Ypres, Belgium

Cloth Hall: Completed in 1304, this impressive gothic building located in the center of historic Ypres was decimated by fighting during WWI. It has been lovingly rebuilt according to the original plans, a process that took almost 40 years.

Menin Gate Memorial: The Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing, completed in 1927, contains the names of 54,896 Commonwealth soldiers who died here during WWI, but who were never identified or found. Enormously emotional, a “Last Post” ceremony has occurred here every night at 8 p.m. since July 2, 1928, as an expression of remembrance for those who fought for Belgium’s freedom.

In Flanders Fields Museum: The second floor of the Cloth Hall is home to the In Flanders Fields Museum, a moving look at the futility of war and the horrors of WWI. It is named for the poem, “In Flanders Fields,” by Canadian writer and doctor Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae.

History Lovers: It’s not all doom and gloom: Modern-day Ypres is a beautiful European city with plenty of history that came before the First World War. However, the city does stand as a sort of living monument to the sacrifices made by so many during the armed conflict of 1914–1918.

It’s Emotional: Don’t expect to get through your visit without a few tears — particularly if you had relatives who fought in this part of the world. The list of Commonwealth soldiers who were never found is heartbreaking, and the sight of other visitors breaking down upon finding the names of family members will stay with you for some time.