Cloth Hall: A Tapestry of History in Ypres

Discover the Cloth Hall in Ypres, a historical landmark that beautifully narrates the city's rich heritage and the legacy of World War I.

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Nestled in the heart of Ypres, the Cloth Hall stands as a testament to the city's rich history and architectural splendor. This historical landmark, once a bustling marketplace for textiles, now houses a museum that invites tourists to explore the profound stories of the region, particularly relating to World War I. Visitors can admire its stunning Gothic architecture, enjoy exhibitions, and reflect on the past while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Ypres.

A brief summary to Cloth Hall

Grote Markt 34, Ypres, 8900, BE
+3257239220
Visit website

Local tips

Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and have a more intimate experience with the exhibits.
Check the museum's schedule for special events or guided tours for a deeper understanding of the displays.
Take time to explore the surrounding area and enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants to fully appreciate Ypres.
Consider purchasing a combined ticket for multiple attractions in Ypres to save on entry fees.

Getting There

Car

If you're traveling by car within the Duchy of Brabant, head towards Ypres (Ieper). Use the following directions: From the center of Leuven, take the E40 motorway towards Bruges. Merge onto the A19 towards Ypres. Continue on the A19 and follow signs for Ieper. Once in Ypres, follow the signs to the city center. Cloth Hall is located at Grote Markt 34, 8900 Ieper. There are parking facilities available nearby, but note that parking may incur a fee, typically around €1.50 per hour.
Train

For those preferring public transportation, take a train to Ypres (Ieper) from major cities like Brussels or Leuven. Trains frequently run from Brussels Central Station to Ypres with a transfer at either Kortrijk or Mouscron. The journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Upon arrival at Ypres train station, exit the station and head towards the city center (approximately a 15-minute walk). As you approach the city center, you will find signs directing you to Grote Markt, where Cloth Hall is located.
Bus

Alternatively, you can take a bus to Ypres. Buses from nearby cities like Bruges and Ghent run regularly to Ypres. Check the local bus schedule for timings and routes. Once you arrive at the Ypres bus station, it's a short 10-minute walk to Cloth Hall. Follow the main road towards the city center, and you will reach Grote Markt 34, where the Cloth Hall is situated.

Discover more about Cloth Hall

The Cloth Hall, known as 'Lakenhalle' in Dutch, is an iconic symbol of Ypres and a must-visit for tourists exploring this historic city. Originally built in the 13th century, it served as a marketplace for the flourishing cloth industry in the region. The grand facade, with its intricate Gothic architecture, showcases the craftsmanship of the time and offers a stunning backdrop for photographs. As you approach, you'll be struck by its impressive belfry, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation that includes several important sites in the region. Inside the Cloth Hall, visitors will find the In Flanders Fields Museum, dedicated to the history of World War I and its impact on Ypres and the surrounding areas. This engaging museum features interactive exhibits, personal stories, and multimedia presentations that bring the historical events to life. The museum aims to honor the memories of those who lived through the war while educating visitors about the resilience of the city and its people. The Cloth Hall is more than just a museum; it’s a place for reflection and remembrance. Spend some time in the surrounding Grote Markt, where you can enjoy local cafes and shops, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Ypres. The hall is also conveniently located, making it easy to explore other nearby historical sites, such as the Menin Gate and various war memorials, ensuring that your visit to Ypres is both enriching and memorable.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

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Vestingroute

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Ypres Town Cemetery

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Lille Gate

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White House Cemetery, St.Jean-Les-Ypres

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La Brique Military Cemetery No.2

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Railway Chateau Cemetery

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Bedford House Cemetery

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La Belle Alliance Cemetery

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Essex Yeomanry Frezenburg Memorial

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Unmissable attractions to see

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Research Centre In Flanders Fields

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Yper Museum

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Ypres War Victims Monument

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Iers kruis Munster War Memorial (Ieper)

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St. Martin's Cathedral

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Vismarkt

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St George's Memorial Church, Ypres

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Merghelinck Museum

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Sint-Jacobskerk

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Last Post Association

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Menin Gate

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Memorial for Indian Soldiers

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Sint-Pieterskerk

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Cloth Hall: A Tapestry of History in Ypres

A brief summary to Cloth Hall

Local tips

Getting There

Car

Train

Bus

Unlock the Best of Cloth Hall

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Cloth Hall

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Vredesbank

Vestingroute

Ypres Town Cemetery

Lille Gate

Ypres

White House Cemetery, St.Jean-Les-Ypres

La Brique Military Cemetery No.1

La Brique Military Cemetery No.2

British WWI Bunker

Monument Poolse pantserdivisie

Railway Chateau Cemetery

Bedford House Cemetery

La Belle Alliance Cemetery

New Irish Farm Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery

Essex Yeomanry Frezenburg Memorial

Unmissable attractions to see

In Flanders Fields Museum

Research Centre In Flanders Fields

Yper Museum

Ypres War Victims Monument

Iers kruis Munster War Memorial (Ieper)

St. Martin's Cathedral

Vismarkt

St George's Memorial Church, Ypres

Merghelinck Museum

Sint-Jacobskerk

Last Post Association

Menin Gate

Memorial for Indian Soldiers

Sint-Pieterskerk

Cat Town

Essential places to dine

In 't Klein Stadhuis

Den anker

De Trompet

Hotel Tearoom New Regina

De Kollebloeme

Munchies - Food & Drinks

Marktcafé Les Halles

Pastasciutta

Kosmos Ieper

Markt22

Ypresburger

Brasserie Petrus

Pizza Roma Ieper

't Appel

't Ganzeke

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Il Gusto d'Italia

Chocolaterie Peter De Groote

Veritas - Ieper

Baba Shop

LolaLiza

Carrefour market IEPER

Ascot

Ypres Poppy Shop

HEMA

De Kleine Winst

Obelisk Fashion Ieper

The Times

Hunkemöller Ieper

't Iepertje

Witch Shop - White Magic

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Museum Cafe

De Afspraak - Ieper

Sherlock Loungebar