The city of Lucerne is not only one of the most beautiful metropolises in the Swiss Alps, but it is also the heart of tourism in the region, which is why each of its statues is well known among foreign visitors. If you go to Lucerne, you will see the Lion Monument, which stands out for its particular expression, which reflects great sorrow.
Switzerland, famous for its beautiful landscapes and the high quality of its products, was not always a unified country. In fact, in this European nation there are more than four official languages, and the difference between its different provinces can be quite noticeable.
This cultural variety began after the fall of the Roman Empire, when the different Germanic tribes that inhabited the area, settled in much of the Swiss territory. Over time, the Latino and German populations learned to coexist peacefully, making Switzerland one of the most stable states in the region.
Currently, one of the cities that most identifies the country is Lucerne, a place where the Latin and German heritage of the Swiss mixes. Likewise, this small city shows the tenacious spirit of the nation, which was part of the French Revolution, a conflict that ended the lives of 760 Swiss Guards, and in honor of them, the Lion Monument was created.
This amazing sculpture, which was carved on a stone wall, shows the imposing body of a lion, which rests its head on a shield and a spear. But that’s not all, since the most remarkable feature of this statue is its afflicted face.
The idea of creating a strong but sobbing lion came from the artist who came up with the monument, a Danish citizen named Bertel Thorvaldasen. This famous sculptor was inspired by a Swiss guard, who was resting at the time of the attack, in which many of his companions were massacred.
For this reason, the Monument of the Lion cries, remembering the bravery and honor of the men perished in battle. Furthermore, these guards did not fall in their native country, but in front of the Tuileries Palace, while defending it from the revolutionary hordes.
In the same way, on the sculpture, which is inside a small protruding cave that was created in an artificial way, you can read a short strawberry in Latin, which translated into Spanish says “To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss“.
Originally the best known sculpture in Lucerne, it was part of a private collection. However, the popularity of the statue was so great that it was acquired by the local administration.
Since then, the Lion Monument has been one of the symbols that identify the city, and it continues to honor the memory of the hardened Swiss. It is also a public attraction, so anyone can go to see it, get closer and take pictures, without having to pay any entrance ticket.
Don’t think twice, come to Lucerne, delight yourself with everything this idyllic city has for you, take a tour of the Lion Monument, a sculpture that exudes expression and feelings.
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