Swiss Guard Barracks Project Faces Delays and Rising Costs
Vatican City – A project to construct new barracks for the Pontifical Swiss Guard is facing significant delays and cost increases, pushing the estimated price tag to 70 million Swiss francs (approximately $78.6 million USD as of February 19, 2026), according to reports. The project, initially budgeted at 45 million Swiss francs in 2019, has been hampered by design complexities, technical difficulties and fundraising challenges.
The foundation for the renovation was laid in 2016 with the establishment of the Barracks Renovation Foundation, tasked with securing the necessary funds. As of February 19, 2026, the foundation has secured approximately 44.7 million Swiss francs (approximately $50.3 million USD) in donations and pledges within Switzerland, but a shortfall remains to cover the increased costs.
The current barracks, located next to St. Anne’s Gate within the Vatican walls, have served the Swiss Guard since 1929, when the Lateran Pacts were signed. However, the existing facilities are outdated and no longer meet the needs of the guard, particularly following a decision to increase the troop size to 135 members. Guard members have reportedly complained about issues including dampness, mold, antiquated showers, and a lack of private sanitary facilities, as well as cramped quarters and inefficient layouts.
The planned new barracks are intended to address these shortcomings. Experts have praised the design, which aims to integrate seamlessly with the Vatican’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Vatican authorities granted building permission for the project yesterday, February 18, 2026, marking a procedural milestone. However, construction cannot begin until the additional funding is secured.
The Vatican had anticipated that Switzerland would bear the full cost of the project. To that end, the Barracks Renovation Foundation was established. While initial fundraising efforts were successful, securing contributions from Swiss cantons proved more difficult. In the canton of Lucerne, a proposal for a 400,000 Swiss franc contribution was rejected by voters, with opponents arguing that such a contribution was incompatible with the separation of church and state. Similar resistance was encountered in other cantons.
The foundation is now embarking on a second fundraising campaign to bridge the financial gap. The project has been under discussion for over a decade, with widespread agreement on the need for modernization. The existing accommodations are over a century old and no longer adequate for the Swiss Guard’s requirements.
The Swiss Guard, known for their distinctive uniforms and historical role as the smallest army in the world, are responsible for the security of the Pope and the Vatican City. Their presence is a visible symbol of the Vatican’s sovereignty and tradition. The delay in the barracks project underscores the challenges of balancing modernization with the preservation of historical and cultural heritage within the unique context of the Vatican City.
The project is currently slated to begin between 2026 and 2030, but that timeline remains contingent on successful fundraising efforts.
