Lion Monument

Lion monument was made to honour mercenary soldiers of Switzerland who died during the French revolution. The monument is stunning with huge lion sculpture in a rock with high level detailing. The surroundings are very beautiful and this is an ideal place for photoshop. Don't miss out to see the reflection of lion monument in the small lake below it. This is a must visit place in Lucerne and an important part of Swiss history.

As a tourist attraction, the Lion Monument is relatively small in scale, yet it draws a large number of visitors. The sculpture of the dying lion is strikingly lifelike, full of emotion and quiet power. In front of the carving lies a small reflecting pool, where a few lonely fallen leaves float on the water, adding to the somber mood of the place. Overall, the visit takes about 5–10 minutes. No tickets required.

Visited the Lion Monument in Luzern and it really hits different when you see it in person. It’s quiet, calm, and has this emotional, respectful atmosphere to it. The carving is huge and so detailed, and the whole place feels very peaceful. It’s not something you rush through. You just kind of stand there for a bit and take it in. Definitely worth stopping by if you’re in Luzern

We wandered through the vibrant city center and stumbled upon a hidden gem. It was a remarkable spot to explore and offered a stunning backdrop for photos in the heart of Luzern. Though it was a bit bustling, we seized the moment and captured a beautiful picture.

Beautiful historical landmark. Worthwhile understanding the history either by guided tour or by reading up in the internet to appreciate it more. The outer 'pig' sculpture is interesting by the unhappy master stone maison who was denied the extra payment he requested.

Magnificent though-provoking monument to Swiss guards who died defending French king at the revolution times, emphasizing sacrifice by the people who fulfilled their professional duties to the end at the cost of their lives. It’s a small public park easily accessible by 10 mins walk from Lucerne lake shore. There are restrooms onsite, also expect the park to be crowded almost at any time of the day.

Shaded area with a calm pond and beautifully carved sculpture. There are historical and interpretive signs all around, plus a few benches. Additionally, we found the most technologically-advanced, free public restrooms we'd ever seen here - I seriously almost took a photo of the inside of it!

The Lion Monument, or the Lion of Lucerne, is a rock relief in Lucerne, done in the 1820s. It is really a beautiful monument, so unusual, so realistic. The lion looks so real. And the pain from the deep wound is writ large on its face. It is a lion in agony. However, it still has its majesty. This monument commemorates the Swiss guards who were killed in 1792 during the French Revolution. Its immense popularity is revealed by the steady flow of tourists to it. It is one of the most famous monuments in Switzerland.

It's the Lion Memorial to the Swiss Guardsmen that died defending King Louis XVI at Tuileries Palace in Paris on August 10, 1792. The Roman numerals inscribed on the monument reference the 760 who died and the 350 who survived. It's definitely a very sad monument. If you look closely, you'll see the broken spear that's described as piercing the Lion's heart. The park and quarry is kind of hidden from plain sight. I'm not sure how anyone would just "happen to stumble" across it unless you happen to be on Denkmalstrasse visiting the Old Swiss House or Restaurant Caravelle. Hubby figured it out quickly, but I was very confused. The whole park area and neighborhood surrounding it feels hidden despite the touristy attractions such as the Alpineum 3D and Glacier Garden Museum. Some find these paid attractions to be worthy. I was happy just seeing the park & monument. The park is actually a very relaxing place to be. We walked around the pond in this former quarry to get different views of the monument. The size of the lion sculpture is quite surprising as you get closer to it. There are historical pictures and information markers that give more incite into how it was sculpted and constructed. If anything, it's worth a visit to get away from the traffic around the city. Try to get there before the tour groups arrive. It was quiet & peaceful when we visited on a weekday.

Striking monument of a dying lion carved into stone to memorialize members of the Swiss guard that died protecting the King during the French revolution. 760 of the Guard died during the revolt or were killed after being taken prisoner. The monument dates to 1820. The monument itself is in a secluded glen, and although a short distance from bustling Lucerne, feels like a different world. The Fall foliage was colorful in early November and it was beautifully serene - until a tour bus rolled in! The downside of the private location made it difficult to find, Apple Maps walking directions leaving something to be desired. Conveniently, restrooms are available at the monument. Definitely worth a short visit while in Lucerne.

The Lucerne Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal) is a gorgeous carving of a lion, commemorating the Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution. The lion itself has been called the "dying lion" because he has a broken spear in his side and is mournfully laying his head on the Swiss Guard shields and weapons. It's definitely a sight to behold, due to its impressive size, subject, and being carved into living rock. There is some greenery around the area, as well as a few rock features that appear to be for other carvings or rock work. There's not much else around the monument, so it can definitely be a quick stop for reflection, mediation, or just to see the monument and consider the history behind it.

A beautiful yet tragic monument in that it elicits a lot of emotion and pulls at your heart strings (as all good art should!). Free entry accompanied by a small park area with restrooms. Allow yourself 15min or so to visit; it is readily accessible and does not take long to access or view.

Super random, seems to appear out of nowhere. Nice peaceful spot with shade. You won't need long to visit.

This is a must visit spot. Make sure you read up on the interesting history of this sculpture. Do you see the shape of a pig on the outer carvings? The water fountain was under repairs and I am sure it will look wonderful once complete. Make sure this is on your list.

What a cool spot to visit in Luzern! I am SO glad we took the time to find this. We were only in Luzern for a day as we were staying in Zurich and for some reason I remember reading that the Lion Monument was located pretty far away from the downtown area. This is so not true. It was a 12-min walk from the train station at most. Google maps led us right to it. It's a neat little area - totally free to enter. We were there in January so the water in front of the monument had a layer of ice over it. It was not crowded at all at this time of year and was just so cool to see in real life. Pictures can only do so much - this is a spot you need to see in real life. Don't miss it when you visit Luzern!

Very cool monument to check out when you are in Luzern. Take lots of pictures here! It's very unique. I recommend coming to see it if you are in the area.

Really cool historic place to visit, full of tourists though. Now, in contrast to the city centre, this place is full of tourists so be sure to get their early. There will most likely be a ton of asian tourists using selfie sticks to take photos and people will be bumping into you. Bring comfortable walking shoes. It's a really cool significant monument as well so try to learn something new!

LION MONUMENT - A beautiful tribute to memorialize the Swiss soldiers who died during the French Revolution. It is free to enter, and it is open 24 hours per day. To get here from the central station, we took the Luzern #23 bus towards Gisikon, got off at Lowenplaz, and then we crossed the street towards the Swiss House building and followed the signs to lion.

Interesting sculpture of a Lion monument and it's also one of the popular sightseeing spots in Lucerne, Switzerland. This was my 2nd time here and there's no fee to enter. There were a few tourists when I came. Turnover is pretty quick since you can take a few pics and then you can just leave. You could also visit the "Glacier Garden Lucerne" museum which is nearby.

Touching story inspired a monument My wife and I were recently on a Tour of Austria and Switzerland and had a tour of The Lion Monument. Our Tour Director Lucy gave us the fascinating story behind the monument and the details that led up to its creation. While we were there, the area became extremely congested. Oddly enough, many other Tour Groups wanted to view it too. Can you imagine? Anyway, when you come to Lucerne - whether on a Tour Group or by yourself - be sure to check it out. Admission is free and there is an adjacent building that gives more of the background on the monument.

Very convenient to walk to from anywhere in Lucerne. I'm here in Dec 2014. The water in front of the lion has frozen over. It is so beautiful. Very cool monument carved out of the wall. The lion is actually pretty large and if you look carefully it has something stabbed into the tummy and other cool details. The lion symbolizes the Swiss soldiers that died trying to protect Marie Antoinette. Happy Siteseeing!!

Created in 1821, Löwendenkmal is a stunningly solemn landmark commemorating the Swiss Guards who were massacred while serving King Louis XVI in 1792 during the French Revolution. When the revolutionary masses attacked the royal Tuileries castle in Paris, the Swiss troops tried to defend the royal family and assisted the monarchs' escape. Out of the 1,110 Swiss soldiers, 760 were killed. The monument features a giant dying lion carved out of a wall of sandstone rock above a quarry, measuring 20 x 33 feet. The lion is portrayed impaled by a spear, covering a shield bearing the fleur-de-lis of the French monarchy; beside him is another shield bearing the coat of arms of Switzerland. An inscription reads, "Helvetiorum Fidei ac Virtuti" ("To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss") and also lists the names of the officers, and numbers of the soldiers who died. Löwendenkmal is one of the most moving war monuments that I've visited, and tops the list as my favorite. I could sit in front of the lion and his reflecting pool all day. Viewing Time: 30 minutes

Meh it was literally a two second visit. It's a statue in front of a pond. You go, you take a few pics and you head out. The free bathroom on the right is actually pretty interesting, very high tech.

Melancholy and mesmerizing, I found this tribute to the the Swiss fallen soldiers both sad and hopeful. The lion's reflection in the waters magnified the effect. When I visited in the early hours of a blustery winter evening, it was all tour groups and visitors. The only sign of a local was the lady walking her dog whom we passed at the entrance, and she walked right by this place. It's truly magnificent, and yet in a very unexpected location, set back two streets from Lowencenter mall and just back from a square which house either a glorious library or an amazing bookstore. I liked the small church set right beside the entrance but the whole effect is really spoiled by this huge fake golden lion placed katty-corner to the monument, at the entrance to a tourist shop. Final verdict? Go see it and sit on the convenient benches and mediate on lost lives, national pride, and the futility of war (something even our current generation hasn't learned from) and just ignore the weird location and tourist traps.

Our first stop in Luzern was a visit to this sleeping (dying, I later earned) lion monument where our guide gave us a brief history lesson on Switzerland. How it tied to the lion, I sort of faded in and out as the dappled sunlight across the monument made me dizzy. You do feel the solemnity of the area as there is a sense of time stopping. Perhaps -- like me -- you were actually in sad need of a nap and wishing the lion had some space in his niche for you to lie next to him.

Löwendenkmal is German for the Lion Monument, more commonly known as the Lion of Lucerne. I was interested in the sight but I was not prepared for my fascination. Mark Twain called it "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world." This monument was carved into sandstone and is very close to the center of Lucerne. It is carved into the face of a cliff and is dedicated "To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss." The monument of dying lion, impaled by a spear, covering a shield bearing the fleur-de-lis of the French monarchy, with another shield beside him bearing the coat of arms of Switzerland is full of sorrow. It honors the Swiss soldiers who died defending King Louis XVI in 1792 during the French revolution (FYI - "Les Miserables" begins more than two decades after the start of the French Revolution). It is a tradition to toss a coin over your shoulder into the pond for good luck, although I am not sure how such a sombre memorial would offer good fortune. The lion commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris, where Napoleon once lived. In present day, the Swiss Guard refers to the Pontifical Swiss Guard, who are responsible for the safety of the Pope, and the security of the Apostolic Palace. The Swiss Guard also serves as the de facto military of Vatican City.

The Lion monument of Lucerne, the Löwendenkmal, a magnificent sculpture of a dying lion, is a must visit here. It commemorates the mercenary Swiss guard of Marie Antoinette who were decimated in the overthrow of the Royal family in France. Then lighten up by taking a cruiser for a trip of the lake. There are great views (including villas of the rich and famous) on both banks and a glass of the local beer (Eichhof) will go down nicely as you listen to the commentary.

The monument is 5 star- the small area, and crowds are awful. They'll walk in front of you, shove you, and they're noisy. It's too bad this isn't in a greener more peaceful area, because the monument is lovely- but it's as if it was dropped in the middle of a bad day at Disneyland. You've been warned. Go early in the morning, before the hordes arrive.

Tucked away in a hidden nook of the city, this is a powerful and moving monument to the Swiss Guards who lost their lives trying to protect Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution. There are no grand vistas or wide open grassy lawns. Walk along a sidewalk, past some stores and businesses. Turn a corner and walk up a slight incline on a nondescript back street. The back of some buildings is on the left and a grove of trees is on the right. The trees open up to reveal the grey stone cliff and the reflecting pool. Even though I was one of them, beware the tourists. The peaceful solemnity of the area was marred by the crowds trying to get that perfect photo op. Best time to go is early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Its free and amazing to know the lion sculpture was carved out of the stone. This is great to see but even better to hear the story behind it. The Lion Monument (German: Löwendenkmal), otherswise known as the Lion of Lucerne, is a sculpture designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen and hewn in 1820-21 by Lukas Ahorn. It is a commemoration of the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution, when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris, France The monument is dedicated "To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss". The dying lion is portrayed impaled by a spear, covering a shield bearing the fleur-de-lis of the French monarchy; beside him is another shield bearing the coat of arms of Switzerland. The inscription below the sculpture lists the names of the officers and gives the approximate numbers of soldiers who died (DCCLX = 760), and survived (CCCL = 350)

We only had time to visit this monument at night, but I'm glad we did, it almost gives it more atmosphere the way it's lit up. It's so sad to see the lion dying and a little bit funny to see the pig... a little dig at the enemy..! It's quite powerful to see.

The Lion Monument in Luzern, Lion Square of the English Garden, depicts a mourning, perhaps dying, yet majestic lion carved into a sandstone wall overlooking a peaceful pond. It is not as peaceful here as it could be, sadly, due to the rush of tourists. The monument, free to the public, is a memorial to the Swiss mercenaries who died while protecting Louis XVI and his family during the French Revolution. I'm not sure how I feel that Swiss troops sacrificed their lives to help the King and his family flee the angry revolutionaries attacking the palace in Tuileries in 1792, but Swiss mercenaries were the very best, and this was the major source of income for many Swiss at the time. Apparently, there were some Swiss liberals who opposed the building of this memorial, the idea of a surviving mercenary who came from a wealthy family and deeply missed his fellow servicemen who died in Paris. The Monument was designed by the great Danish Neoclassical sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen in 1819. If you like the Lion, head to Copenhagen to see the best of Thorvaldsen's work.

Took us a lot of walking trying to find this place. The lion monument is pretty impressive but there is nothing else around the area. Not a must see but nice to see, especially if you don't have time.