The Saddest and Most Moving Rock in the World Is in This Country
Rocks aren’t usually known to be particularly moving, and it’s probably the last inanimate object you’d expect to evoke emotion. But then, you’ve probably never been to Lucerne and stood before the Lion Monument, also known as the Lion of Lucerne. Learn the story behind this tragic rock.
The Lion of Lucerne can be found in the very heart of Switzerland, and it is steeped in history. The tragic lion, sprawled over a shield and in its final, agonising moments of life, is a heart-wrenching ode to those soldiers of the Swiss Guard who gave their lives during the 1792 French Revolution. During this time, 760 Swiss guardsmen were killed in a butchery while defending King Louis XVI, their employer.
Throughout history, despite Switzerland being a neutral country, the Swiss Guard were deployed as mercenaries and served several different monarchs across Europe. They were known to be dependable and unflinchingly loyal.
Designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen, a Danish artist, and sculpted by Lukas Ahorn, a German stonemason, the monument is carved into the cliff face of a former quarry. It was designed in 1819, and Ahorn completed it in 1821.
It was Karl Pfyffer von Altishofen, a soldier who was on home leave from the Swiss Guard at the time of the massacre, who commissioned the artists to create the monument and memorialise his fallen friends. The dedication etched into the stone face reads Helvetiorum Fidei ac Virtuti, or ‘to the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss.’ Below the lion are the names of the fallen.
In 1882, the Lion of Lucerne was opened to the public, and since then, it has been one of the city’s must-see attractions.
Mark Twain described it as ‘the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.’ When you stand before it and take in every minute detail of the lion’s agony, you will definitely understand why.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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