I once was brave enough to go on a Contiki tour… it really wasn’t for me. Sights that I would’ve wanted to explore was only part of their “drive-thru” approach. At least we had an hour in Lucerne to see the beautiful Dying Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge.
I love history. I read books about history as a hobby – and it isn’t limited to wars…it includes buildings, architects, artists and more.
European history is one of my favourite subjects – so when I eventually got to Europe there was so much I wanted to see… and one of these was the Dying Lion in Lucerne. This monument commemorates the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution.
It is just such a powerful image carved into the cliff face – a mortally wounded lion impaled by a spear, covering a shield bearing the fleur-de-lis of the French monarchy; beside him another shield bearing the coat of arms of Switzerland.
… and then the old Chapel Bridge (or Kapellbrucke). It is the oldest covered bridge in Europe as well as the world’s oldest truss bridge. This beautiful bridge also boasts a number of paintings dating from the 17th century.
I don’t want to spoil the magic, but it had to be partially restored after a fire in 1993. Still, it is one of the most beautiful bridges I have ever see.
Isn’t Lucerne just picture-perfect?
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So pretty, Lucerne is so beautiful! I also went on the same Contiki a few years ago; it’s such a whirlwind experience.
One day I will stay in Lucerne for a week… I just loved the old world charm so much!