The distinctive lion monument is located in the city of Lucerne and is one of the most important tourist attractions in Switzerland. The Danish sculptor Thorvaldson carved it in honor of the Swiss mercenary soldiers who died in the French Revolution during the reign of King Louis XVI, specifically the soldier who defended the king with his body It is a stone carving of a badly wounded lion. The American writer Mark Twain described this monument, saying, "It is the saddest piece of stone in the world!" Visit it with family or friends and learn about this unique archaeological landmark.