Swiss soldiers began guarding Vatican City in 1506.
At the time Swiss Cantons were very poor, and men started emigrating to other places in hopes of finding a better future. Most of the jobs available to immigrants were as soldiers. Swiss soldiers were seen as loyal, courageous, and hard-working, and as a result Pope Julius II invited them to protect him and the Vatican.
Nestled in the heart of Lombardy, Lake Como has long been a sanctuary for the elite, artists, and travelers seeking solace in its serene beauty. Its unique Y-shaped configuration, set against a backdrop of lush mountains, creates a microcosm where nature and human creativity merge. Among its most treasured assets are the villas and gardens that line its shores, epitomizing the zenith of Italian elegance and garden design.