Monument Europalia in Houffalize, Belgium

Nadrin is a small country village located between Houffalize and La Roche-en-Ardenne, almost two hours by car south-east of Brussels. Situated in the Parc Naturel des Deux Ourthes, Nadrin boasts a number of remarkable natural sites, including the Nisramont Dam, the Hérou Rock, and the archaeological site of the Cheslé fort. As you leave the village heading south-east, a group of white megaliths and a dolmen-like structure await you by the side of the road.

However, this ensemble does not date back to the Neolithic period. It was created for the 1991 edition of the Europalia biennial. This biennial has been held in Brussels since 1969. It highlights the cultural scene of a country through exhibitions, concerts and other events. The rest of Belgium and even the four neighbouring countries also host events. It is in this context that the creation of the "Europalia Monument" should be seen.

The inauguration of this work of art was in December 1991, in the presence of Maria Barroso, wife of the Portuguese president at the time. It consists of 12 standing stones - representing the 12 countries which then formed the European Union - and a dolmen, representing an open door. The artist chose the symbolism of the menhirs and dolmens because they are the oldest evidence of European civilisation and the remains of them can be found in all 12 of the countries that formed the EU at that time. The 24 blocks are made of pink marble from Portugal. They weigh between 1.8 and 6.6 tons.

It is not the aim of the Europalia Festival to create permanent works of art. The Europalia Monument in Nandrin seems to be the only remaining work from a previous edition. It continues to symbolise the invisible links between European countries…