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Switzerland is a scenic country with its mountains, lakes and picturesque towns, and Lucerne (Luzern to German speakers) is one of the most notable. Located on the shores of Lake Lucerne, at the mouth of the Ruess River, the traditional frescoed buildings are dominated by snow-capped mountains in the distance. With origins date from the mid-1100s, Lucerne has managed to remain an important center in central Switzerland for much of its lifetime. The town has also seen its fair share of fighting through various religious wars and revolutions. Arguably the most famous remnant of strife in Lucerne commemorates an event which did not take place in Switzerland at all. The Lion Monument, carved out of a natural stone cliff face on the edge of town, was erected in remembrance of the Swiss Guard who lost their lives in the French Revolution. These guards were massacred in 1789, while protecting the French King in Tuilleries Palace, Paris. A surviving officer took up collections, and in 1821 the 20x30 ft (6x10m) sculpture was unveiled to capture the imagination of all who wander by – including Queen Victoria and Mark Twain, among others. With so much to recommend it, the spot became a notable tourist destination in the late 1800s, particularly for writers and composers. It definitely pays to follow their example, and make a visit to Lucerne!
