Ieper was an important medieval trading centre and the city is known for a long rich history. The city of Ieper was completely destroyed during the First World War. The city was surrounded by Germans and a few of the bloodiest battles were fought around Ieper (Ieper Salient). After the First World War the city was rebuilt including one of the most picturesque market squares in Belgium. See what the city looks like today with the virtual picture tour of Ieper.

One of the things you can not miss, is the In Flanders Fields Museum. The museum is about the First World War and a must do if you are interested in the history of Ieper and the region. The museum is located in the reconstructed Cloth Hall at the Market Square.

Another unique experience in Ieper is the ‘Last Post’. Every evening at 8pm you can go to the Menenpoort (Menin Gate) and witness the ‘Last Post’. And they started doing this in 1928! They have never missed one day. Scroll down for a virtual picture tour of Ieper. Enjoy.

Highlights in Antwerp

Check out the monumental highlights in Antwerp or step into the world of the famous baroque painter Pieter Paul Rubens. Visit the Plantin-Moretus Museum and find out more about the well-known printers family. Discover how eight generations lived and worked in their private house, courtyard and ateliers. In de same street as the Maagdenhuis museum, de Lange Gasthuisstraat, is another museum: Mayer van den Bergh Museum. He was a private art collector and his entire collection includes more than 3000 objects. If you have some time left over when you are visiting Antwerp, try to admire the historical and unique theatres and cinemas in Antwerp.

Antwerp is famous for the monumental churches in the city. Visit the Sint-Andries church in the fashion district of Antwerp or see the Rubens paintings at the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral. The Sint-Carolus Borromeus church is located at the baroque Hendrik Conscience Square. The church and the square are a famous and well-visited landmark in the city of Antwerp.

Places to visit in Belgium

Another amazing place to visit in Belgium is Diest. It is a small place in Flamish Brabant but a great city to walk around in when you have the time. Consider it as a half-day trip. Don’t forget to visit the Begijnhof (Beguinage) in Diest. Would you like to spend your day in nature and be surrounded by heath and forests? Pick one of the 25 trails at the Kalmthoutse Heide, the cross border park in Belgium and the Netherlands. The national park is 20-minutes away from Antwerp. Check out the virtual picture tour of the Kalmthoutse Heide and warm yourself up for a full day of hiking.