Things to see and do Neuchâtel

Built under Ulrich, Lord of Neuchâtel, from 1185 and completed in 1276, the collegiate church, which adjoins the castle, is of late Romanesque style. In 1530, the Reformation arrived in Neuchâtel; the collegiate church was emptied of its altars and its decoration and was assigned to a new cult. It was restored at the end of the 19th century. Inside, a rather dark Romanesque choir, the nave lighter, a beautiful funerary monument of the counts dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, restored in 1840. In front of the main entrance is a statue of the reformer Guillaume Farel. Nice cloister.

Housed in a building designed by the famous Swiss architect Mario Botta, incorporating the former home of Friedrich Dürrenmatt (1921-1990), and located in the heights of Neuchâtel in a green setting, this centre is mainly dedicated to the pictorial work of the writer and playwright. Known primarily as a writer, his passion for drawing and painting is highlighted here. Gouaches, oils, drawings and lithographs can be discovered throughout the visit in an original didactic museography. There is also a space devoted to his literary and dramatic work.

Situated on a rocky spur, the castle dominates Neuchâtel with the collegiate church. Built from the 11th century, it was the main residence of the lords of Neuchâtel. It is a fine example (unique in Switzerland) of non-religious Romanesque architecture. The western façade, restored in 1866, is divided by sculpted cords and has a single window, decorated with a sculpture representing two dogs. The southern part and the upper part are from the 15th century. To the south are the two gardens and the Philippe de Hocheberg Gallery.

Situated on the edge of the lake (and the motorway for that matter) and surrounded by a large park, the Laténium takes us on a journey through the history of mankind through open-air displays and archaeological reconstructions. The visit begins with the Middle Ages and continues to the Neanderthal period, through the presentation of various objects: jewellery, everyday objects, boats, weapons, sculptures, all part of the world of the past.

In keeping with its philosophy of discovering and experimenting with contemporary art through the presentation of works by local and international artists, the Centre d'art Neuchâtel houses a library, video library and projection room. CAN is managed by a non-profit association, which selects its programming according to the requirements of contemporary art exhibition production and public mediation. Events are organized throughout the year.