description Butte du Lion Overview
The Butte du Lion, or Lion's Mound, is an artificial conical hill on the Waterloo battlefield in Belgium. It was constructed in the 1820s at the location traditionally associated with the wounding of William, Prince of Orange, during the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, and is crowned by a cast-iron lion monument. Visitors can climb a long staircase to survey the preserved battlefield and surrounding memorial landscape.
help Butte du Lion FAQ
What does the Butte du Lion at Waterloo commemorate?
The Butte du Lion (Lion's Mound) marks the location where William II, Prince of Orange, was wounded by a musket ball during the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815. The Prince survived the battle and later became King of the Netherlands.
How many steps does it take to climb the Butte du Lion?
Visitors climb 226 steps to reach the top of the Butte du Lion, where they are rewarded with panoramic views of the Waterloo battlefield. The large lion statue at the summit faces France and symbolizes the Allied victory over Napoleon.
When was the Butte du Lion constructed?
The Butte du Lion was constructed in the 1820s, reportedly completed in 1826, under the order of King William I of the Netherlands. The artificial hill was built using earth taken from the surrounding battlefield fields.
Where exactly is the Butte du Lion located in Belgium?
The Butte du Lion is located on the Waterloo battlefield in the municipality of Braine-l'Alleud, south of Brussels in Belgium. The site is part of a broader memorial complex that includes museums, the Hougoumont farm, and other monuments related to the 1815 battle.
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