Ypres, Belgium

Grote Markt, Ypres
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grote_Markt,_Ieper_.jpg
Author: Tony Grist


Ypres (Dutch: Ieper) is a city in western Belgium, near the border with France. It is located in the Flemish province of West Flanders. The city covers 130.61 sq km and has a population of 35,000 (2011 estimate). The Ieperlee Kanaal runs through the city.

The history of Ypres goes back as far as the Roman times. It only saw substantial growth in the Middle Ages, when its population grew to 40,000 (more than what it is today), as it was a center for the linen trade with England. It was, for a while, the third largest city in the County of Flanders after Ghent and Bruges.

Prosperity from linen and textile trade helped the city built the Cloth Hall, one of the most famous historic buildings in Ypres. The city suffered numerous destructions through its history. It was bured down in a major fire in 1241. The city was besieged in 1383 by English bishop Henry le Despenser. In 1697, it became a possession of Spain following the Treaty of Ryswick. Then it was passed to Austrian control in 1713.

Due to its turbulent history, visitors can see remains of its city walls, built to keep invaders at bay. Some of these walls date back to the 14th century, and are still visible today.

Cloth Hall in Ypres
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cloth_Hall,_Ieper_.jpg
Author: Tony Grist


As with a number of towns in Belgium, Ypres suffered greatly in the hands of the Germans during the First World War. Three massive battles were fought in Ypres with half a million casualties on the side of the Germans, as well as of the British, Canadian, ANZAC and French forces attempting to recapture the city.

The result of the war was a devastated city. It was however rebuilt with reparation money from Germany. Its main square and many of its important buildings were rebuilt as close to the original designs as it is possible, while the rest of Ypres takes on a more modern appearance.

Kasselrijieper in Ypres
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ypres_Kasselrijieper.JPG
Author: Velvet

Visiting Ypres

Take the train from Brussels to Ypres. The Ypres Railway Station is near the city center.

Places of Interest in Ypres

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