Saints Martin and Sebastian of the Swiss

Santi Martino e Sebastiano degli Svizzeri is the chapel of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, located next to their barracks inside the Vatican. It was built in 1568 under Pope Pius V and dedicated to Saints Martin and Sebastian, both classic soldier saints. Part of the Vatican City World Heritage area, it is essentially closed to outside visitors since it sits in the restricted Guard quarter. The church still hosts the Guard's swearing-in ceremonies, funerals and internal religious life. Most outsiders only glimpse the facade from the Cortile della Sentinella or on special occasions such as the 6 May oath ceremony.