continuing on, you reach Lalden through the southern slope. You can also reach the museum via the hiking trail of the BLS south ramp (Hohtenn to Naters).
There are about 20 parking spaces below the museum. Parking directly in front of the Swiss Guard Museum (Naters Fortress) is only permitted for people with restricted mobility.
A minibus (16 seats) can reach the museum via Felsenweg. The road is not passable for a large coach. Coaches can drive to Kehrstrasse (House Alpha), from there you can reach the museum on foot via Felsenweg.
For groups, the "Kleine Simplon Express" is a suitable means of transport, offering space for up to 38 people.
Price info
Admission price for all 3 museums:
Adults CHF 15.00, children (6-16 years) CHF 8.00, families all-inclusive CHF 30.00
Extra guided tours:
Adults CHF 10.00, children (6-16 years) CHF 5.00, military CHF 5.00 per person
Minimum amount per extra guided tour CHF 100.00
Contact person