The Majestic Neuchâtel Castle and Collegiate Church

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For current hours, prices, and announcements, start with Ville de Neuchâtel.

Next to the castle stands the beautiful Collegiate Church with its colorful tiled roof. This church features a unique mix of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles from the past. Inside, you will find the famous cenotaph of the Counts of Neuchâtel from 1372. You should join Old Town Neuchâtel walking tours to learn more about this site.

The castle grounds are open daily from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM for all visitors. Entry to the exterior courtyards is free, but guided interior tours require a small fee. Expect to pay around 7 CHF for an adult ticket to see the state rooms. The walk up the hill takes about ten minutes from the lake level.

From the castle ramparts, you can enjoy the most spectacular views of the entire city. Look out over the red rooftops and the sparkling water of Lake Neuchâtel below you. This spot provides the perfect backdrop for your historical photos of the medieval skyline. The atmosphere here feels like stepping back into the middle ages during your visit.

Historic Fountains of the Old Town Streets

Neuchâtel is famous for its collection of beautifully decorated and historic stone fountains. These colorful statues represent different medieval guilds and important civic virtues from the local history. The Fontaine du Banneret is a primary highlight located in the busy Place des Halles. It features a soldier in 16th-century armor holding a proud city flag.

The Fontaine de la Justice is another architectural gem found along the narrow cobblestone streets. This fountain dates back to 1547 and shows a blindfolded figure holding golden scales. It symbolizes the city's long commitment to law and fair governance during the medieval era. Check out the historical landmarks Neuchâtel walking map 2026 for fountain locations.

Most of these fountains still provide fresh and drinkable mountain water for thirsty passing travelers. They were originally built to provide the local community with a reliable and clean water source. Today, they serve as meeting points for locals and beautiful subjects for travel photographers. Each fountain tells a unique story about the neighborhood where it stands today.

You will find these fountains scattered throughout the pedestrian zones of the charming Old Town. Most are within a five-minute walk of each other near the main market square. Take a moment to admire the intricate stone carvings and the bright painted details. These small monuments add a wonderful splash of color to the golden stone buildings.

Ancient Watchtowers and Defensive City Walls

The Tour des Prisons is the oldest surviving building in the entire city of Neuchâtel. It once served as a vital watchtower and a secure jail for many long centuries. You can still see the heavy wooden doors and the small windows used by guards. This tower offers a fascinating look at the defensive history of the medieval town.

Visitors can climb the narrow wooden stairs to reach the top of the prison tower. The view from the summit covers the entire historic district and the nearby Jura mountains. It costs only a few francs to enter this historic site during the day. The tower is usually open from April through October for the general public.

The Tour de Diesse is another important medieval tower located near the main shopping streets. It features a large clock face and a distinctive pointed roof with bright tiles. This tower once guarded the western entrance to the city during the middle ages. It remains a powerful symbol of the city's strength and long-standing independence.

You can still find small sections of the original city walls hidden between modern buildings. These stone structures show how the city protected itself from invaders in the distant past. Walking along the old perimeter helps you understand the original size of the medieval settlement. It is a quiet part of the city perfect for a peaceful walk.

Yellow Stone Architecture and Hidden Courtyards

Neuchâtel is widely known for its unique and beautiful yellow stone used in most buildings. This specific material comes from the nearby Hauterive quarries and glows in the sunlight. It gives the entire Old Town a warm and golden appearance during the late afternoon. Many medieval merchant houses still showcase this high-quality stone on their grand facades.

Explore the hidden alleyways to explore Neuchâtel Old Town to find the best secret spots. You will discover quiet courtyards tucked away behind heavy and ancient wooden doors. These private spaces often feature stone staircases and small gardens for the local residents. They offer a rare glimpse into the daily life of medieval city dwellers.

Look closely at the window frames to see the intricate gothic carvings and stone decorations. Many houses in the Rue des Moulins date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. These buildings have survived for hundreds of years while maintaining their original medieval charm. The street layouts follow the same patterns established by city planners long ago.

The preservation of these historic buildings makes Neuchâtel one of the most beautiful Swiss cities. You can spend hours wandering through the maze of streets and discovering new architectural details. Stop at a local cafe to admire the view of the historic town hall. The combination of golden stone and blue water is truly a magical sight.