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About this place
The Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal) in Lucerne is a rock-carved memorial to the Swiss Guards who died in Paris in 1792. A wounded lion lies in a hollow of the cliff, its paw resting on a shield with the Bourbon lily, while a second shield with the Swiss cross lies beside it.
What does the monument commemorate?
On 10 August 1792, revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris, where Louis XVI was staying. The Swiss Guard defended it, and many of its soldiers fell, along with their commander, Major Karl Josef von Bachmann. The lion, pierced by a spear, stands for their loyalty and sacrifice. Above the recess runs the Latin inscription "Helvetiorum Fidei ac Virtuti", meaning "To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss". The names of the fallen officers are carved beneath the sculpture.
Who made it?
The design came from the Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. Lukas Ahorn carved it directly into the sandstone wall, and the monument was unveiled in 1821. The lion is about 10 metres long and 6 metres high. It sits above a small pond that mirrors the figure and adds to the quiet mood of the place. Mark Twain reportedly called it the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world.
How do you get there?
The monument is on Denkmalstrasse, in a small park a short walk from the Gletschergarten. From the railway station and the Old Town it takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes on foot, for example over the Chapel Bridge and then through the streets towards the northern edge of the centre. City buses stop nearby. Entry is free and the site is open around the clock.
What else is nearby?
Right next door is the Gletschergarten, a museum with glacial potholes and an exhibition on the region's geology. The Bourbaki Panorama is close too, and the Old Town, the wooden Chapel Bridge and the shore of Lake Lucerne are within easy reach. A visit to the lion fits neatly into a walk around the centre.
When should you visit?
Tour groups fill the viewing area during the day, so early morning and early evening are the calmest. After rain the rock darkens and the pond is full, which gives photos a moodier look. In summer the trees by the pond keep the spot cooler than the town. In winter paths can be slippery, but the park stays open.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lion Monument free to visit?
Yes. It stands in a public park and can be seen free of charge at any hour.
How long does a visit take?
Allow 15 to 30 minutes for the sculpture itself. With the Gletschergarten, plan on about two hours.
Who designed the monument?
Bertel Thorvaldsen drew up the design, and Lukas Ahorn carved it into the rock.
What does the inscription above the lion say?
"Helvetiorum Fidei ac Virtuti" is Latin for "To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss". It honours the guards who died defending the king in 1792.
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