"City of a hundred bell towers" - this is how Victor Hugo romantically 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 turn. Therefore, it is worth starting your acquaintance with Rouen with a tour of the most outstanding sights.
Where to start
Rouen is a city in France, on the territory of which many examples of medieval architecture are concentrated. Travelers who find themselves here should certainly see the famous Notre Dame Cathedral, created in the Gothic style. Its construction was carried out for more than three centuries, it was started 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 upon a time, the famous artist Monet devoted a whole series of landscapes to the facade of the cathedral. The famous impressionist was fascinated by the play of shadow and light onimmaculate 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 far from the only famous building that has survived from the dark Middle Ages. The Church of Saint-Ouen, built in the 14th century by the Benedictines, looks just as majestic and beautiful. The church tower deserves the greatest attention of tourists, on top of which there is a pointed turret, which has earned the nickname "Crown of Normandy". It is impossible not to mention the magnificence of 80 stained-glass windows, which were created to ensure that the church was always light. Finally, it is worth showing interest in the famous Cavalier-Coll organ.
Of course, there are other Gothic buildings that Rouen (France) is justly proud of. For example, one cannot fail to see the church of Saint-Maclou, 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. Anyone who is not afraid of ancient tombstones with carved bones and skulls can visit the cemetery.
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, built in 1499. Complete construction was completed only in 19century. Once on the site of this building there was a Jewish quarter, the inhabitants of which were expelled in 1306 by William the Conqueror.
Unfortunately, during the Second World War, this example of Gothic architecture was seriously damaged. The greatest damage was done to it in 1944, the walls retained traces of shells. It is believed that the inhabitants of the city deliberately do not carry out restoration work in order 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, founded in 1801 by Napoleon the First. The museum is currently housed in a building completed in 1888 and restored in 1994.
Of course, the interest is not so much in the museum building as in the exhibits presented in it. The most ancient of them belong to the 15th century; there are also outstanding examples of modern art. The art museum, located in Rouen, is known for the fact that you can find representatives of all movements and schools in it. Here you can admire the works of Caravaggio, Rubens, Delacroix, Monet and many other famous artists.
Astronomical clock
The astronomical clock is one of the symbols associated with Rouen (France), the sights of which are discussed in this article. Largeclock”, as they are called by the inhabitants of the city, were created in the 14th century, work on their mechanism was completed in 1389. The clock is located above the majestic arch that spans Grosse Orloge Street.
Jourdain del Leche and Jean de Felen worked on this attraction, the latter later received the post of watch keeper. Initially, the clock was devoid of a dial. Made of iron, the mechanism is approximately twice as large as the mechanism of the Wales Cathedral clock. The decorative facade of the clock is also interesting, the creation of which was completed in 1529. It is a Renaissance panel depicting the sun against a background of stars.
Tower of Joan of Arc
When visiting the city of Rouen (France), one cannot help but admire the famous tower of Joan of Arc. Unfortunately, only it survived 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 a part, was erected by Philip II in 1210, when the king conquered the settlement from the English ruler John.
For tourists, the tower is attractive primarily because Joan of Arc was imprisoned here in 1430. More precisely, the Maid of Orleans was locked in another tower of the castle, which has not survived to our time. However, one of the court sessions of the famous warrior took place in the tower, later named after her. Inside, tourists will find a mini-museum that tells the bloody history of the Rouen Castle. It is known that to study its exhibits it is necessary notover 20 minutes. The structure is one of the most ancient architectural monuments owned by Rouen (France), the photo can be seen above.
What else to see
Ceramic Museum - 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. The Museum of Iron Works of the Sec de Tournelle is also worth a visit. It is attractive not only for its huge collection of forged antiques. An interesting and Gothic building, created in the 15th century, in which exhibits are presented. It once belonged to a church.
