Delemont Tourist Attractions
|
|
Delémont (in German Delsberg), the largest town in the Jura and capital of the newest Swiss canton, is an important railroad junction on the Berne-Basle and Delle-Paris lines and the starting point of many postal bus services. It lies in the wide valley of the Sorne, which here flows into the Birs.Delémont first appears in the records in 782 as a market village, and again in 1212 as a town founded by the Prince-Bishop of Basle. It was granted a municipal charter in 1289. After the Reformation it was a favorite residence of the bishops of Basle. From 1815 it was the chief town of a district in the canton of Berne, and in 1978 it became capital of the new canton of Jura.
Main sights
As an important industrial, cultural and tourist area Delémont has developed into a modern town without losing its old-world character. The main features of interest are the church of St-Marcel (1762-66), a three-aisle basilica built over an earlier cruciform structure; the château of the Prince-Bishops (1716-21); the 13th C. Archive tower; the Grand'rue, the wide main street; five large fountains; and the Musée J. Rassien (local history, prehistoric and Roman material).
Museum of Art and History
Religious art and artifacts from the excavation of Roman sites Vicques and Ire are exhibited along with furniture, costumes and decorative art typical of the Jura.
Delémont Jazz at Train Station Festival
This day-long festival takes place in early September.
Fêtes du Vorbourg
This week-long festival takes place in early to mid-September.
People's Festival
This annual three-day festival takes place in early September.
Surroundings
There are many places of interest in the immediate surroundings of the Délemont, including the Vorbourg Fortress, the Château de Domont and the Jura.
Vorbourg Fortress
The fortress of Vorbourg, an early medieval fortification, is to the northeast of Délemont. The adjoining pilgrimage church of St-Maria, which was consecrated by Pope Leo IX in the 11th C., has an interesting 16th C. high altar.
Château de Domont
To the west of Delémont is the Château de Domont, dating from the middle of the 16th C.
Jura
To the west of Delémont a hilly region extends towards the French frontier. An interesting route into the Ajoie takes in the renowned medieval small town of St-Ursanne and Porrentruy. Heading southwest one comes to the scenic Franches Montagnes before reaching the town of Saignelégier, famous for its horse breeding. There are other interesting excursions into the wildly romantic Jura, southwest towards Lake Geneva.
Passwang Pass Road and Summit
The Passwang Road runs from the Birse Valley to the Lüssel Valley between the Aare and Rhine Rivers.The Passwang Summit (1,204m/3,950ft) is near the north end of the road. You have to climb the last part by foot but the fabulous views of the Basel Jura, the Alsace Plain, the Vorges, the Black Forest, the Solothurn Jura and the Bernese Alps make the trip well worth it.
Radio Museum, Cornol
The Cornol Radio Museum has more than 600 rare radios and telegraphs including a Crystal receiver from the 1920's. The beginning of television is also represented.
Rural Jurassien Museum, Les Genevez
The Rural Jurassien Museum in Les Genevez is a historical recreation including furniture, tools, machines and agricultural implements.
Alle
Alle is a small town in the canton of Jura.
Map of Delemont Attractions
Map - Delémont
