Ypres Cloth Hall
The Cloth Hall of Ypres was one of the largest commercial buildings of the Middle Ages. It served as the main market and warehouse for the Flemish city's prosperous cloth industry.
Built mainly in the 13th century and completed in 1304, was almost completely destroyed under artillery fire in World War I.
Before the Great War the niches framed life-size statues of historical personages, counts and countesses of Flanders.
The belfry, capped with four turrets and a spire, houses a carillon with 49 bells.
The tower offers an expansive view of the surroundings, and was used as a watchtower in centuries past.
The spacious ground-floor halls where wool and cloth were once sold are now used for exhibitions.
The second floor now hosts the In Flanders Fields Museum.
