Name: Lion Monument
Address: Denkmalstrasse 4, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland
Telephone: 041 227 17 17
Rating: 4.4

The monument of a dying lion carved in a rock face & dedicated to the 1792 Tuileries war heroes.

Lucerne's Historic Treasures: A Journey Through Time

Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre

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Lion Monument

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The Lion Monument was unveiled in 1821, commemorating the Swiss guardsmen who died in the French Revolution.

Monument Unveiling

The dying lion sculpture was carved directly from the living rock of the cliff, making it a unique and impressive work of art.

Sculpted from Nature

The monument honors the Swiss guardsmen who fought bravely and died defending the French monarchy during the French Revolution.

Memorial to Bravery

The Lion Monument is nestled in a rocky grotto within a charming park, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere.

Peaceful Setting

The Löwendenkmal, or Lion Monument, in Luzern commemorates the Swiss Guards who perished during the French Revolution's attack on the Tuileries Palace in 1792. Hewn directly from a sandstone cliff face, the sculpture depicts a dying lion, impaled by a spear, shielding a shield bearing the fleur-de-lis of the French monarchy. Its poignant expression of agony and nobility has resonated deeply, earning it the moniker "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world" by Mark Twain. The monument's creation was spearheaded by Karl Pfyffer von Altishofen, a Swiss Guard officer who was on leave during the massacre. He meticulously planned the memorial, eventually commissioning sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen's design. Interestingly, the exact number of guards who died varies depending on the source, adding a layer of historical ambiguity to the already powerful symbol. The Latin inscription above the lion, "Helvetiorum Fidei ac Virtuti," translates to "To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss."

Introduction

Bertel Thorvaldsen, the renowned Danish artist, designed the Lion Monument, also known as the Lion of Lucerne. Thorvaldsen, a classicist sculptor, created the design in 1819 while residing in Rome. The actual carving of Thorvaldsen's design from the sandstone rock was executed by Lukas Ahorn, a stone-mason from Constance, Germany, between 1820 and 1821.

Thorvaldsen's sculpture commemorates the Swiss Guards who were killed in 1792 during the French Revolution when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris. Karl Pfyffer von Altishofen, a Swiss officer who was on leave in Lucerne during the massacre, initiated the project to create a monument honoring his fallen comrades and proposed the cliff below the Wesemlin as the location.

The Lion Monument, a sculpture of a mortally wounded lion, is nestled in a rocky grotto within a park setting. The sculpture measures 6 meters in height and 10 meters in length. Mark Twain praised Thorvaldsen's sculpture as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world." The monument soon became one of Lucerne's major tourist attractions.

Bertel Thorvaldsen Sculpture

The Lion Monument in Lucerne commemorates the sacrifice of the Swiss Guards during the French Revolution, specifically the events of August 10, 1792. On this day, around 760 Swiss Guards were killed defending King Louis XVI at the Tuileries Palace in Paris. The monument serves as a poignant reminder of their loyalty and bravery.

Karl Pfyffer von Altishofen, a Swiss officer who was on leave in Lucerne during the attack, initiated the project to create a lasting memorial. He raised funds, primarily from European royal houses, to commission the monument. Designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen and carved by Lukas Ahorn, the sculpture depicts a dying lion impaled by a spear, symbolizing the fallen guards. The lion rests upon a shield bearing the fleur-de-lis, the emblem of the French monarchy, further emphasizing the Guards' service to the French crown. Beside the lion is another shield displaying the Swiss coat of arms.

The monument's inscription lists the names of the officers and the approximate number of soldiers who perished and survived. The dedication, "Helvetiorum Fidei ac Virtuti," translates to "To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss." The Lion Monument encapsulates the tragic story of the Swiss Guards and stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment.

Swiss Guards

Mark Twain famously dubbed the Lion Monument in Lucerne "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world," a sentiment that has resonated with countless visitors since. This appraisal encapsulates the profound emotional impact the monument has on those who behold it. Twain's words highlight the sculpture's ability to evoke a deep sense of sorrow and empathy. The monument commemorates the sacrifice of Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution.

The power of the monument lies in its depiction of a mortally wounded lion, carved into a sandstone cliff. The lion's agony is palpable, conveying the tragic fate of the Swiss soldiers. Twain's description emphasizes the sculpture's mournful quality, drawing attention to its capacity to elicit a strong emotional response. The site's setting, nestled in a tranquil park with a small pond, enhances the monument's contemplative atmosphere. The reflection of the sculpture in the water adds another layer of depth to the experience.

The enduring appeal of the Lion Monument is partly due to Twain's influential endorsement. His words have shaped the way visitors perceive the artwork, encouraging them to approach it with a sense of reverence and solemnity. The monument serves not only as a historical marker but also as a testament to the power of art to evoke profound emotions.

Mark Twain's Appraisal

The Lion Monument in Lucerne serves as a poignant memorial to the Swiss Guards who perished during the French Revolution. Specifically, it commemorates the guards who were killed on August 10, 1792, when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris while the Swiss troops were defending King Louis XVI. Designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen and carved by Lukas Ahorn, the monument, inaugurated in 1821, depicts a dying lion, symbolizing the bravery and sacrifice of the Swiss soldiers.

The monument’s creation was spurred by Karl Pfyffer von Altishofen, a Swiss officer who was on leave in Lucerne during the massacre. He felt compelled to honor his fallen comrades, initiating the project and raising funds for its realization. The Latin inscription "HELVETIORUM FIDEI AC VIRTUTI" translates to "To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss," encapsulating the essence of the memorial. The names of the officers who died and those who were saved are engraved on the monument, along with the death toll of 760 Swiss soldiers and the 350 survivors.

Mark Twain famously described the Lion of Lucerne as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world," highlighting its profound emotional impact. The monument connects Lucerne to the events of the French Revolution, serving as a reminder of the Swiss Guards' role and their ultimate sacrifice during a pivotal moment in European history.

French Revolution Memorial

The Lion Monument in Lucerne poignantly commemorates the historical role of Swiss mercenary soldiers, a tradition deeply interwoven with Swiss identity and economy for centuries. Designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen and carved by Lukas Ahorn, the monument serves as a memorial to the Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution in 1792. This event highlights the long-standing practice of Swiss men serving as soldiers in foreign armies, a significant source of income for many Swiss families.

The monument's creation was spearheaded by Karl Pfyffer von Altishofen, a Swiss Guard officer who was on leave during the massacre. His efforts to erect the memorial reflect the complex sentiments surrounding Swiss mercenary service. While some Swiss citizens saw it as a source of national pride and loyalty, others, particularly liberals, criticized the monument for glorifying service to a foreign monarchy, representing a conservative, counter-revolutionary mindset.

Swiss mercenary service dates back to the 15th century, becoming a lucrative business for patrician families who recruited, equipped, and sent soldiers to serve French kings and Italian dukes. However, the practice faced challenges, notably from Swiss reformer Huldrych Zwingli, who opposed it. By 1848, Switzerland's new constitution outlawed mercenary service to foreign powers, with the exception of the Swiss Guard at the Vatican. The Lion Monument, therefore, stands as a powerful reminder of this complex history, embodying both the bravery and the controversies associated with Swiss mercenary service.

Lion Monument

Did You Know?

Monument Unveiling

Sculpted from Nature

Memorial to Bravery

Peaceful Setting

Highlights from Reviews

Location