Neuchâtel - Old Town / Town Hall

Neuchâtel's Old Town lies northwest of the harbor, rising up the hillside towards the Château. On its east side are the Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville; 1784-90), with a pillared portico, and the Theater (1775). The main street, Rue de Seyon, occupies the bed of a stream which was diverted in 1844. Side streets on the left lead to the elegant Renaissance Market Hall (Maison des Halles, 1570-75).

There are a number of fine 16th and 17th C. fountains: the Banner Carrier fountain (1584), the Griffin fountain (1664), the Justice Fountain (1547) and the Lion fountain (1655; the lion itself 1664).