Nieuwerck, Renaissance annexe of the Cloth Hall in Ypres, Belgium

The Nieuwerck is an extension to the Lakenhallen featuring large cross windows and classical church elements on pointed arches. Today it houses the entrance to the Yper Museum, which presents exhibitions about the city's long history.

The building was constructed in the early 17th century and served for many years as the seat of the city magistrate. The initial construction had to be demolished soon after due to structural problems, leading to its reconstruction.

Above the chapel window hangs the coat of arms of Philip IV of Spain, who also ruled Flanders in 1622. Statues of Justice and Prudence stand in the niches, and the lowest niche is reserved for a statue of Our Lady of Thuyne. The Yper Museum entrance lies beneath the building, with 15th- and 16th-century wooden statues in the hall and portraits of Ypres mayors since 1830 in the gallery.

The building is easy to spot and reach from the Grote Markt square. You can access the interior when the Yper Museum is open, which gives you the best way to explore it fully.

The Nieuwerck's design is attributed to J. Sporeman, and the building was first completed in 1621 but demolished the following year because of stability problems, then rebuilt and finished by the end of 1622. Above the chapel window is the coat of arms of Philip IV of Spain, who ruled Flanders in 1622.