Lion of Belfort

The Lion of Belfort is a monumental carved sandstone sculpture in the city of Belfort in eastern France, created by the sculptor Fre9de9ric Auguste Bartholdi. The sculpture commemorates the French defence of Belfort during the Franco-Prussian War and is sited at the foot of the city’s historic citadel.

The lion is carved in a reclining pose into a red sandstone rock face and is notable for its large scale and for being integrated with the citadel ramparts. It was executed in the late 19th century as a public commemorative monument and has become a civic symbol of Belfort.

The work was commissioned following the siege of 1870-71 and reflects the 19th-century practice of monumental public sculpture commemorating military events and civic resilience. The lion faces outward over the city and surrounding plain, forming a visual focal point below the citadel.

This landmark sits adjacent to the Vauban-era citadel on the hill above Belfort in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comte9 region, where it remains visible from the city centre and surrounding streets.

• Size and dedication: The carved red sandstone lion measures about 22 metres long and 11 metres high and commemorates the city's resistance during the 1870-71 siege.