Lucerne, Switzerland

Our local guide, Christina, began showing us the sights in Lucerne.  Lucerne is located in central Switzerland, at the north end of Lake Lucerne where the Reuss River flows out of the lake.  Mountains surround this beautiful city.  

Our first stop was at The Lion Monument also known as The Lion of Lucerne.  This monument commemorates the Swiss Guards that were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution, while protecting King Louis XVI.

We started our walking tour at Kapellbrucke or Chapel Bridge, the world's oldest covered wooden bridge, built in 1333.  Lucerne is divided into two districts, Old Town and New Town.  These two districts are joined by the Kapellbrucke, which runs diagonally across the Reuss River.  The covered bridge has more than 100 17th century pictures hanging from the rafters inside, depicting patron saints and scenes from the town's history.  The old bridge was partially destroyed by fire in 1993 and was rebuilt to the original.  The bridge leads to the landmark of Lucerne, the Water Tower.

The other landmarks we saw were a Jesuit Church, Switzerland's oldest church in the Baroque style, the Town Walls, the Old Town Hall.

Not only one covered bridge but Lucerne has two.  Spreuerbrucke, the second covered bridge, was built in 1406.  Inside, on the triangular panels under the rafters are 45 paintings of the Dance of Death.

The Old Town is on the right bank of the Reuss River, it still preserves many of the timber framed buildings and little squares with fountains.  The buildings are painted in bright colours, giving it a fairy tale atmosphere.  The Old Town was a delightful place to stroll through the narrow side streets.  Wish we had more time to stroll.

The Jesuit Church on the left and Old Town on the right.

The Reuss River...New Town on the left and Old Town on the right.