Neuchatel Tourism: The Castle and Collegiate Church

The Collegiate Church and the Castle of Neuchâtel are two emblematic buildings overlooking the city of the same name. These two monuments have stood the test of time, allowing us to rediscover the city's past and its surroundings.

The Castle

The Neuchâtel Castle is classified as a historical monument and is, in fact, the origin of the city's name: Novum Castellum, literally meaning "New Castle." 

Dating back to the 11th century, the fortress was initially constructed as a fortified structure to accommodate Lords and later the Counts of Neuchâtel. Several modifications and expansions were implemented over time. Today, most of the building dates back to the 15th century, with an exception of a part from the 12th century, featuring remarkably preserved elements such as chimneys, windows, and open galleries. It stands as one of the rare examples of Romanesque civil and palatial architecture still found in Switzerland. 

From the 16th century onwards, the Castle became the residence of governors representing sovereigns who no longer permanently resided in the city. This transition led to shared occupancy of the premises by both administration and government. Even today, the cantonal administration, canton archives, as well as legislative and executive authorities are established in these premises for nearly two centuries.

The Collegiate Church

Facing the Castle stands the Collegiate Church, another iconic figure of Neuchâtel. This church is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, with construction beginning around 1190. The main construction site was completed about a century later, around 1280. The peripheral elements, such as the south and north towers, planned from the outset, were built respectively in the 13th and 19th centuries. 

The Collegiate was originally a Catholic church dedicated to Notre-Dame, where the Lords and Counts of Neuchâtel worshipped for several centuries. The devastating fire of 1450 was a blow to both the city and the Collegiate Church, with flames reaching its roofs. However, it was fortunately swiftly renovated. 

Noteworthy works in the church include a rose window on the west facade, created during restoration by Léo Châtelain in 1867 (the same person who supervised the construction of the aforementioned north tower), and a cenotaph. This cenotaph is considered one of the most important Pre-Renaissance monuments in all of Northern Europe. It was erected in honor of the Counts and Countesses of Neuchâtel and comprises no less than 15 statues. Dating back to 1372, it miraculously survived the Reformation by Guillaume Farel, which marked the Collegiate Church's transition from Catholicism to Protestantism in 1530. 

During the Reformation, the church was stripped of much of its furniture, including paintings, altars, and statues. The cenotaph, however, was spared because it was considered more of a funerary monument for the Counts than a Catholic religious object. Today, the Collegiate Church continues to serve as a parish for members of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the canton. 

The church’s most recent renovation was completed in 2022, after 18 years of work and 26 million Swiss francs invested in the project.

In conclusion

The Collegiate Church and the Castle of Neuchâtel hold significant historical and cultural importance not only for the city but also for Switzerland. Whether through their history or the elements that have endured centuries, they undeniably shape the Swiss landscape and are unquestionably must-visit attractions in the region.