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.
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Tours to Lion Monument
Lion Monument Reviews
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People who come in buses are only bought here it seems as one come across bus after bus of tourists visiting this place to have picture clicked with the monument. This was built in memory of soldiers ... more »
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Make sure you read up on the history behind prior to your visit, otherwise you'll have wasted your time. The sculpture is all there is to the monument, nothing much. It is a short walk from the piers ... more »
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That is the translation of the ‘HELVETIORUM FIDEI AC VIRTUTI’ inscription engraved above the grotto. The head of a spear sticking out from the side of the lion is the cause of its suffering and its ev... more »
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Nice memorial to the fallen soldiers. The site has more of a somber vibe. Felt better just admiring the monument than trying to take a photo with it like many of the others were doing.
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If only this park were still as tranquil as it was when Mark Twain described it in 1880. You may have it all to yourself, or you may share it with a large tour group or two. Also, a nearby apartment complex was under construction when we were there, so it was not all that peaceful. Complaints of modernity aside, the monument is awe inspiring. Quiet or not, it's definitely worth the effort to visit.
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Unfortunately this lion represents a sad history, but still being a beautful statue. I read about his history and I realized that the author did a great job to represents whole feelings that happened in French Revolution in a lion’s face. I recommend you visit ☺️
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A must see!! There will typically be a lot of tourists that come and go, but people are respectful as you take pictures. Right next to the Lion Monument is the Glacier Garden. It's amazing! Make sure you plan to include that in your visit!
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Majestic monument with a tragic past behind it. The lion is carved out so beautifully that it really keeps you in awe. It is surrounded by a lake like structure and if you see really hard enough you can actually see another animals outline over the lion, that too which has a funny story behind it. Of all my visits, this one would be the best
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Plans to Lion Monument by other users
2 days in Switzerland
BY A USER FROM GERMANY
August, popular sights
PREFERENCES: August
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
14 days in Zurich
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
December, popular sights
PREFERENCES: December
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
24 days in Lucerne & Paris
BY A USER FROM VIETNAM
August, popular sights
PREFERENCES: August
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
16 days in Western Europe
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
March, popular sights
PREFERENCES: March
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
3 days in Lucerne
BY A USER FROM UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
September, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, shopping, wildlife, popular sights
PREFERENCES: September, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, shopping, wildlife
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
4 days in Switzerland
BY A USER FROM CANADA
September, popular sights
PREFERENCES: September
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
50 days in Europe
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
October, culture, romantic, historic sites, museums, popular & hidden gems
PREFERENCES: October, culture, romantic, historic sites, museums
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems
PACE: Medium
9 days in Zurich, Lucerne & Paris
BY A USER FROM INDIA
September, popular sights
PREFERENCES: September
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
4 days in Switzerland
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
June, popular sights
PREFERENCES: June
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
4 days in Zurich
BY A USER FROM SERBIA
August, popular sights
PREFERENCES: August
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
5 days in Switzerland
BY A USER FROM BELGIUM
August, popular sights
PREFERENCES: August
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
7 days in Frankfurt & Zurich
BY A USER FROM INDIA
September, popular sights
PREFERENCES: September
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
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