Carved in rock to commemorate the Swiss soldiers who died during the French Revolution, the touching Lion Monument inspired Mark Twain to call it "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world." Designed by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen in 1819, the colossal monument depicts a mortally wounded lion taking his final breath in a sheltered stone lair, his front paws resting against the broken symbols of the French monarchy. Surrounded by lush trees, the dying lion seems far removed from the city's noise, his facial expression one of heart-rending agony. Don't forget your camera. Take a look at our Lucerne trip planner to schedule your visit to Lion Monument and learn about what else to see and do during your holiday.
Tours to Lion Monument
Lion Monument reviews
-
Beautiful! I enjoyed seeing this solemn monument. It shows a sad (dying) lion representing the massacred Swiss Guards. I have to agree with Mark Twain. It is "the most mournful and moving piece of...
Beautiful! I enjoyed seeing this solemn monument. It shows a sad (dying) lion representing the massacred Swiss Guards. I have to agree with Mark Twain. It is "the most mournful and moving piece of... more »
-
We were glad we made time to see the lion monument while in Lucerne. Beautiful setting, nice atmosphere, and it’s easy to get to. It’s a must-see if you’re in the area!
We were glad we made time to see the lion monument while in Lucerne. Beautiful setting, nice atmosphere, and it’s easy to get to. It’s a must-see if you’re in the area! more »
-
We were going through the centre of Luzern one day evening. And it was magical. Some parts of town has fairy-tale atmosphere, like these on the pics. On the first one is statue, on the second one toilets next to the statue and on the last one is café situated just in front of the statue area. I wish everyone enjoy the attractive place.
-
A huge sculpture of lion carved from the stone. Although the history is very sad but it is a majestic piece of art work that you see here. A big respect to the people for the memory of whom it was constructed. It is a part of the walking tour that you take with your guide in the city, so you are well informed about the history behind it. Really impressive.
Plan your trip to Lucerne
-
Compose it!Your own itinerary for your car vacation, beach vacation, city trip, any near or distant journey ... ready within 10 minutes.
-
Customize it.Refine your plan. We find the best routes and opportunities.
-
Book it.Choose from the best accommodations (Expedia, AirBnB), airlines and activities, by yourself or share with travel professionals for the utmost experience. Up to 50% discount!
-
Do it yourself.Or share your plan with travel professionals for a customized trip
Popular things to do in Lucerne
Side trips from Lucerne
Hidden gems in Lucerne
Museums in Lucerne
Shopping in Lucerne
Nearby attractions in Lucerne
Trips in Lion Monument by other users
10 days in Interlaken & Montreux
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
Interlaken
Montreux
7 days in Interlaken
BY A USER FROM SWEDEN
Schynige Platte Botanical Alpine Garden
Weissenau-Naturschutzgebiet
Harderkulm
6 days in Switzerland
BY A USER FROM SWEDEN
Bern
Zermatt
Grindelwald
6 days in Switzerland
BY A USER FROM SWEDEN
Bern
Zermatt
Grindelwald
5 days in Switzerland
BY A USER FROM SWEDEN
Zurich
Zermatt
Interlaken
7 days in Interlaken
BY A USER FROM IRELAND
Lauterbrunnen Village
Grindelwald-First
Maennlichen