Let's climb some steps...

We had been wanting to visit one Belgium's landmarks that isn't too far from our house...Butte du Lion.    Butte du Lion or The Lion's Mound is a large hill raised on the battlefield of Waterloo to commemorate the location where William II of the Netherlands (the Prince of Orange) was knocked from his horse by a musket ball to the shoulder during the battle.  It was ordered constructed in 1820 by his father, King William I of The Netherlands, and completed in 1826.  The prince fought at the preluding Battle of Quatre Bras (June 16, 1815) and the Battle of Waterloo (June 18, 1815).

The mound was constructed using earth taken from other parts of the battlefield, including the fields between La Hay Sainte farm and the Duke of Wellington's sunken lane.  It is 141 feet high and has a circumference of 1706 feet.  Victor Hugo mentions the mentioned the mound in his novel Les Miserables that on visiting the site two years after the completion, the Duke of Wellington is said to have remarked, "They have altered my field of battle!"  

The Butte offers a great view of the battlefield and is the focal point of an area that includes museums and taverns.  For a fee of around 6 euros, you too can ascend the 226 steps leading to the statue and observation area at the top!

What, Gina, didn't you know you were going to get a workout?!  We climbed the steps...laughing all the way.  I was laughing so hard and so was Gina.  I am pretty sure I heard a few snorts!  When you stand at the bottom and look up, you really don't think it will be as difficult as it is.  The steps are made out of slate and they are very slippery.  Not to mention, but I will, the staircase is VERY narrow.  You use the same steps to go up as you do to go down, so it can get very tricky if someone else is going the opposite way you are!  

Map of the Battle

We have reached the top!

After our decent, we decided to check out the Panorama.  The Panorama is a huge round building, which holds the canvas painted by Louis Dumoulin in 1912 to mark the 100th anniversary of the battle.    it illustrates a key moment in the raging battle.  He depicted the Polish Lancers, the charge by Marshal Ney, Napoleon surrounded by his staff, and the resistance of the English infantry squares around Wellington.  The Panorama was restored in 2008, and is an important piece of historical heritage because it is one of the few that still exists today.  

Here is the round building that houses The Panorama

The Panorama

After all that climbing, reading and walking...what to do, what to do?!  Well, step on over to The Wellington Cafe and have lunch, of course.  We dined outside, had a great lunch, and really enjoyed our view!  Just as we were getting ready to go...the tour buses appeared!  Good thing we got our climbing in early!  Good times had by all:)