The lion's facial expression was modeled after the artist's sketches of actual lions, as Thorvaldsen had never seen one in person.
The monument was commissioned by Karl Pfyffer von Altishofen, a Swiss officer who was absent during the massacre.
The space surrounding the sculpture is a former sandstone quarry that provided material for many of Lucerne's older buildings.
The Latin inscription 'HELVETIORUM FIDEI AC VIRTUTI' translates to 'To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss'.
The dying lion is 10 meters wide and 6 meters high.
The small pool in front of the monument was created by natural groundwater filling the excavated quarry floor.
The sculpture was originally meant to be a fountain, but the design evolved into a memorial.
The Lion Monument is a rock relief in Lucerne, Switzerland, depicting a dying lion pierced by a lance. It commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution while protecting King Louis XVI at the Tuileries Palace. The sculpture was hewn directly from a sandstone cliff face in a former sandstone quarry. Designed by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, the work was executed by Lukas Ahorn in 1821. The lion lies atop a shield bearing the fleur-de-lis of the French monarchy and a shield with the Swiss coat of arms. The monument is situated in a small, landscaped park surrounding a pool that reflects the sculpture. American novelist Mark Twain famously described it as the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.
From the edge of the pond directly facing the center of the monument.
Arrive early in the morning to avoid large tour groups arriving by bus.
Walk around the small pond to see the sculpture from different angles and reflections.
Look closely at the rock face to see the original tool marks from the quarry operations.
Do not attempt to climb on the rocks or touch the sandstone, as it is fragile and protected.
Maintain a respectful, quiet demeanor as this is a memorial to fallen soldiers.
