Lucerne, Switzerland: Lion Monument

This monument has become famous around the world, and deservedly so. Mark Twain called it, "the most mournful and moving piece of rock in the world." It's probably still true. It's quite a thrill to see this quality of work in person. 

It comes with a story. Swiss soldiers were assigned to protect a palace in Paris during the French Revolution. About 760 soldiers died in the incident, and another 200 died in other action. It was decided that a monument was needed, and money began to be collected in 1818. A few residents didn't think it was appropriate to back a monument to remember those killed protecting a foreign monarchy; even then the Swiss zealously guarded neutrality. Eventually, they were outvoted and the work was done, and it opened for viewing in 1821. The lion has been hit by a spear, and he's guarding shields from the French and Swiss armies.  

About 1.4 million tourists come to this park setting to view it. And there's one other thing you should know about this. Take a good look at the outline of the "cave" that the lion is sitting in. Looks like a pig, doesn't it? Apparently, the artist and city disagreed about something along the way, and that was his revenge.