Dying Lion of Lucerne

This famous large sculpture is 33 feet long by 20 feet tall and carved right into a cliff face, over a reflecting pool in a peaceful park. Though it's often overrun with tourists, it is a moving experience to see it. The might lion rests his paws on the shield, with his head cocked to one side, tears streaming down his cheeks. In his side is the broken-off end of a spear, which is slowing killing the noble beast. This heartbreaking figure represents the Swiss mercenaries who were killed or executed defending the French King in the French Revolution. The inscription reads, "Helvetiorum fidei ac virtuti which means "To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss".