Lucerne Golden Memories In 2011
AERIAL VIEW OF LUCERNE
The geographical heart of Switzerland, more poetically described by Alexandre Dumas as "a pearl in
the world's most beautiful oyster". Lucerne is a modern town nestled in a uniquely beautiful landscape
that faces the world-famous Lake Lucerne surrounded by the impressive panorama of the Alps.
MEGGENHORN CASTLE WEDDING RECEPTION
Three lovely uninvited guests adding a touch of class to the occasion.
MEGGENHORN CASTLE
Connie and Sandra drove us to the romantic Meggenhorn Castle situated on a promontory above lake
Lucerne. Although there was a wedding celebration in progress we mingled with the guests. We took
the opportunity to have a photo by the bride’s car with thoughts back to our own wedding 51 years ago.
...as Connie takes a photo of Sandra & Oscar as we remember our happy hours together.
A MOMENT AMONG FRIENDS
Time to rest our weary feet and head in the company of .....
A WELCOME BREAK
MARGARET WATCHES BREAD TWISTING
Bakers mix, shape and bake by hand, in the traditional way, a wide range of breads in various shapes
and sizes. Margaret watches as the bakers roll out dough sausages and plait them together for baking
and selling them still hot to appreciative customers.
VEGETABLES AT SATURDAY MARKET
Very early on a Tuesday & Saturday morning the banks of the River Reuss are full of market traders
selling many varieties of bread, fruit, vegetables and fish. The regular locals and visitors stroll, sample
the wares and gossip in the many cafes with a variety of drinks and pastries.
THE LION MONUMENT
The dying lion is in homage to the 800 Swiss Guard soldiers and officers who died defending the
Tuileries during the French Revolution. It creates an atmosphere of respect enhanced by the trickling
water which flows over the rock into the pool at the lion’s feet.
CENTRAL RAILWAY STATION
In 1971 the original railway station burned to the ground with only the massive arch left standing. Built
alongside are the congress facilities combined with a concert hall. Top of the bill when we were there
was a Glen Miller music night.
CULTURE & CONVENTION CENTRE
A modern building designed by a French architect and opened in 1998. The concert hall boasts superb
acoustics and can seat up to 1,800 spectators. The upper floor is occupied by a large museum to
mostly Swis paintings. As can be seen, close by are the piers for steamer trips around the lake.
JESUIT CHURCH INTERIOR
Rose and white plaster work embellishes an ethereal white interior. A massive pink altarpiece forms the
focal point at the front of the sanctuary; although it resembles marble, it is actually stucco and plaster.
When visited a service was in progress and the organ playing and singing was a moving experience.
THE JESUIT CHURCH
The church was constructed between 1666 and 1673 and is dedicated to saint Franz Xaver. The
building is regarded as one of Switzerland’s most beautiful baroque churches.
NORTH SIDE OF RIVER REUSS
View from the Kron-Reuss Bridge lokking towards the Lake of Lucerne. To the left are examples of
buildings from the old town, behind which are beautiful squares with fountains surrounded by buildings
whose walls are covered by paintings. Traffic-free alleys and roads allow a peaceful ramble.
CHAPEL BRIDGE PAINTINGS
This is an example of the 67 paintings made between 1626 and 1635. This one is called "The Dance
of Death". They depict people of all classes and conditions, including the artist Kaspar Meglinger, at
the mercy of the plague and death.
CHAPEL BRIDGE & TOWER
This wooden footbridge crossing the River Reuss was built in 1333 to help defend the city and has
more than 100 early 17th century paintings in its roof recording the early history of Lucerne.
