Lion Monument

Lion Monument

Introduction: The stone statue carved into an entire cliff face was designed by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. It commemorates the 786 Swiss Guards who sacrificed their lives on August 10, 1792, while defending the safety of King Louis XVI’s family.

The statue is carved in a shallow niche, depicting a dying male lion lying powerless on the ground, in sorrow and pain, with a sharp spear deeply embedded in its back. Nearby lie some broken guns and a shield bearing the Swiss cross.

The entire monument delivers a powerful artistic impact and has been called “the most mournful and moving stone sculpture in the world” by American writer Mark Twain. Transportation

Take tram line 23 to the Zuerichstr stop, then walk 5 minutes to reach it. It is located next to Glacier Garden.

Lucerne, Switzerland