Gileppe Dam
It is one of the oldest dams in Europe. Its construction, begun in 1868, lasted 10 years. The dam was built to supply water to the textile industry in Verviers. Nowadays, its task is to supply the city with drinking water. The inauguration of the dam was graced by King Leopold II on July 28, 1878.
The arch-gravity dam on the Gileppe River in Jalhay was the first to be built in Belgium. Two receiving towers in the middle of the lake supply water to the turbines. In the years 1967-1971, work was carried out to expand the dam, the height of which was increased by approximately 16 meters. This increased the reservoir's capacity to 26.4 million m³. On October 20, 1971, the Gileppe Dam was reopened by King Baudouin.
The arch-gravity dam on the Gileppe River in Jalhay was the first to be built in Belgium. Two receiving towers in the middle of the lake supply water to the turbines. In the years 1967-1971, work was carried out to expand the dam, the height of which was increased by approximately 16 meters. This increased the reservoir's capacity to 26.4 million m³. On October 20, 1971, the Gileppe Dam was reopened by King Baudouin.
At the top of the dam is a monumental sculpture of a lion, created by Belgian artist Félix Antoine Bourré. The 13.5-meter-high statue, built from 183 stone blocks, stands facing east. The dam and the beautiful surroundings can be admired from the top of the 77-meter observation tower. Tourists who prefer active recreation can take a walk around the lake. The approximately 15-kilometer route leads through beautiful forested areas. Children will undoubtedly be delighted by Accropark, which offers various types of activities, including a rope park.