Memorial Tourism

Belgium has known a long and painful history of combats and wars. The entire country was one of the favourite battlefields of its strong and imposing neighbours. Below, you find a short list of the most moving places that belong to the collective or individual memory and that pay tribute to those that have given their life to fight for freedom.

Liège

First and Second World War

In less than one generation, Liège had to face unequalled violent attacks by the German troops during both the First and Second World War. The fortified position of Liège that was founded in the 19th century has had the unhappy privilege to be on the front line of the German assaults and their attempts to invade western Europe. The majority of the fortresses are well preserved, even if some of them are not accessible to the public for the moment. For more information, you can contact:

Info: FÉDÉRATION DU TOURISME DE LA PROVINCE DE LIÈGE (LIEGE)

Mons

First World War

230 of the British soldiers that died in Mons during the First World War are buried at the military cemetery of St. Symphorien, just outside the city. It is a nice and quiet little cemetery with a view on the fields. In Mons there is a museum with various sections dedicated to the two wars and several memorials. The local tourist office proposes a brochure ‘Notes sur la Bataille de Mons’ (Notes on the Battle of Mons) with lots of practical information on walks and/or car trips along the different battlefields. It was during the battle of Mons that the Mons Angels have appeared to rescue the British troups from the Germans...
Also discover: CHEMIN DU SOUVENIR (PLOEGSTEERT)

Info: OFFICE DU TOURISME DE MONS (MONS)

Waterloo

In the footsteps of the Duke of Wellington

A day at Waterloo 1815 is a day that starts with the visit of the village centre of Waterloo, then of the Wellington Museum (WATERLOO), which was the headquarters of the Duke.
5 km to the south, you will see the famous Lion Mound of Waterloo (WATERLOO) from a height of 45 m. From the top, you will have a beautiful view over the battlefield of 18 June 1815. Who knows, maybe you will feel the presence of the ghosts that have been haunting the place ever since. At the foot of the mound, you will find the VISITOR'S CENTRE (BRAINE-L'ALLEUD) with the laser show and the film helping you to better understand the past events.
The Panorama of the Battle of Waterloo (BRAINE-L'ALLEUD), next to the visitor centre, is a round building that was built for the 100th anniversary of the battle. It houses a monumental painting of the battle by the French painter Louis Demoulin. This painting covers all the interior walls of the centre and places the visitor in the middle of a very realistic 3D battle field. The panorama is a good example of a tourist attraction that is dedicated to the military field! Opposite the panorama, you can find the Waxworks Museum (WATERLOO), which presents the most important protagonists of the battle, made in 1949 by the artists of the Grevin Museum. 4 km farther, you find Napoleon's Headquarters at the Ferme du Caillou...
You can buy your pass at the Wellington Museum. It grants you access to the different sites.

Info: Wellington Museum (WATERLOO)

© Belgian Tourist Office Brussels-Wallonia - London

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