Parolan leijona, Memorial and work of art in Parolannummi, Hattula, Finland
Parolan Leijona is a lion sculpture made of metal alloy, depicted with its left front paw resting on a ball, standing atop a tall gray granite base. The entire monument reaches approximately 5 meters in height and commands a prominent position at the southern boundary of the former garrison grounds.
The sculpture was created in the 19th century by artist Andreas Fornander, who trained at Stockholm Art Academy. The site gained commemorative significance following an imperial visit, which is recorded in stone and text at the base of the monument.
The monument functions as a focal point for understanding Finnish military heritage, standing on grounds where troops once gathered and trained. Visitors today see it as a marker of national pride, positioned where soldiers would have assembled during important ceremonies and inspections.
The monument is freely accessible on open garrison grounds at the southern edge of a training field. Visitors can approach it easily on foot and should be aware that it stands in an exposed location, so weather and daylight hours affect the viewing experience.
The base carries an inscription recording a specific military event with a full date, connecting it to a historical moment that influenced Finnish administrative language. Few visitors notice this detailed text, which transforms the statue from monument into a historical document.
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