Swiss guard in the 'Scala Regia' (Royal Staircase - escalier royal) at the Apostolic Palace; Vatican ( 2016). It is part of the formal entrance to the Vatican. It was built by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger in the early 16th century; to connect the Apostolic Palace to St. Peter's Basilica; and restored by Gian Lorenzo Bernini from 1663 to 1666. -The grandiose and solemn Apostolic Palace ( palais apostolique ) is a secretive place; forbidden to the public and jealously guarded by the Swiss Guard. It hosts the Holy See administration; the Church's spiritual authorities and before all; the apartments of the Pontiff Sovereign.