Sanctuary Wood, forest in Belgium
Sanctuary Wood is a forest site near Ypres with preserved trenches from World War I and a small museum. The location features partially restored trenches, a Canadian memorial, a war cemetery, and a collection of wartime relics displayed indoors.
The site served as a strategic hilltop during World War I and saw heavy fighting between British and German forces. After the war, a local farmer preserved the trenches and began collecting wartime artifacts, eventually establishing the museum that exists today.
The name comes from the forest trees that provided shelter to soldiers early in the war. Visitors can still see today how damaged trees and the landscape bear the marks of shelling and gunfire.
A visit takes about half an hour or longer depending on how thoroughly you want to explore. Waterproof shoes are essential because the trenches are often muddy and flooded.
The museum displays objects made from shell casings, including clocks and a pinball machine crafted after the war. These handmade pieces show how people transformed the material remnants of conflict into everyday items.
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