A Multifaceted historical heritage

THE HISTORICAL HERITAGE OF THE GEOPARK IS...

A HERITAGE THAT DATES FAR BACK IN TIME, at its earliest to some 35000 years ago, and the first human occupation of the Trou des Maulins cave, right through to the present day and the legacy of remembrance of the Battle of the Ardennes.

A HUGELY VARIED HERITAGE, studded with monuments and with natural elements associated with popular beliefs still alive today, such as the Nail Tree - supposed to relieve toothache - or stones linked to ancient legend.

A HERITAGE STILL FURTHER ENRICHED... by the countless works of art produced over the millennia, from Prehistoric times to the present day.

- Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in Hotton. The 667 soldiers interred here met their deaths during the winter of 1944-1945 (C. Frébutte © AWaP).

- The bark of the Han-sur-Lesse Nail Tree (C. Frébutte © AWaP).

- The « lit du diable » or Devil's Bed in Wéris. Legend has it that the block was used as a « sacrificial altar » or a resting place for the Devil. (C. Frébutte © AWaP).

- Detail of a stained glass window depicting the life of Saint Stephen, by Jean-Michel Folon, 2005. Saint-Etienne church in Waha (C. Frébutte © AWaP).