“The City of a Hundred Bells” - Victor Hugo so romanticly called the city of Rouen (France) in his immortal works. It will take a lot of time to fully explore this settlement, where history haunts travelers literally at every step. Therefore, it is worth starting your acquaintance with Rouen with a tour of the most outstanding sights.
Where to begin
Rouen is a city in France, on the territory of which many examples of medieval architecture are concentrated. Travelers who find themselves here must certainly see the famous Notre Dame Cathedral, created in the Gothic style. Its construction was carried out for more than three centuries, it was begun in the 12th century and completed in the 16th. It is known that the cathedral was considered the tallest building on the planet until it lost this title in 1880. Its height is 151 meters.
Once the famous artist Monet dedicated a whole series of landscapes to the facade of the cathedral. The famous impressionist was fascinated by the play of shadow and light on an impeccable openwork facade, was ready for days and weeks to capture the building from different angles, constantly noting new details.
Rouen (France): Gothic churches
Of course, Notre Dame Cathedral is not the only famous building that has survived from the dark Middle Ages. Equally majestic and beautiful is the church of Saint-Ouen, built in the 14th century by the Benedictines. The tourists’s most worthy of attention is the church tower, on top of which there is a pointed tower, which earned the nickname "Crown of Normandy." One cannot fail to note the splendor of 80 stained-glass windows, which were created so that the church would always be bright. Finally, interest should be shown in the famous organ of Cavallier-Coll.
Of course, there are other Gothic buildings that Rouen (France) deserves to be proud of. For example, one cannot fail to see the church of Saint-Macloux, the construction of which was completed in the 15th century. The history of this place cannot be called rosy, in the 14th century the church cemetery served as a burial place for thousands of plague victims. Everyone can visit the cemetery, who are not afraid of the ancient tombstones with carved bones and skulls.
Palace of Justice
Rouen (France) has other attractions that can impress connoisseurs of Gothic architecture. The Palace of Justice is one of the most monumental buildings in the world, made in the Gothic style. The left wing is the oldest part of it, erected in 1499. Completely construction was completed only in the 19th century. Once upon a time, the Jewish quarter was located on the site of this building, the inhabitants of which were expelled by William the Conqueror in 1306.
Unfortunately, during World War II, this example of Gothic architecture was severely damaged. The greatest damage was done to him in 1944, the walls preserved traces of shells. It is believed that the inhabitants of the city deliberately do not carry out restoration work to emphasize their dissatisfaction with the way the allies liberated this settlement from the Nazi troops.
Art Museum
What other interesting places is famous for Rouen (France)? You should definitely visit the Art Museum, the founder of which in 1801 was Napoleon the First. Currently, the museum is located in a building whose construction was completed in 1888, in 1994 it was restored.
Of course, of interest is not so much the museum building as the exhibits displayed in it. The most ancient of them belong to the 15th century, there are also outstanding examples of contemporary art. The Art Museum, located in Rouen, is famous for the fact that in it you can find representatives of all movements and schools. Here you can admire the works of Caravaggio, Rubens, Delacroix, Monet and many other famous creators.
Astronomical clock
The astronomical clock is one of the symbols with which Rouen (France) is associated , the sights of which are considered in this article. The "big clock", as they are called by the inhabitants of the city, was created in the 14th century, work on their mechanism was completed in 1389. The clock is located above the majestic arch, which is thrown across the street Gross Orlozh.
Jourdain del Leche and Jean de Felen worked on this attraction, the latter later received the post of watchmaker. Initially, the watch was deprived of the dial. The mechanism made of iron is approximately twice as large as the clock mechanism of the Welsh Cathedral. The decorative facade of the watch, the creation of which was completed in 1529, is also interesting. It is a renaissance panel that depicts the sun on a starry background.
Tower of Joan of Arc
Having visited the city of Rouen (France), one cannot but admire the famous tower of Joan of Arc. Unfortunately, only it was preserved after the destruction of the majestic Rouen castle. The height of the structure is approximately 35 meters. The castle, of which the tower was once part, was erected by Philip II in 1210, when the king recaptured the village from the English ruler John.
For tourists, the tower is attractive primarily because in 1430 Joan of Arc was enclosed here. More precisely, the Orleans maiden was locked in another tower of the castle, which has not survived to our time. However, one of the court hearings of the famous warrior took place in the tower, later named in her honor. Inside, tourists will find a mini museum telling the bloody history of Rouen Castle. It is known that no more than 20 minutes are needed to study its exhibits. The construction is one of the most ancient architectural monuments owned by Rouen (France), the photo can be seen above.
What else to see
Museum of Ceramics - a place where the best examples of Rouen porcelain and faience are presented. Here you can admire the ceremonial services created in the Rococo style. It is worth a glimpse at the Sec de Tournelle Museum of Iron Products, which is attractive not only for its huge collection of forged antiques. An interesting Gothic building, created in the 15th century, in which exhibits are presented. It once belonged to the church.