The Lion Monument in Lucerne, Switzerland has a fascinating backstory. In the early 17th century, a regiment of Swiss mercenaries served as part of the Royal Household of France. During August 1792, approximately 1,000 Swiss guardsmen were entrusted with protecting the life of King Louis VI. Unfortunately, revolutionaries stormed the King's residence, defended by the Swiss, resulting in a virtual massacre of the Swiss Guard.
Among the guards was officer Karl Pfyffer von Altishofen, who happened to be on leave in Lucerne on that fateful day. Devastated by the tragic loss of his comrades-in-arms, Karl Pfyffer von Altishofen spent years contemplating their sacrifice and decided to initiate the creation of a monument to honor the fallen men.
The monument was designed by the renowned Danish artist Bertel Thorvaldsen and consists of a giant dying lion carved out of sandstone. It is situated above a pond at the periphery of the medieval town. The monument was completed in just over a year and was unveiled in 1821.
Today, the Lion Monument attracts over 1.4 million tourists annually. Its profound impact on visitors is exemplified by Mark Twain, who once described it as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world."
Remember in #Twilight when Edward left Bella and her emotions were all over the place? That's me right now, and he's only 5 hrs away, but permanently.. for now. Video chats and phone calls away. It's just isn't the same as him with me everyday as before. Ok Rant over. Good night.
Chicken enchiladas for dinner with zero carb tortillas. Let's see if anyone notices a difference haha I ate a very small corner of it. Hope my stomach can handle it. @ Los Angeles, California https://t.co/ZicTO1sbTA
All kids got haircuts today from me. Jude's 1st real haircut 5" gone. Such a handsome lil dude 🥹 Lucy turned 8 today! #familytime#nieces#nephews @ Costa Mesa, California https://t.co/hZ0R3JWvnS
@AskTSA It's more like my bag was on the bottom of all bags on the airplane. And since when is tsa supposed to leave an inspection notice? I've had so many things go missing from my bags over the years! I've learned to take photos of EVERYTHING in my bag for that reason.
Just got home from a quick get away and I'm putting my stuff away... well if this isn't proof @tsa doesn't care about people's personal belongings then idk what is... smh my checked bag is destroyed. Thanks!
Just more non sense pictures from vegas. (Not like I haven't been there a million time)73lbs lighter then the beginning of the year. What a journey its been ! @ Las Vegas, Nevada https://t.co/rwu1TrcOIq
Hawaii makes 2 types of chocolate. Milk chocolate and. Dark chocolate. Better be worth the $12 lol #hawaiianmilkchocolate @ Honolulu Wakiki--Hawaii https://t.co/RXtot2jk3q
Pt3- island coastal tour. Nut farms,coffee farms, deadliest beaches, snorkeling, dole factory and much more! @ Green World Farms https://t.co/VCBYW1goc2
First real night out. Celebrating my mom's bday on a dinner cruise! #hawaii#hawaiivacation#honolulu#waikiki @ Honolulu Wakiki--Hawaii https://t.co/qfKhf9uh6J