Lion of Belfort, Monumental sculpture at Citadel, Belfort, France
The Lion of Belfort is a monumental sandstone sculpture positioned beneath the fortress walls, immediately striking visitors by its sheer size. The reclining figure rests one paw upon an arrow, creating an image of both strength and contemplation.
Sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi completed this work in 1880 as a memorial to Belfort's defense during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871. The city had resisted a long siege, becoming a symbol of French resistance during that conflict.
The sculpture represents resistance and determination for the people who live here, serving as a symbol of collective memory. Visitors often pause at the base to read the inscription dedicated to those who defended the city.
The sculpture sits on the citadel grounds and is freely accessible to visitors at any time of day. Arriving early offers a better chance to view and photograph the monument without large crowds.
The dedication inscription at the base was added in 1890 after funds collected from visitor donations were used to commission the engraving. This shows how the community valued the monument enough to contribute collectively to completing it.
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