Grote Markt, Medieval central square in Ypres, Belgium.
Grote Markt is a rectangular central square in Ypres and one of the largest in Flanders. It is bordered by historic buildings, most notably the Cloth Hall with its distinctive Gothic belfry rising above the surrounding structures.
The square emerged in the Middle Ages as the center of the cloth trade, which brought economic importance to the region. After severe destruction during World War I, it was carefully rebuilt to restore its medieval appearance.
The square has served as the heart of community life since medieval times, where merchants sold goods and people gathered for trade. Today, locals and visitors still meet there on Saturday mornings to browse regional products at the weekly market.
The square is easy to explore on foot and surrounded by cafes and restaurants around its edges. It is best to arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends when markets take place.
The belfry of the Cloth Hall is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was one of the few medieval structures deliberately protected during the war and faithfully rebuilt afterward. The reconstruction was so precise that it is now difficult to distinguish the original parts from the post-war rebuilds.
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