Lucerne

Lion Monument

I took a beautiful night tour of Lucerne during the annual festival of lights. This tour included a viewing the amazing Lion Monument on the historic east side of the city. The lion lays on a ledge carved out of the side of a mountain. The end of a spear protrudes out of his side as his front paw hangs off the ledge, while his head lays on a French shield and beside a Swiss Military shield. The lion is hurt and dying, because he represents the Swiss Officers who died protecting the Royal Family of France at Tuileries Palace. Just over the Lion of Lucerne’s resting place, the phrase “HELVETIORUM FIDEI AC VIRTUTI,” which can be translated to “To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss.” The names of both those officers lost and those who survived are also etched into the rock. This rock relief serves as a beautiful reminder of the people of Switzerland of those they lost.

            The view of the Lion at night is amazing. The lion and the rock surrounding the monument are illuminated by bright lights. The lion is a majestic creature and the view of such a large monument, with such great detail drew all of my attention, I couldn’t look away. I am not alone in my admiration; Mark Twain has also very publically referenced the Lion Monument. Twain accredited the Lion of Lucerne as “The saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world.” Twain has also claimed that the lion would be impressive anywhere, but never as impressive as it is in that exact place. I think the Lion fits so perfectly in that spot because of the pond below. The reflection of the monument in the calm water below is almost as intriguing as the monument itself.