Set in a small park on Denkmalstrasse, the Lion Monument is a sandstone relief commemorating the Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI at the Tuileries Palace in 1792. The wounded lion, carved into a rock face above a pool, rests a paw on a shield bearing the French fleur-de-lis. Take time to look at the sculpture’s expression, then read the information panels and pause beneath the trees. The site is free to enter and makes a brief, reflective stop while exploring Lucerne.
A memorial carved into sandstone
The Lion Monument, or Löwendenkmal, commemorates the Swiss Guards who died while defending King Louis XVI at the Tuileries Palace in Paris during the French Revolution in 1792. The memorial is carved directly into a sandstone rock face in Lucerne, on Denkmalstrasse.
The project was proposed by Karl Pfyffer von Altishofen, a Swiss Guard who was in Lucerne rather than at the palace during the attack. Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen designed the work, and stonecutter Lukas Ahorn carved it between 1820 and 1821. The monument was completed in 1821.
Reading the sculpture
The relief shows a mortally wounded lion lying in a rocky hollow, with a spear lodged in its side. One paw rests on a shield marked with the fleur-de-lis, the emblem of the French monarchy. Its subject and setting give the memorial a solemn character; take a moment to look closely at the lion’s face and the detail in the carving.
The rock relief is about 10 metres wide and 6 metres high. It was cut into the side of a former sandstone quarry, so the surrounding stone forms part of the scene. A pool sits in front of the sculpture, with trees and flowers around the park. The view across the water gives you a clear way to take in the whole carving.
A short visit in the park
The monument stands in a small public park with places to sit in the shade. Information panels explain its history and are worth reading before you leave. Admission is free, and the site is open around the clock. The sculpture is lit after dark, when the park can be quieter than during the day.
The Lion Monument is a brief stop that fits into a walk around Lucerne. You can add the nearby Glacier Garden to the same outing, or continue on foot through town. If tour groups are gathered at the monument, take a seat or walk around the pool while they pass through.
FAQ
Is the Lion Monument free to visit?
Yes. Admission is free.
Who does the Lion Monument commemorate?
It honours the Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI at the Tuileries Palace in 1792.
How long should I spend at the Lion Monument?
Allow about 15 to 30 minutes to view the carving, read the information panels and pause in the park.
Can you visit the Lion Monument after dark?
Yes. The site is open around the clock, and the monument is lit after dark.
