Ypres

Ypres or Ieper, town in south-west Belgium, in West Flanders Province, near Bruges and the French frontier. Ypres is a textile centre noted for its cotton and woollen goods; soap, beverages, and metal products are also manufactured here. Local points of interest include a Gothic cathedral and the Cloth Hall, both of which date from the 13th century and were restored after World War I. In the Middle Ages, Ypres had an estimated population of 200,000 and was one of the foremost commercial centres of Europe. The town declined in importance after the 16th century, largely because its strategic position made it a battleground during wars between the major European powers. During World War I, Ypres was the site of three major battles and was almost completely devastated. More than 250,000 British and French soldiers lost their lives on the Western Front here. Population 34,880 (2006 estimate).