The agreement covers the planning stage for the modernisation of three 19th-century buildings that house Swiss guard members and the administrative headquarters.
The renovation costs are estimated at CHF45 million ($46 million). The construction work is likely to begin in 2026.
The barracks, which date back to 1825, do not meet the current requirements of the troops, nor does it comply with today’s building regulations.
So far, CHF37.5 million have been pledged by public and private donors, including CHF5 million from the Swiss government.
The foundationExternal link said on Wednesday that it was confident that it could raise the rest of the money in the coming months.
However, there is also opposition in some of the 26 Swiss cantons about financial pledges.
The Vatican is due to pay around CHF5 million for the temporary accommodation of the guards.
Around 110 Swiss guards are stationed at the Vatican in Rome, but the number is set to increase to 135. The soldiers have acted as a security force and a guard unit to protect the Pope within the territory of the Vatican City since 1506.
More
More
The Swiss soldiers guarding the pope
This content was published on
“To be a Swiss Guard is a vocation. You need faith and deep conviction to follow this extraordinary and noble commitment,” says Colonel Christoph Graf, commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, which was formed in 1506 by Pope Julius II. This year, 23 new recruits will take the oath in the Vatican. May 6 commemorates…
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Renovating new Papal Swiss Guard barracks to cost CHF50 million
This content was published on
The foundation was established in canton Solothurn in 2016 to support the work of the Swiss Guard. Former Swiss central bank chairman Jean-Pierre Roth is in charge of the renovation project and heads the foundation, according to La Liberté. The Pope’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, gave the green light in June for the…
This content was published on
The world's oldest standing army, the Papal Guards, have presented a prototype of its new headgear: Plastic PVC helmets made with a 3D printer.
An uncertain future for Swiss soldiers guarding the Pope
This content was published on
Every May, a new batch of young Swiss Roman Catholic soldiers swears allegiance to the Pope. In recent years their numbers have been dwindling.
This content was published on
The one-day event in the Italian capital marked the end of celebrations for the 500th anniversary of what is popularly known as the oldest army in the world. “The Swiss Papal Guard is one of the rare institutions in Europe that has remained intact over the centuries,” commented Gerhard Schuwey, former director of the Swiss…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.