LUCERNE, Fr. prom. The capital of the Canton of Lucerne, Switzerland, situated on the Reuss, where it issues 'rum the northwest extremity of the Lake of Lucerne (Map: Switzerland, C 1). Its location in an amphi theatre of mountains, including the Rigi and ninths, and its m•dieval towers and wall,, make it one of the most interesting and picturesque towns in Switzerland. It is favored besides by a mild climate. Lucerne is divided by the river into two parts. connected by five bridges, of which two arc covered, medieval structures painted with scenes from the lives of the patron saints of Lucerne and with a "Dance of Death." Broad quays lined with rows of ehestnut-trees stretch along the northern lake shore where the new town lies, with broad streets and squares lighted by electricity. The Quai National and the Schweizerhof Quay are splendid promenades, af fording justly celebrated views of the neighbor ing peaks and the green sweep of the lake. The older portion of the city extends along the south ern bank of the river. and is built after the medieval fashion, with crooked, narrow thor oughfares and old-fashioned houses. Of the churches the finest is the liofkirche; with two slender towers erected in 1500. It s organ is famous for the purity of its tones. The town hall dates from the seventeenth century, and contains an antiquarian and an art collection. Its stained glass is noteworthy. The most noted memorial the town possesses is the famous ing Lion of carved out of the side of a grotto from a model by Thorwaldsen. to com memorate the defense of the Tuileries in l'aris, August 10, 1792, by the Swiss Guard,. who were massacred. by the infuriated mob. The lion is nearly thirty feet in length. The adjacent Glacier Garden is also a unique attraction. Among the educational institutions are the new cantonal school. equipped with extensive geo logical and botanical collections, and various :ee ondary. technical. industrial. and eommereial
schools. There are also a musical conservatory; the museum containing the cantonal library (J0, (101) volumes) ; the municipal library, rich in hooks of Helvetian history: the cantonal natural history collection; the of stuffed Alpine animals: and the panoramas of Lucerne history and scenery. A fine building was dedicated in 1902 as the International Musemn of War 811(1 Peace.
Lucerne derives its wate•-supply through an aqueduct from the springs of Mount Pilatus, 14 miles away. There is an extensive system of electric railroads in the city. Several railroad lines centre in the town. Despite these facili ties, however, Lucerne has hut little trade, and manufactures only small quantities of silk and ironware. The chief business of the inhabit ants is the accommodation of tourists, who throng here yearly to the number of over 100,000, and for whom there are nearly seventy hotels. The environs are famous for their beauty and historic interest. (See LUCERNE, LAKE OF.) Population. in ISti,S. •0.314: in I900 20.255, mostly Roman Catholic.
Lucerne appears as a town as early as the eleventh century. It belonged to the (louse of until 1332, when it entered the Federa tion. its citizens taking part in the battle of Sempaeh in 1380. The Reformation was not well received in Lucerne. Lt fact, the city led the Catholic forces during the religious wars. In 179s Lucerne bevame the capital of the Ilelvetie Republic. In 1644 it placed itself at the head of the Sonderhund, but capitulated in 1S17 and was occupied by the federal troop.. Since that year its history has been tranquil. Consult ]leer, Guide to LUC( rne (Lucerne, 1s99).