Lion's Mound: A Symbol of Waterloo

Rising 40 meters (141 feet) above the landscape, the Lion's Mound (Butte du Lion) is the most recognizable landmark of the Waterloo battlefield. King William I of the Netherlands commissioned the mound to mark the spot where his son, the Prince of Orange, was supposedly injured during the Battle of Waterloo. The battle, which took place on June 18, 1815, marked the end of Napoleon's reign. The mound was constructed between 1823 and 1826, using approximately 300,000 cubic meters of earth taken from the battlefield itself. This altered the landscape, as noted by the Duke of Wellington. A colossal cast-iron lion statue, sculpted by Jean-François Van Geel, was placed on top in 1826. The lion, the heraldic beast of the Dutch monarchy, symbolizes courage. It stands with its paw on a globe, signifying the Allied victory and restored peace in Europe. Visitors can climb the 226 steps to the top of the Lion's Mound for a panoramic view of the battlefield. Orientation tables and signs help visitors understand the troop movements and the battle's topography. The Lion's Mound is part of the larger Waterloo 1815 Memorial site, which includes a museum, the Hougoumont Farm, and the Panorama.