Dunkerque is a port city on the North Sea that went down in history primarily as a place from which the British Expeditionary Force was evacuated in 1940 after the surrender of France. Due to the war damage, the city does not have many monuments, but the area is famous for its nice beaches.
Since its founding in the 9th century, Dunkerque has been important primarily as a port. Besieged many times and conquered by various armies, it developed as a trade center, and from the 19th century also as a thriving industrial center. World War II brought huge destruction to the city. In 1940, after the surrender of France, British troops waited for evacuation on the beaches in this area. All boats that were in the port were used for it. Since then, Dunkirk has been a symbol of defeat in the early stages of the fight against Germany. The second wave of destruction fell on the city in 1945, during its liberation.
After World War II, Dunkerque never returned to its former appearance. New districts were built, and only part of the old buildings were raised from the ruins. Reconstructed, among others the town hall, in front of which all major celebrations are now taking place. From its bell tower you can see the panorama of the city and the entire coast. There is also a 15th-century church of St. Eligius with a magnificent bell tower.
There are several interesting museums in the city, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Port Museum. It has 6 museum ships that can be visited.
