Ypres

The city of Ypres has a very long and turbulent history. Its origins date back to the 10th century. In the Middle Ages, when the textile trade developed here, it experienced its greatest splendor. Then, during many years of invasions and occupations, it fell into decline. And during World War I, as a result of fighting, Ypres was practically razed to the ground. Fortunately, later its historic old town was carefully restored and today you can admire many impressive sights here.

Ypres, Belgium - © Brate

The most important building of Ypres is undoubtedly the impressive Lakenhal cloth hall . Their construction began in 1200 and took over 100 years. For centuries it was the heart of a city where trade flourished. The belfry , which is the oldest part of the building, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List . Other interesting objects are the thirteenth-century church of St. Marcin, and the buildings of the court and commercial court. There are also many memorials and monuments dedicated to the victims of World War I in the city, and the Menin Gate is the most impressive. Today Ypres is called the "city of peace" , and a museum dedicated to the history of World War I was established in the cloth hall building.

For whom?

If you appreciate classical architecture and enjoy admiring impressive historic buildings then you must visit Ypres. People interested in the history of these areas will find many interesting places here that will bring closer both better and slightly more difficult facts from the history of the city. Historians fascinated by the fate of the Western Front of World War I should visit a specially prepared museum and numerous memorial sites.