Wars have always played a great role in shaping history to a great extent and the places where the bloodstream was flown have been preserved even this date and in the future to make us remember that bloodshed never did well to anyone. Belgium have seen many war scenes and Ypres is one of the most famous towns in Belgium. Ypres is also known as Ieper is a place with a haunting past. It’s a living memorial to the First World War. Now, the city is renowned .’ a long and rich history. Though Ypres’ history will forever be marked by world war events, the city was rebuilt with a respect for the past. Today it’s a great place to visit and give a tribute to the brave soldiers who left their homes with dignity to never return.
Address to reach the town:Menenstraat, 8900 Ieper
Read more to no about this historical place Ypres:
At the entrance to the ancient city of Ypres stands an arch inscribed with the names of British and Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in the battles to defend the Ypres Salient in World War I. Ypres had been fortified in the middle of the 17th century, today the most interesting and touching part of the ramparts is the Menin Gate. The Gate is the starting point for any battlefield tour. It’s like a symbol marking the departure point from which hundreds of thousands of soldiers left to the front lines of Ypres Salient, never to return. The last post ceremony is performed here every night at 8pm as a mark of respect and a tribute of those who fell, so the city may live. Well worth seeing a moving experience.
The In Flanders Fields Museum is a World War I museum located in a famous cloth hall in the center of Ypres, Belgium. Mirrors are used to inspire visitors to examine how we look at the past. It’s a multisensory experience an electronic ‘identity’ bracelet activates certain displays.
A well maintained museum, the are lots of details of the battles of WW1 that destroyed the city and the region. Incredible artifacts of the periods have been found and preserved. Moving testimonials have been reinstated in 4 languages to give a sense of the horrors of the war. Worth seeing the museum. You can also climb 231 steps to the top of the bell tower for views of the city and the Ypres Salient battlefields.
A place that is a stark and honest reminder that we need to love our fellow man and not look for violence but look for love and kindness. The Tyne Cot Cemetery is the largest Commonwealth military cemetery in the world. It contains the graves of nearly 12,000 soldiers who died between October 1914 and September 1918 while fighting in World War I. There are many unknown graves too. The graves of the unknown soldiers are marked with tombstones that read “Known unto God.” You cannot imagine how such a place which was the centre of such horror and now is so peaceful.
Wonderfully tended cemetery.
If you have time to discover Ypres more than it’s worth walking on the ramparts. The Ypres ramparts are the best preserved. However, they had a turbulent history. Centuries ago, Canals and earthen walls protected the citizens of the prosperous city than the famous French engineer Vauban transformed the ramparts into a huge complex with frontal fortifications and bastions. Now, more than half of the city’s ramparts have stood the test of time. Exploring these fortifications with their moats and islands makes for the perfect hour-and-a-half walk with stunning nature views and colours.
Bellewaerde is a grand-scale high-adrenaline amusement park which is the perfect place to give the kids a break from the histories of war. It is located in Ypres and can easily be reached by car or public transportation. It’s an amusement park with a twist. Along with rides for visitors of all ages, the park is home to all sorts of animals, and it doubles as a natural parkland for visitors who want to hike, picnic, or just stretch out and relax. Next to the main park, Bellewaerde Aquapark features a variety of slides and other water attractions. Highlights include a lazy river, a swim-up aquarium, a climbing wall, and all sorts of slides, plus plenty of whirlpool-style features for those who just want to sit back and relax. It’s a real fun place.
- Sint Martin’s cathedral
An impressive Saint Martin’s Cathedral is right next to the imposing cloth hall. The church was originally built in the 13th century and this vast church was almost totally destroyed in WWI.
Inside, you can view some art treasures that survived the bombardment of the war.
Reconstruction has beautifully restored its soaring Gothic interior; it’s hard to believe that the church was built in the 20th century and the picture of Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-van Thuyne that is traditionally believed to have miraculous powers. The church’s glass paintings are a present from Great Britain to commemorate the war losses. Its towering presence is hard to miss once you get to the main square. Stunning architecture, vibrant stained glass windows, and beautiful artwork. This church is a must-visit in Ypres.
- Kazematten Brewery
Brewery Kazematten is located in the heart of Ypres within the ancient walls surrounding the city. The unique ‘Kazematten van Het Houten Paard’ dates back to 1680 and has been transformed into an authentic brewery. It’s a perfect combination of style and history, this brewery and cafe bar set in ancient tunnels is the perfect place to reflect on the events which have happened in Ypres, you really whilst sipping a truly world-class beer, you can taste the blonde beers ‘Wipers Times’ and ‘Grotten Santé’. It’s a nice authentic small-scale brewery, telling the old history of Ypres in a nice beer ‘wipers times’. The Kazematten is cool all year round. Must see!
