--- title: "Tell monument" url: "https://www.luzern.com/en/poi/tell-monument" description: "How William Tell became a monumentThe lime tree on today's Rathausplatz had become weak in the 16th century, whereupon the village bailiff Bessler had a stone fountain built in 1567. A similar fountain with a statue of Tell was placed at today's entrance to the church square. Both fountains marked the alleged positions of Tell and the boy at the apple shooting. In 1859, Landammann Alexandre Muheim brought a monumental Zurich plaster statue from the Freischiessen from Zurich to Altdorf. However, the statue could not withstand the adverse weather for long and so a long-term solution was sought over the next 20 years.Through self-financing and a donation from the Federation, the bronze project cast in Paris by Thiebaud Frères was realised. It was stipulated in writing that William Tell was to be depicted as a man proud of his freedom, bold and determined, dressed in the customary peasant costume. The sculptor Richard Kissling completed the commission between 1882 and 1895 exactly according to these specifications. The new monument was inaugurated with a grand ceremony on 28 August 1895." language: "en" type: "Place" image: "https://dam.destination.one/2536420/5d4c04855b892e2d2a351218c9f31009cfa1e94f1eb0b2f3d4a8633427944bec/.jpg" breadcrumb: "Root > Welcome to Lucerne > Special > Destination.Data Details > poi" --- Share Tell monument ============= - Monument - Observation tower **The Tell monument stands in the centre of Altdorf on the town hall square. Here you can take the perfect souvenir photo during your stay in the canton of Uri.** How William Tell became a monument ---------------------------------- The lime tree on today's Rathausplatz had become weak in the 16th century, whereupon the village bailiff Bessler had a stone fountain built in 1567. A similar fountain with a statue of Tell was placed at today's entrance to the church square. Both fountains marked the alleged positions of Tell and the boy at the apple shooting. In 1859, Landammann Alexandre Muheim brought a monumental Zurich plaster statue from the Freischiessen from Zurich to Altdorf. However, the statue could not withstand the adverse weather for long and so a long-term solution was sought over the next 20 years. Through self-financing and a donation from the Federation, the bronze project cast in Paris by Thiebaud Frères was realised. It was stipulated in writing that William Tell was to be depicted as a man proud of his freedom, bold and determined, dressed in the customary peasant costume. The sculptor Richard Kissling completed the commission between 1882 and 1895 exactly according to these specifications. The new monument was inaugurated with a grand ceremony on 28 August 1895. Read more Swisstainable Engaged Companies at Level II commit to sustainable management and ongoing advancement in matters of sustainability. In addition, these companies hold a recognized certification at this level. Good to know ------------ Tip How about visiting the Tell Monument with a guide? Our expert guides will lead you through the ancient walls and provide you with exciting background information; Read more Price info - Free admission Target group - Individual guests - Groups - School classes - Families - Adults - Seniors Directions & Parking facilities **Parking**Bus parking spaces2 Read more Nearby ------ View on map - Event - Market - Market - Market - Place of interest - Nature reserve - Bridge - Monument - Tours 36.98 km - Tour 22.36 km - Hike 3.78 km - Theme trail Contact **Uri Tourismus AG** Schützengasse 11 6460 Altdorf UR