Saints Martin and Sebastian of the Swiss
The Church of Saints Martin and Sebastian of the Swiss, or Chiesa dei Santi Martino e Sebastiano degli Svizzeri, stands as the private chapel for the Pontifical Swiss Guards. Built in 1568 under Pope Pius V, its purpose was to serve the guards who march from their barracks near Porta San Pellegrino to their daily duties at the Apostolic Palace. The architect was Nanni di Baccio Bigio, and the building is styled in the Mannerist tradition with a classical façade featuring four large Doric columns. The church is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours and Saint Sebastian—both soldiers who became revered saints in the Swiss Guard’s tradition. Today it remains the national church of Switzerland in Rome and is closely tied to the daily life of the guards, who pass the church on their way to Portone di Bronzo, often accessible for baptisms and marriages with the parish priest’s permission. …
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