Belgium Ypres Lille Gate (#0263)

The Lille Gate and part of the fortification of the old city of Ypres. The curved parts of the gate (to the right of the bridge) date back to 1385. In 1914 the citizens of Ypres gathered at the gate to watch the advancing German armies. See: www.greatwar.co.uk/ypres-salient/town-ieper-lille-gate.htm

The water is from the rerouting of the Ieper river in the 11th century to provide both a defensive space and to allow for the routing of trading boats into the center of the city. See: www.greatwar.co.uk/ypres-salient/town-ieper-history.htm