I am Bruno - a Saint Bernard dog. We are a large and powerful breed renowned for our rescue work in the Swiss Alps. It is estimated that we have helped locate more than 2000 travellers lost in the snow over the last couple of centuries. Despite our impressive size - 60-80 kg (ca. 140-180 lb) - we are gentle giants who are also great around kids. Our keen sense of smell and remarkable endurance make us exceptional search and rescue dogs.

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I am dressed as a Swiss Guard. The Swiss Guard’s ceremonial outfits are distinctive and colourful, featuring Renaissance-style uniforms with vertical stripes in blue, red and yellow. The uniforms include puffed sleeves, a high white collar and a beret or plumed helmet, complemented by traditional weapons such as halberds and swords. The modern, regular duty service dress uniform is a simpler solid blue version, worn with a brown belt and a black beret.

What is the Swiss Guard? The Swiss Guard is a small, elite force responsible for protecting the Pope and the Vatican City. Known also as “the world's smallest army,” there are currently 135 members of the Swiss guards. To join the Swiss Guard, you have to be a single male of Swiss citizenship, at least 174 cm / 5’ 8’’ tall, between the age of 19-30, and a devoted Catholic. The guards serve for between two and 25 years at the Vatican. Photo: Current banner of the Pontifical Swiss Guard.

The eye-catching tricolour uniforms are tailor-made to fit each guard and consist of 154 individual pieces which are sown together over 30 hours. In terms of continuous use, these uniforms are among the oldest in the world dating back to ca. 1910. Contrary to the legend that the uniforms were Michelangelo’s idea, they were designed by a commander in the Swiss Guard. The tunics are striped in the colours of the influential Italian Medici family: red, dark blue, and yellow.

Can you read what my body language is saying? What does it mean when you see a Swiss guard standing in silence with his halberd in hand? It means that he is on Honor Duty and that he should not be approached. What about if he is standing with his hands folded and facing the crowds? Then this is an indication that he may be approached for questions (or if you are lucky, even a photo).

The Swiss Guards were established in 1506 by Pope Julius II to act as his personal bodyguards and protect the Vatican. Switzerland was renowned for its brave and skilled mercenaries, prompting the Pope to recruit 150 Swiss soldiers, who arrived in Rome in 1506. Their loyalty and military expertise made them an ideal choice for this elite security role, marking the beginning of their long-standing tradition, which continues to this day.