Munipical Museum, Ypres

Advantages: Great Historical Monuments
Disadvantages: The Weather! (?)

...I visited Ypres not so long ago for a day trip to have a browse around the World War grave yards and the old trenches that were used during the war. I visited both the Allied grave yards and the German grave yards and they both have sad yet interesting feel about them. The allied grave yard is amazingly kept, with the white stones and rememberence monuments naming those whose died defending their country. I also took the time to sign the rememberence book and filled it with simply a word that covers everything, "Respect". The German grave yard i visited was smaller but just as sad. With it's flat grey stones and basic look, however it is also very well kept and has a peaceful feel about it. The trenches that i visited were again, fantasticly kept. I even had a wonder through them. The dark tunnels and the thick mud would make... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Fascinating chronicle into the town of Ypres during World War I
Disadvantages: Upsetting to see the evidence of wasted life

...INTRODUCTION Last year I had my first spell of working in the Netherlands and one weekend with the help of a friend visiting who'd hired a car, we thought about going to Ypres, Belgium, scene of much trench warfare in World War One. On out way to the Tyne Cot war cemetery (which are quite awe inspiring in themselves), we spent a little time in the pretty main square of Ypres, where we chanced upon this museum just behind the square. YPRES (IEPER) Lying near to the French border, the Belgian town of Ypres (the French name) or Ieper (Flemish) was the scene of much trench warfare during WWI. It was in fact a prosperous town pre-war and was a key place because it led the way towards the rest of Belgium and France for the Germans. There were several big battles as both sides needlessly wasted much human life, the most... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: An eye-opening experience, thoroughly absorbing
Disadvantages: Might be too 'real' for some people

..."IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place, and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields." John McCrae (1872 - 1918) IN FLANDERS FIELD MUSEUM is located on the upper floor of the Cloth Hall in the Grote markt, Eiper, or YPRES. The museum opened in 1998, replacing the dated WWI museum that had previously occupied the building. THE CLOTH HALL itself is a magnificent medieval edifice... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful