City of Rouen (France): attractions and photos

"City of a hundred bell-towers" - so romantic named in his immortal works Victor Hugo the city of Rouen (France). A lot of time will be required in order to fully explore this locality, where history haunts travelers literally at every step. Therefore, it is worth starting an acquaintance with Rouen with a survey of the most outstanding sights.

Where to begin

Rouen is a city in France, in whose territory many samples of medieval architecture are concentrated. Travelers who are here, must certainly see the famous Notre Dame Cathedral, created in the Gothic style. Its construction was carried out 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 its title in 1880. Its height is 151 meters.

Once the facade of the cathedral was dedicated to a series of landscapes by the famous artist Monet. The famous impressionist was fascinated by the play of shadow and light on the impeccable façade facade, was ready to capture the building from different angles for days and weeks, constantly noting new details.

Rouen (France): Gothic churches

Of course, the Notre Dame Cathedral is by no means the only famous building preserved from the time of the gloomy Middle Ages. The Saint-Ouen church, built in the 14th century by the Benedictines, is just as majestic and beautiful. The greatest attention of tourists deserves the church tower, on top of which there is a pointed pinnacle, which earned the nickname "Crown of Normandy". It is impossible not to mention the magnificence of the 80 stained-glass windows, which were created in order to always have light in the church. Finally, interest should be shown to the famous organ of the work of Cavalier-Koll.

Of course, there are other Gothic buildings, which deservedly proud of Rouen (France). For example, it is impossible not to see the Saint-Maclou Church, the construction of which was completed in the 15th century. The history of this place can not be called rainbow, in the 14th century the church cemetery served as a burial place for thousands of victims of the plague. Anyone can visit the cemetery, which is not frightened by 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 structures 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 the site of this building was located the Jewish Quarter, the inhabitants of which was expelled in 1306 by William the Conqueror.

Unfortunately, during the Second World War this sample of Gothic architecture was seriously damaged. The greatest damage to it was inflicted 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 how exactly the allies liberated this settlement from the fascist troops.

Art Museum

What other interesting places is famous for Rouen (France)? It is worth to visit the Art Museum, founded in 1801 by Napoleon the First. At the moment the museum is located in a building, the construction of which was completed in 1888, in 1994 its restoration took place.

Of course, the interest is not so much the building of the museum, as the exhibits presented 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 known for finding representatives of all schools and schools. 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), whose sights are discussed in this article. "The big clock", as they are called by the inhabitants of the city, was created in the 14th century, the work on their mechanism was completed in 1389. The clock is located above the majestic arch, which is thrown across the street Gross Orloz.

Above this landmark worked Jourdain del Lecce and Jean de Felene, the latter later received the post of watchmaker. Initially, the watch was deprived of the dial. The mechanism made of iron is larger in size than the mechanism of the clock of the Welsh Cathedral approximately twice. The decorative façade of the watch, whose creation was completed in 1529, is also interesting. It is a Renaissance panel on which the sun is depicted on a star background.

Tower of Joan of Arc

Having visited Rouen (France), one can not help admiring the famous tower of Joan of Arc. Unfortunately, only it was preserved after the destruction of the majestic Rouen castle. The height of the building is about 35 meters. The castle, part of which was once the tower, was built by Philip II in 1210, when the king reconquered the settlement from the English ruler John.

For tourists, the tower is attractive primarily due to the fact that in 1430 Joan of Arc was imprisoned here. More precisely, the Maid of Orleans was locked in another tower of the castle, which has not survived until our time. However, one of the trials of the famous warrior took place in the tower, later named in her honor. Inside the tourists waiting for a mini museum, telling the bloody history of the Rouen castle. It is known that it takes no more than 20 minutes to study its exhibits. The structure is one of the most ancient monuments of architecture, owned by Rouen (France), the photo can be seen above.

What else to see

The Museum of Ceramics is the place where the best examples of Rouen porcelain and faience are presented. Here you can admire the ceremonial sets created in the Rococo style. It is worth a visit and the Museum of Iron Products Sek-de-Tournel, which is attractive not only a huge collection of forged antiques. Interesting and Gothic building, created in the 15th century, in which exhibits are presented. Once it belonged to the church.