Hikers from Neuchâtel and Elsewhere
12 May 2022
Available in French, German and Dutch
Archaeological Site of Saint-Pierre Cathedral
10 May 2022
The remains of churches predating the Saint-Pierre Cathedral are hidden beneath this medieval twelfth-century building. The oldest church dates back to the 4th century. The site also holds evidence of the hill’s occupation dating back to the Celtic and Roman eras, including wells, wheat processing areas, statues, foundations of Roman buildings, tombs of the Celtic … Read more » “Archaeological Site of Saint-Pierre Cathedral”
The Mansion Le Fornel
8 May 2022
The mansion of the Lords of Gléresse “Le Fornel” was built in 1550 by Rudolph de Gléresse (1510-1564). The manor remained in the family for 250 years (until the French invasion in 1798) and bears witness to the habitat and the viticulture. The building houses the Wine Museum (Rebbaumuseum, www.rebbaumuseum.ch). (Source and further information: www.vinsdulacdebienne.ch)
The Abbey of Ottmarsheim
6 May 2022
The abbey of Ottmarsheim lies on the old Roman road from Strasbourg (Argentoratum) to Augst (Augusta Raurica). Ottmarsheim was first mentioned in 881 as property of the abbey of Murbach. Ottmarsheim is the birthplace of the Habsburg dynasty, as a commemorative stone outside the church reminds us. Rudolf von Altenburg founded the abbey of Ottmarsheim … Read more » “The Abbey of Ottmarsheim”
The Castle of Hermance
24 April 2022
The area around the village of Hermance (canton of Geneva) was part of the domain of the kings of Upper Burgundy (888-1032) until around the year 1000. It passed into the hands of a local dynasty. The 13th-century village is divided into an upper and a lower section (bourg d’en-bas). The “upper town (bourg d’en-haut) … Read more » “The Castle of Hermance”
The Solothurner Clock Tower
22 April 2022
The clock tower (Zeitglockenturm) is the oldest building in Solothurn. The tower was built as part of the castle at the beginning of the 13th century. It was first mentioned in 1408 under the name Zitglogge. Under the roof in the middle of the tower, three symbols (knight, king and skeleton) show the meaning and … Read more » “The Solothurner Clock Tower”
Notre-Dame du Vorbourg
16 April 2022
The oldest Maria sanctuary (12th century) in the canton of Jura is located in the valley of Delsberg (Delémont), situated on a rock at the foot of the river Birs, which flows into the Rhine near Basel. The chapel was originally part of Telsberg Castle. The earthquake of 1356 destroyed the castle. The chapel was … Read more » “Notre-Dame du Vorbourg”
Waldegg Castle
7 April 2022
Waldegg Castle is situated on a hill at the foot of the Jura, in the middle of the baroque town of Solothurn. Johann Viktor von Besenval (1638-1713) from Solothurn had the baroque house erected as his summer residence between 1682 and 1686. Today, Waldegg Castle is owned by the Canton of Solothurn. Since 1991, the … Read more » “Waldegg Castle”
Grandval and the Abbey
4 April 2022
The village is located in the Grand Val (approximately 900 Meters Above Sea Level). The village of Grandval emerged after the establishment of the abbey of Moutier-Grandval, which was founded around 640. The famous medieval Bible of Moutier-Grandval (now in the British Museum in London) and the cross of St. Germain (in the Musée jurassien d’art … Read more » “Grandval and the Abbey”
Soyhières Castle
28 March 2022
The castle, situated on the River Birs near Delémont (Delsberg) in the canton of Jura, was first mentioned around 1102. The Counts of Soyhières, the first owners, came from the Alsace. They were vassals of the Counts of Ferrette. In 1271, the castle was sold to the Bishop of Basel, Henri de Neuchâtel. It was … Read more » “Soyhières Castle”