Mardasson Memorial | Bastogne

Information

Landmark: Mardasson Memorial
City: Bastogne
Country: Belgium
Continent: Europe

Mardasson Memorial, Bastogne, Belgium, Europe

The Mardasson Memorial is a large-scale commemorative monument located on the Mardasson Hill in Bastogne, Belgium. It honors the memory of the 76,890 American soldiers who were killed, wounded, or went missing during the Battle of the Bulge (Ardennes Counteroffensive) in the winter of 1944–1945.

Visual Characteristics

The memorial is designed in the shape of a colossal five-pointed star, the symbol of the United States Army. It is constructed primarily of gray stone and reinforced concrete, featuring a central open-air atrium. The perimeter consists of a covered gallery supported by pillars. Atop the columns, the names of the 48 U.S. states (as of 1944) are inscribed in gold letters. The inner walls of the gallery bear the history of the battle and the names of the major participating military units.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Colline du Mardasson, 6600 Bastogne.

Proximity: Located approximately 2km northeast of the city center.

By Car: Accessible via the N4 or E25. Extensive paid parking is shared with the adjacent Bastogne War Museum.

By Foot: A paved pedestrian path connects the city center (McAuliffe Square) to the memorial.

Access: The monument is an outdoor site and is typically accessible 24 hours a day, though the internal crypt and museum hours differ.

Historical Origin

Designed by architect Georges Dedoyard, the memorial was inaugurated on July 16, 1950. It was built through a Belgian initiative to express gratitude to the American forces for the liberation of the country. The site was chosen specifically because Mardasson Hill was a strategic high point during the German siege of Bastogne.

Key Highlights & Activities

Panoramic Roof: A spiral staircase leads to the roof of the gallery, providing a 360-degree view of the surrounding Ardennes battlefields.

The Crypt: Located beneath the memorial, the crypt contains three altars (Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish) decorated with intricate mosaics by French artist Fernand Léger.

Commemorative Inscriptions: The interior wall features ten panels detailing the chronology of the battle in English and Latin.

Symbolism: A central stone in the atrium bears the inscription: Populus Belgicus Memor Liberatoribus Americanis ("The Belgian people remember their American liberators").

Infrastructure & Amenities

The memorial itself is a static monument. However, the shared complex with the Bastogne War Museum provides:

Public restrooms and a cafeteria.

A visitor information center.

Educational signage.

Wheelchair-accessible pathways around the base, though the rooftop stairs are not accessible.

Best Time to Visit

Photography: Early morning or late afternoon provides the most dramatic shadows across the star-shaped architecture.

Atmosphere: Visiting during the winter months (December/January) allows for a somber experience closer to the actual climate of the 1944 battle.

Events: Major commemorations take place every mid-December (Nuts Weekend) with historical reenactments and official ceremonies.

Facts & Legends

General Patton: While the memorial honors all soldiers, it is a key site for followers of General George S. Patton's Third Army, which broke the siege of Bastogne.

The Mosaics: The Fernand Léger mosaics in the crypt are considered some of the most significant examples of modern religious art in the region.