Audio Guide of the Lion Monument

The Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal) is located in a public park that is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. It is at Denkmalstrasse 4, and you can easily reach it by walking about 15 minutes from the Old Town or by taking buses 1, 19, 22, or 23 to the 'Löwenplatz' stop.

The visit is completely free, as the monument is located in an open public space with free access for everyone. You do not need to book tickets or queue at a ticket office; simply come and enjoy this masterpiece.

It is a short but moving visit; in general, spending between 15 and 30 minutes is enough to admire the sculpture, read the inscription, and take photographs. It is an ideal stop to combine with other nearby attractions without taking up your whole morning.

The monument commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution while defending the Tuileries Palace. Mark Twain famously described it as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world" because of the expression of pain on the dying lion.

We recommend going early in the morning (before 9:00 a.m.) or late in the afternoon to avoid the large groups from tour buses. In addition, the soft light at these times better highlights the details and texture of the sandstone.

Yes, access to the viewing area in front of the pond and the monument is flat and paved, making it fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. You will have a clear and direct view of the sculpture without needing to navigate stairs.

Right next to the monument, you will find the fascinating Glacier Garden (Gletschergarten) and the famous mirror maze. The Bourbaki Panorama and the Church of St. Leodegar (Hofkirche) are also very close, so you can visit several iconic sites with only a short walk.

Respect the silence of the place, as it is a memorial to fallen soldiers. For an immersive experience, we suggest bringing headphones and listening to an audio guide that explains the symbolism of the shield and the broken spear while you observe the details carved into the rock.