Porrentry (426 m/1,398ft; pop. 7,800) is the commercial, industrial and cultural center of the Ajoie. In 1988 it received the Wakker prize for its outstanding preservation of its medieval town center. The old town is dominated by the castle, which became the seat of the prince-bishops following Berne's conversion to the new faith (1529). The 1
3th C. round tower Tour Réfouse (refuge) is the oldest building with the Porte de France (1563) in the Faubourg as evidence of the former fortifications. Notable sights include the Catholic parish church of St-Pierre (1349), with Late Baroque side altars, the former Jesuit church which is now used as the hall of the cantonal school and several Baroque buildings such as the Hôtel de Ville (1761-1763; interesting bell towers), the Hôpital (now a local museum, opening times given) with the Samaritan fountain by L. Perraud (1564), the Late Baroque Hôtel des Halles and the Hôtel de Gléresse (ca. 1750), houses the library. The Botanical Garden of the cantonal school, founded by Lémane in 1795, is open daily in May and June.
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