Lucerne, << loo SURN >> (pop. 82,620), is a tourist center and historic city in central Switzerland. The German name of the city is Luzern. Lucerne lies on the western shore of the Lake of Lucerne and on the banks of the Reuss River.
Lucerne is the capital of the canton (state) of Lucerne. The city’s location along the lake and near magnificent mountains attracts thousands of visitors annually. Its other attractions include medieval houses, the covered Chapel Bridge, an annual music festival, and the Swiss Transport Museum and other museums. The famous Lion of Lucerne monument in the city honors Swiss soldiers who were killed while serving the king of France during the French Revolution (1789-1799).
Lucerne dates from the early 700’s. In 1332, it became the first town to enter into an alliance with the peasants of central Switzerland. This action was an important step in the growth of a political alliance called the Swiss Confederation.
