The memorial for the famous Battle of Waterloo will undergo major restoration works over the coming months, preparing it for its 200th anniversary in 2026. Over €500,000 has been allocated to the project.
In the history books, quite a lot has been written about the Battle of Waterloo. When the French Imperial Army under the command of Napoleon I was defeated by two armies of the Seventh Coalition, one of which was led by the British Duke of Wellington, on 18 June 1815, this marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars.
Sometime later, in 1823 to be precise, King William I of the Netherlands – who then ruled over the region – decided to quite literally mount a monument to commemorate the spot where his eldest son, Prince William, was wounded during the battle. Between 1823 and 1826, the now famous Lion’s Mound was constructed, with a cast iron sculpture of a lion perched at its top, symbolising the victory of the monarchies.
The Lion’s Mound is a man-made hill, measuring some 40 metres in height and featuring 226 steps, and is a well-loved monument amongst those visiting Belgium. With 175,000 visitors annually, the monument – which is actually located in the municipality of Braine-l’Alleud instead of Waterloo – is one of Belgium’s most-visited monuments, offering a splendid view over the former battlefield.
Safety for all
However, in order to guarantee the safety of those many visitors, renovation works are necessary according to Public Modernisation Minister Vanessa Matz. Over the coming months, contractor Socatra SA will be repairing the stairs and railings leading up to the statue, while the lion and its pedestal will also be cleaned and repaired where needed.
According to Belgium’s Buildings Authority, the renovation works will be carried out before March 2026, meaning the Lion’s Mound will be well-prepared to celebrate its bicentenary in 2026. Visitors will continue to have access to the monument during the renovation works, albeit limited. Financing for the project will be provided by the Belgian National Lottery, according to local news outlet Bruxelles Today.
As far as the Lion’s bicentenary is concerned, the municipality of Braine-l’Alleud has reportedly confirmed that its own teams, local associations, and cultural partners are teaming up behind the scenes to organise a series of events to celebrate the monument’s 200th anniversary. More information should follow over the coming months.
