The top of the monument offers a striking view of Waterloo's battlefields, only 40 miles away from France.

This July 23, 2009 photo shows Visitors climbing to the top of the Lion Mound in Waterloo, Belgium. The top of the monument offers a striking view of Waterloo's battlefields, only 40 miles away from France. However, the view of farmlands lacks the re-creation found at the nearby panorama.

This July 23, 2009 photo shows the entrance to the Waterloo Panorama in Waterloo, Belgium. Traveling panoramas became widely popular in Europe during the 19th century because they allowed people who couldn't afford to travel the chance to immerse themselves in exotic and historical destinations

This July 23, 2009 photo shows Carole Fonteneau and her son Efflam, 7, of Saint-Malo, France, reading about the Waterloo Panorama at the panorama in Waterloo, Belgium. In the age of the Internet, IMAX moves, and Wii, panoramas are an endearing icon of 19th century art and entertainment.

This July 23, 2009 photo shows Anne Monteleone, center left, of Belgium and her family viewing the Waterloo Panorama in Waterloo, Belgium.