Ypres - Lakenhalle 
In the Grote Markt stands the 132m/433ft-long Lakenhalle (cloth hall), rebuilt in 13th C. style.
The original building was begun around 1260 and completed in 1304. It was completely destroyed in the First World War, but the new building is one of the finest and largest secular buildings in Europe. The extent of the hall in which the cloth was stored, checked and sold, is indicative of the power wielded by the guilds within the town.
The original building was begun around 1260 and completed in 1304. It was completely destroyed in the First World War, but the new building is one of the finest and largest secular buildings in Europe. The extent of the hall in which the cloth was stored, checked and sold, is indicative of the power wielded by the guilds within the town.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Above the entrance door is the statue of the patron saint Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-van-Thuyne; in the niches are statues of count Balduin and Mary of Constantinople together with King Albert I and Queen Elisabeth. The large hall on the first floor is open to visitors.
Related Attractions
Belfry
The 70m/230ft-high square belfry which projects from the center of the Lackenhalle is visible from the surrounding countryside. Its carillon of 49 bells is played from June to October at 9 p.m. From the tower there is a superb view over the plain of Flanders.
The tower is a UNESCO site.
The tower is a UNESCO site.
Museum Salient 14-18
This museum on the first floor of the Cloth Hall chronicles the heavy fighting of the First World War. Exhibits include uniforms and equipment of all the armies, some architectural remains of the Lakenhalle and pictures of old Ypres.
