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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.
It's a small site, but the emotion it conveys is enormous. Carved directly into a sandstone cliff, the lion's expression is so realistic and sorrowful that it leaves a lasting impression. Knowing the history behind it -- a memorial to the Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution -- makes the visit even more meaningful. The surrounding area is peaceful and easy to explore, with benches nearby to sit and reflect. Perfect for photography, history lovers, or anyone looking for a reflective moment during their Lucerne visit.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
16 days ago
I was born in Luzern and I've seen this monument countless times. Mostly now I go visit with my students whenever we have the French Revolution as a subject in school. This time again I came here with my students, just before visiting the Gletschergarten next to. The Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal) is a world-famous rock relief carved directly into a former sandstone quarry. Designed by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen and hewn by Lukas Ahorn in 1821, it depicts a dying lion impaled by a spear, sheltering a shield with the French fleur-de-lis. The monument serves as a poignant memorial to the hundreds of Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 while defending the Tuileries Palace in Paris during the French Revolution. American author Mark Twain famously praised it as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world." As a piece of art it's already an impressive sight and worth a visit. But knowing the backstory of it makes it even more interesting and impressive. Very sad that sometimes some vandalism is going on here. Once it was bombed with paint-filled water balloons. The rock here is very sensitive and cleaning it could have damaged the lion. Luckily the restoration went fine. The pond in front gets cleaned regularly and the coins (for luck) are being collected and used to restore and preserve this wonderful monument. read more
Yelp Review 2026 #86: "HELVETIORUM FIDEI AC VIRTUTI" = "To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss" If you're looking at pictures of this lion monument thinking "what a cute lion" or wondering if it's for a zoo nearby, think again. This monument carved out of a stone cliff (with a pond at the bottom) was to commemorate fallen Swiss soldiers during the French Revolution. Look closely at the expression on the lion's face - it shows anguish and dying. Its body stuck with a broken piece of a spear. It's laying on a shield with fleur de lis (symbol of France) and another shield with the Swiss coat of armor. At the bottom are the names of the Swiss soldiers that were massacred. It's free to visit despite its popularity. There are signage you can read about the history and story behind the monument. It's more than just a photo op spot. We came here at 7am when nobody was here yet. A few minutes later a few people showed up so we left. Around lunch time, we went to a restaurant nearby and there was a tour bus dropping off people here. read more
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. read more
It's a small site, but the emotion it conveys is enormous. Carved directly into a sandstone cliff, the lion's expression is so realistic and sorrowful that it leaves a lasting impression. Knowing the history behind it -- a memorial to the Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution -- makes the visit even more meaningful. The surrounding area is peaceful and easy to explore, with benches nearby to sit and reflect. Perfect for photography, history lovers, or anyone looking for a reflective moment during their Lucerne visit. read more
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. read more
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. read more
3 years ago
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. read more
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. read more
7 years ago
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! read more
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. read more
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. read more
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 read more
12 years ago
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. read more
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. read more
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. read more
16 years ago
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. read more
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