Grote Markt

The history of Ypres goes back much further than World War I, but the testimonies of that war are among the most poignant monuments in the city. Above all, there is the Menin Gate, which was built on the site of an earlier medieval gate. Here, British troops marched to the front to defend the Ypres Salient. Inscribed on this gate are the names of 54,896 missing soldiers from the then British Empire, who fell between the start of the war and August 15, 1917. Those who went missing thereafter are commemorated at Tyne Cot Cemetery. Since July 24, 1927, the Last Post has been sounded every day of the year at 8:00 PM under the Menin Gate by buglers from the Last Post Association. The work on the Cloth Hall was completed in 1304, and the building has served various functions over the centuries. During World War I, the building was largely destroyed but was later rebuilt, including the belfry. Adjacent to it is the town hall (originally from 1619), which was rebuilt in 1962. The Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral also had to be rebuilt after World War I. Here you will find, among other things, the tombstone of Robrecht van Béthune.

Lannoo