The Waterloo Battlefield

The Waterloo Battlefield

Introduction The Waterloo Battlefield is situated near the town of Waterloo at the edge of the Sonian Forest, 18 kilometers south of Brussels. On the evening of June 18, 1815, the Anglo-Dutch army under the command of the Duke of Wellington and Prussian forces besieged and ultimately defeated Napoleon here, thus ending this legendary figure’s domination of Europe.

In 1826, a mound was created at the spot where Prince William of Orange of the Allied forces was wounded. At the top of the mound stands a giant iron lion, 4.5 meters long, 4.45 meters high, and weighing 28 tons. Legend has it that the lion was cast from the melted-down cannons abandoned on the battlefield by Napoleon’s army. Climbing the 226 steep stone steps to the top offers a panoramic view of the historic Waterloo Battlefield and a clear sight of Brussels. Not far from the Waterloo Monument is a bronze statue of Napoleon. To preserve the historical site, farming is prohibited around the battlefield. As a result, many local farmers have converted their farmhouses into various memorial museums for visitors, including the Caillou Farm, where Napoleon had his headquarters, the Panorama Museum, and the Waxworks Museum—well worth a visit.

Although Napoleon was the loser of the Battle of Waterloo, in the hearts of many, he remains a greater hero than the victors. Many of the memorials focus on Napoleon, with only passing mentions of the Duke of Wellington. Every five years, the historic battle is reenacted on the battlefield, with over 2,000 local residents participating in the performance. Transportation From Brussels South Railway Station, there are many trains passing through the town of Waterloo. Walk from Waterloo Railway Station to the town center, then take a bus to the battlefield.

Brussels, Belgium