Lion of Belfort

#31 among destinations in France

Top attraction, Monuments and statues

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Facts and practical information

The Lion of Belfort stands as a towering symbol of French resistance and tenacity in the city of Belfort, France. This colossal sandstone statue, carved directly into the rock beneath the Belfort Citadel, was sculpted by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who is also renowned for designing the Statue of Liberty. Completed in 1880, the Lion of Belfort commemorates the city's heroic defense during the Franco-Prussian War, particularly the 103-day siege in 1870-1871.

Measuring an impressive 22 meters in length and 11 meters in height, the statue represents a lion lying down but alert, its gaze fixed towards the horizon, symbolizing the courage and determination of the Belfort garrison. The lion's posture, with one paw resting over an arrow, signifies the injury the city sustained, yet its unyielding spirit in the face of adversity.

The Lion of Belfort is not only a work of art but also a powerful historical monument. It serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the people of Belfort, with its grandeur and location making it a must-see for visitors to the region. The site around the statue offers an opportunity for reflection and appreciation of the sacrifices made by those who defended the city, as well as a unique vantage point for panoramic views of Belfort and its surroundings.

Local name: Lion de Belfort Coordinates: 47°38'12"N, 6°51'52"E

Location

Belfort CitadelBelfort 90000 Bourgogne-Franche-ComtéFrance

Contact

+33 3 84 54 27 73

Website

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Day trips

Lion of Belfort – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Belfort Cathedral, Belfort Synagogue, Belfort, Fort des Basses Perches.

~750 ftN
Church, Baroque architecture
Belfort Cathedral
4 min walk • Belfort Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Christophe, is a revered architectural gem located in the heart of Belfort, France. This Roman Catholic church, with its distinctive pink sandstone facade, stands as a testament to the rich religious and cultural...
0.4 miW
Synagogue
Belfort Synagogue
10 min walk • The Belfort Synagogue is a synagogue built in the Byzantine Revival architecture during the Second French Empire in the city center of Belfort, France. The building was erected in 1857 and was put on the list of National heritage site in October 1983. The Jewish community exists in the town since the 13th century.
~790 ftNW
City
Belfort
4 min walk • Belfort is a commune in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region in Northeastern France, situated between Lyon and Strasbourg, approximately 25 km from the France–Switzerland border. It is the prefecture of the Territoire de Belfort department.
0.8 miS
Forts and castles
Fort des Basses Perches, Danjoutin
20 min walk • Fort des Basses Perches, also known as Fort Valmy, was built between 1874 and 1877 in Danjoutin and Belfort in northeastern France. It is part of the first ring of fortifications around the city of Belfort. The Forts des Perches were unique among the first group in their re-use of older sites.
0.8 miSE
Forts and castles
Fort des Hautes Perches
20 min walk • Fort des Hautes Perches was built between 1874 and 1877 in Danjoutin and Belfort in northeastern France. It is part of the first ring of fortifications around the city of Belfort.