Great War Memorial | Wavre

Information

Landmark: Great War Memorial
City: Wavre
Country: Belgium
Continent: Europe

Great War Memorial, Wavre, Belgium, Europe

The Great War Memorial in Wavre, commonly known as the Monument aux Morts, is a commemorative structure dedicated to the victims of World War I (1914–1918) and World War II (1940–1945). It is located at the intersection of Avenue des Déportés and Rue du Chemin de Fer, near the city center.

Visual Characteristics

The memorial is an upright stone cenotaph constructed from Belgian blue limestone (petit granit). It features a neoclassical design with a central vertical pylon adorned with a bronze or carved relief of a laurel wreath, symbolizing victory and peace. The names of local soldiers, political prisoners, and deportees are inscribed into the stone faces. The structure is set within a small, landscaped paved area enclosed by low decorative iron chains or bollards.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Avenue des Déportés, 1300 Wavre.

By Train: Located 300 meters (4-minute walk) south of the Wavre Railway Station.

By Car: Accessible via the N4 road. Street parking is available on Avenue des Déportés or at the nearby Parking de la Gare.

Access: The monument is situated on a public sidewalk and is accessible 24 hours a day.

Historical Context

Wavre suffered significantly during the "Rape of Belgium" in August 1914. German forces burned several parts of the town and executed civilians as part of their advance toward Brussels. The memorial specifically honors the "Déportés"-civilian workers who were forcibly sent to Germany during the occupation. Following 1945, additional plaques were added to commemorate the resistance fighters and victims of the Second World War.

Key Highlights & Activities

Annual Commemorations: The site is the focal point for official ceremonies on November 11 (Armistice Day) and May 8 (Victory in Europe Day).

Symbolism: The inscriptions reflect the local impact of the "National Federation of Combatants" (FNC).

Educational Transit: The monument is a stop on local historical walking tours that detail the 1815 Battle of Wavre and the 20th-century occupations.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The memorial is a static outdoor site with no on-site facilities. Public restrooms and cafes are located 200 meters away toward the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville. 5G cellular coverage is excellent. The area is well-lit at night by urban street lamps.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, mid-morning provides the best sunlight on the primary inscription face. The site is best visited in conjunction with the Church of St. John the Baptist, which also contains historical markers and scars from various conflicts.