Lion's Mound, War memorial in Uccle, Belgium.
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
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Belgium preserves numerous historical sites and natural areas that remain outside the usual tourist circuits. The country contains medieval fortifications, castles from various periods, and protected areas that provide insight into its military and cultural past. The Hallerbos forest transforms...
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The Lion Mount (Butte du Lion), built between 1824 and 1826, is 41 meters tall. It was constructed at a site where the young prince Orański, a claimant to the throne and commander of the first British troops, was wounded. The lion statue was designed by the artist Van Geel, born in Mechelen.
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