Waterloo is a word known far beyond Belgium, but the battlefield rewards a slower introduction than its reputation suggests. South of Brussels, the Lion's Mound rises above a landscape where farms, roads and slopes help explain the fighting of 18 June 1815. The first task is to connect those places. What looks like open country becomes a setting of defensive positions, interrupted movements and decisions made under pressure.
The visitor complex is at Route du Lion 1815 in Braine-l'Alleud. Distinguish that destination from simply arriving in Waterloo town: the name of the battle does not mean every museum and battlefield stop stands around one central square. The Domaine de la bataille de Waterloo 1815 brings together the Mémorial, Panorama, Lion's Mound and Hougoumont farm as complementary parts of a visit.
