The town of Porrentruy, in the Canton of Jura, is the cultural center of the Ajoie region. In this article we have listed best things to do in Porrentruy.
Former residence of the prince-bishops of Basel, Porrentruy is distinguished by its imposing castle and its Refous tower, a former keep, overlooking the old town. With its cobbled streets and remarkable Baroque-style buildings, the city can easily be explored on foot with a guided tour or by following the Secret Circuit.
150 million years ago, the Jura was populated by dinosaurs. Located near the French border, Porrentruy is the second largest town in the Canton of Jura. Its old town, with many bourgeois houses in Gothic, Baroque and neo-classical style, is worth a visit. You can also admire monumental fountains, including that of the Samaritaine (1564) and that of the Banneret, also called the Swiss fountain (1518). If you ask what to do in Porrentruy, in this article you will find the answer. Below you will find top 8 things to do in Porrentruy Switzerland.
1. JURASSICA Museum Porrentruy
A universe, stories, adventure, located in an idyllic setting, the JURASSICA Museum in Porrentruy retraces the history of the Jura’s natural heritage. Rich and varied collections are presented there, including many marine fossils dating from the Jurassic but also surprising naturalized animals illustrating the regional biodiversity. A first-rate mineralogical collection completes the set.
2. Porrentruy Castle
Since the 13th century at least on the first buttress of the hill of Fahy, the castle overhangs in an impressive way all the old city. Residence of the Prince-Bishops of Basel from 1524 to 1792, it unfolds an architectural panorama that extends from the Middle Ages to the end of the 18th century . Even today, it remains a symbol of power since it houses the seat of justice in the Republic and Canton of Jura.
3. JURASSICA Botanical Garden Porrentruy
The Botanical Garden, nestled in a sumptuous setting, was created more than 2 centuries ago. This makes it the second oldest botanical garden in Switzerland, after Basel. Its space dedicated to Jura vegetation, its wooded park and its collections of irises and roses make it an ideal place for relaxation and contemplation. A veritable open-air museum, this space has some great surprises and discoveries in store for you.
4. Hotel-Dieu Museum
Located In the heart of the old town of Porrentruy. This cantonal museum is listed in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property of National Importance. Each year, two to three temporary exhibitions explore various themes related to Jura society, history and art.
5. JURASSICA Dinotec
The expansion work of the Technical Division (DIVTEC) of the Jura Center for Education and Training (CEJEF) has led to the discovery of dinosaur footprints in Porrentruy. Valued sauropod and theropod tracks can be seen in the inner courtyard of the building, as are sketches of life-size dinosaurs.
Two clocks also allow visitors to better understand geological time (millions of years), compared to the precise measurement of time (milliseconds). It is one of the best things to do in Porrentruy Switzerland.
6. JURASSICA Excavations of Banne
The Banné hill, above Porrentruy, gave its name to a fossiliferous geological member called “Marnes du Banné” by Jules Thurmann. The richness in fossils of these marls is very appreciated by the public (scientists, students, schoolchildren and tourists) and allow easy discoveries of the incredible fauna of invertebrates which populated the Jurassic Sea nearly 152 million years ago.
7. Circuit Secret Porrentruy
Equipped with a badge, you explore different unusual places at the castle and in the old part of town. At some of them, light and sound productions illustrate historic events. The activity can also be booked with a guide. As the keeper of the keys, you open the doors to secret and unusual places in Porrentruy which are brought to life by stunning sound and light effects.
8. POPA – Porrentruy Optical Art
The former Maison Turberg, at 42 rue Pierre-Péquignat, a landmark monument in the old town of Porrentruy by its history, its architectural qualities and its importance in the built environment, has become a cultural place, in which optical art holds an important place.
Porrentruy OPtical Art (POPA) was created in November 2016 and aims to be a unique museum in Europe which aims to present a collection of optical art works to the population. A permanent exhibition provides insight into this important but often overlooked segment of contemporary art.
Things to do in Porrentruy Switzerland
- JURASSICA Museum
- Porrentruy Castle
- JURASSICA Botanical Garden
- Hotel-Dieu Museum
- JURASSICA Dinotec
- JURASSICA Excavations of Banné
- Circuit Secret Porrentruy
- POPA