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2,000 years of combat in Ypres

5th January 2007

The Belgian city of Ypres has played a central role in European history, making it one of the most important locations on the continent.

The city has stood for over 2,000 years, and was first conquered by the Romans in the first century BC. Ypres was later under occupation by both Hapsburg and French forces, and was the focal point of heavy fighting during World War I.

Ypres was completely rebuilt after the war, with many buildings recreated as exact copies of the destroyed structures. The Cloth Hall, which was built in the 13th century when the city was a major centre of textile trade, was reconstructed in the 1930s and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Today the hall contains the In Flanders Fields Museum. The site is dedicated to telling the story of the city's battles between the Allies and the Germans. Objects and photographs are combined with more modern technology to present a complete overview of the fighting.

The Menin Gate Memorial salutes the British Commonwealth soldiers who gave their lives in Ypres but were never identified. The Last Post bugle call has been sounded under the Gate every evening since 1928.

Ypres has recently been designated as a "city of peace", and its dignified commemoration of previous battles makes the city the ideal destination for a relaxing break.

© Adfero Ltd

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