110km (69 miles) W of Brussels; 45km (28 miles) SW of Bruges
Ypres (Ieper in Dutch), set among the low, gentle slopes of the West Flanders Heuvelland (Hill Country), owed its early prosperity to a textile industry that peaked in the 13th century. Over the centuries, the handsome town was victimized by one war after another and became a ghost of its former self. By far the most devastating was World War I (1914-18) -- the "war to end all wars" -- when hardly a brick was left standing after 4 years of violent bombardments. Many visitors come to Ypres (pronounced ee-pruh) to pay homage to those who fell on the surrounding battlefields and rest in the many military cemeteries on the green breast of the Heuvelland.
Brick by brick, the town's most important medieval buildings have been reconstructed exactly as they were, carefully following original plans. This accounts for the pristine look of venerable monuments, instead of the moldering stones you might expect.
Iper Travel Experiences
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Iper
Next we head off to Iper, formerly know as Ypres. On the way we pass by Hellfire Corner, a name I recognise, but I’m not sure why. My gue... Continue reading »
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German Cemetery, Langemarck
Our first stop is the German war cemetery at Langemarck. Also called the Students’ Cemetery; 44,000 German soldiers or, to be more... Continue reading »
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Talbot House, Poperinge
Our next stop is in a town called Poperinge. Talbot House was an everyman club for soldiers, offering a little rest bite from the horror... Continue reading »
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Diksmuide (Trench of Death)
There is one last stop today and I cannot say it is something I was looking forward to. We drive along a canal to one of the most brutal... Continue reading »
