Lion Monument

The Lion Monument in Lucerne is a massive dying lion cut out of a sandstone rock wall over a pond in the medieval town’s east end. It was built as a tribute to the mercenary soldiers from central Switzerland who died while serving King Louis XVI of France during the French Revolution.

A trip back in time can help the approximately 1.4 million visitors who visit the Lion Monument each year learn the tragic backstory to this impressive structure.

The Swiss Guards who lost their lives in the Storming of the Tuileries in Paris in 1792 were the inspiration for this piece, which measures ten by six metres.

It’s August 10th, 1792, and almost a thousand Swiss guardsmen are risking their lives to ensure that King Louis XVI of France lives another day. The Swiss guards were nearly wiped out when rebels seized the royal palace they were protecting. The Lion Monument is a striking testament to the bravery of these individuals.

Karl Pfyffer von Altishofen, a guard, was on leave that day and living in Lucerne with his family. After years of mourning the loss of his friends in arms, he proposed building a monument to them on the cliff below the Wesemlin and set about collecting the necessary finances.

The monumental lion sculpture by the renowned Danish artist Bertel Thorvaldsen was completed in just over a year and dedicated in 1821; it has since gained widespread acclaim. You may also put it in the words of American author Mark Twain: “The Lion of Lucerne (is) the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.