Lion's Mound

Lion's Mound is an artificial hill standing 41 meters tall with a diameter of 169 meters, topped by a cast iron lion statue overlooking the Waterloo battlefield. At the summit, visitors find an observation platform with maps and telescopes to survey the terrain and understand the battle's layout.

King William I of the Netherlands commissioned this artificial hill in 1820 to mark where Prince William of Orange was wounded during the 1815 battle. The monument was built to honor a defining moment of European history directly on the battlefield itself.

The monument draws visitors interested in military history who come to understand the strategies and movements of that pivotal battle. People from across Europe visit to connect with a defining moment in the continent's past.

Reaching the observation platform requires climbing 226 steps, which demands reasonable physical fitness. The ascent can be tiring on warm days, so wear sturdy shoes and allow enough time for a comfortable pace.

The construction required approximately 300,000 cubic meters of earth, all extracted directly from the central ridge of the original British battle line. This soil was piled on the spot to create the prominent hill that stands today.

Location: Braine-l'Alleud

Inception: 1826

Architects: Charles Vander Straeten

Creator: Jean-Louis Van Geel

Height: 41 m

Diameter: 169 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Made from material: cast iron

Address: route du Lion 299

GPS coordinates: 50.67845,4.40482

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:08