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Waterloo and Beyond

Waterloo and Beyond
Abbaye de Villers

From the battlefield of Waterloo to the abbey of Villers-la-Ville, via the Collegiate Church of Saint-Gertrude in Nivelles or the Château d’Hélécine, there are many traces of the past in the territory of Walloon Brabant.

Our artistic soul is woken at every turn in the L Museum, in the company of Tintin at the Hergé Museum, or even when entering the giant book at the Folon Foundation. You can also stroll along country roads, in parks or woods, on foot or by bike. There are many pleasurable things to see and do, your journey begins here!

Land of history

At the top of the Butte, the lion watches over the plain of Waterloo as the keeper of History. At the Waterloo 1815 Memorial, Napoleon’s Last HQ and the Wellington Museum, you can enjoy a multi-sensory experience unique in Europe.

Lion's Mound

The Waterloo 1815 Memorial includes the Butte du Lion, the Memorial Museum, the Panorama and Hougoumont Farm, Napoleon’s Last Headquarters, the Wellington Museum and the Mont-Saint-Jean Farm.

Secrets of stones

Listed as an exceptional heritage site in Wallonia, the Cistercian Abbey of Villers-la-Ville has been remarkably well preserved since the 12th century! It is one of the largest archaeological sites in Belgium. Immerse yourself in the past thanks to Slate, the augmented reality, interactive tablet! This technology brings back to life the architectural elements and people which have now disappeared.

With its impressive 102-metre nave, its two opposing choirs and its 11th-century crypt, the Collegiate Church of Saint-Gertrude in Nivelles is one of the oldest and largest Romanesque churches in Europe. The crypt under the eastern choir is the largest in our region. In addition to this treasure, you can also visit the archaeological basement under the main nave, the cloister and the central bell tower which houses the bells and the carillon.

Art and culture

Three major art museums can be found in Walloon Brabant, the L Museum, the Hergé Museum and the Folon Foundation.

As Belgium’s first large-scale university museum, the L Museum brings together 1,500 works from the 20,000 pieces that make up the collections. Explore the 3,830 m² of space open to the public, spread over 6 floors, and explore the collections from all 5 continents, ranging from prehistory to the 20th century. You’ll find works of art, natural history specimens, archaeological and ethnographic objects and scientific inventions. You will be able to manipulate, touch and even play with the works.

Hergé Museum

Discover the fabulous journey of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century who gave birth to the famous comic strip characters, Tintin and Snowy. Slightly set back from the city, the Hergé Museum has brought together more than 80 original plates, 800 photos, documents and various objects from this multi-talented artist. Stroll around this light-filled space with its particular shapes reminiscent of a suspended vessel.

Chateau de La Hulpe

At the heart of the wonderful Solvay regional park in La Hulpe, the Folon Foundation houses more than 500 works by Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon. The museum presents the multiple facets of his art: watercolours, silkscreen prints, engravings, posters, reused objects, stained-glass windows, sculptures etc. You’ll get lost in games of mirrors, discover endless posters, uncover the secrets of the workshop and finish the journey ‘with your head in the stars’.

Take advantage of your visit to the museum to stroll around the 227 hectares of the Solvay regional park, bordered by ponds and home to some remarkable flora and fauna.

More info on: www.waterlooandbeyond.be


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