Ieper (Ypres)

Welcome to Ieper, or Eep-er—a city that the British soldiers of the Great War affectionately and stubbornly called 'Wipers.' You are standing in one of the most historically significant locations in all of Europe. While today it…

We begin at Saint Martin’s Cathedral, a structure that perfectly encapsulates Ieper’s cycle of destruction and rebirth. Originally a 13th-century masterpiece, it was the religious heart of the city until it was systematically…

A short walk from the main square brings us to Saint George’s Memorial Chapel, built in 1927. This is perhaps the most personal and poignant site in all of Ieper. …

To understand why Ieper was so defensible, we must walk the Ramparts. These massive fortifications were designed in the 17th century by the legendary French military architect Seb-as-tian Vauban. …

The Lille Gate, or Reel-gate, is the southern entrance to the city and one of the few original gateways to survive the war in a recognizable form. During the conflict, this was a primary route for troops heading out to the front…

Nestled into a bastion of the city walls, the Ramparts Cemetery is perhaps the most beautiful and atmospheric burial site in Ieper. Because it was started by French troops in 1914 and taken over by the British in 1915, it has an…

Finally, we visit the British Grenadier Bookshop, a local institution that serves as a bridge between historical study and the physical artifacts of the war. The shop houses a private collection of rare memorabilia that is…

As our tour of Ieper concludes, we are left with the image of a city that refuses to forget. From the medieval splendor of the Cloth Hall to the quiet corners of the Ramparts, every stone in this town has a story to tell about…