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Monument · Lucerna, Lucerna
Löwendenkmal
Wounded lion carved in 1820 and 1821 into a rock wall, 10 m long, in memory of the Swiss Guards killed at the Palácio das Tulherias in Paris in 1792.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Löwendenkmal
The Löwendenkmal is a dying lion carved directly into the rock of a former quarry, above a small pond. It measures about 10 m long by 6 m high. The design is by the Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, and the stone work was carried out by Lukas Ahorn in 1820 and 1821.
The monument commemorates the Swiss Guards killed on 10 August 1792 during the attack on the Palácio das Tulherias in Paris during the French Revolution. The lion appears with a spear lodged in its flank, lying on a shield bearing the fleur-de-lis of the French monarchy. The Latin inscription honours the loyalty and courage of the Swiss.
The American writer Mark Twain, who visited Lucerne, wrote about the sculpture with feeling and called it sad and moving.
The monument sits in a small park, next to the Gletschergarten and a few steps from the Bourbaki Panorama, making it possible to see all three in the same morning.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 15 to 20 minutes.
Best time
Early, before the tour groups that usually arrive mid-morning. The soft light of early day helps with photos.
How to get there
It's about a 15-minute walk from the station, north of the Altstadt, on Denkmalstrasse. City buses stop at Löwenplatz.
Tip
Be silent for a few minutes on the bench opposite: the place is a memorial. Then walk next door to the Gletschergarten.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Löwendenkmal
What does the Leão de Lucerna represent?
The Swiss Guards who died in 1792 at the Tuileries Palace in Paris while defending the French royal family.
Who made the Löwendenkmal?
The design is by Bertel Thorvaldsen; the rock sculpture was executed by Lukas Ahorn in 1820 and 1821.
Do you need a ticket to see the lion?
No. The monument is located in an open park.