The Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal) is a monumental relief carved into a sandstone cliff in Lucerne, commemorating the Swiss Guards who died defending the Tuileries Palace in Paris on 10 August 1792 during the French Revolution. Designed by the Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen and hewn by stonemason Lukas Ahorn, it was unveiled in 1821 and shows a dying lion pierced by a spear — an image so moving that Mark Twain called it 'the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.' In 2026 it remains one of Lucerne's signature sights, drawing around 1.4 million visitors a year and freely accessible beside a quiet park pond. Recent years have also brought a more critical, nuanced reading of Switzerland's mercenary past, so it rewards visitors who come to reflect, not just to snap a photo.
The finely carved dying lion (about 10 m wide by 6 m high), pierced by a spear with its paw resting on a shield and a pained expression
The two shields the lion guards — one bearing the French royal fleur-de-lis, the other the Swiss cross
The Latin inscription 'HELVETIORUM FIDEI AC VIRTUTI' (to the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss), with the number of the fallen (DCCLX, 760)
The still pond below the cliff, whose reflection of the monument is the classic photo spot
Its location right beside the Glacier Garden (Gletschergarten), Löwenplatz and the Bourbaki Panorama, easy to combine into one visit
Good to know
SeasonMidday to afternoon gets very crowded with tour groups and coaches; visit early morning or around sunset for a quieter experience.
SafetyIt is an open-air site — stone paving and the pond edge can be slippery in rain or winter, so watch your footing. Lighting is dim after dark, so daylight visits are safest.
RulesThe monument itself is free and always open, but the adjacent Glacier Garden (Gletschergarten) is a separate paid attraction with its own hours and tickets — check the latest info before you go.
MannersThis is a war memorial to the fallen, so keep your voice down, avoid exaggerated poses, and do not climb on or touch the sculpture.
CautionSouvenir and watch shops around Löwenplatz can be pricey and tourist-oriented, so compare before buying. Since viewing is free, ignore anyone selling 'entry tickets' or a mandatory guided tour.
SafetyAs with any busy tourist spot, watch for pickpockets — keep bags in front and split up valuables.
Practical info
The monument is about a 10–15 minute walk from Lucerne train station, or a 2-minute walk from the Löwenplatz bus stop (address: Denkmalstrasse 4, 6002 Lucerne). It is unfenced, free and accessible around the clock, but confirm the latest opening hours and prices for the neighbouring Glacier Garden, and whether passes such as the Swiss Travel Pass or Tell-Pass cover local transport, before your visit.
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