Rouen is Normandy's historical capital, and today it is the main city of the Upper Normandy (Haute Normandie). The city was founded by Viking invaders, who arrived in the region along the river Seine in the 9th century. Rouen's economy boomed in medieval times, and there were times when it was one of the biggest and most affluent cities in Europe. As of today, Rouen is an important cultural center.
What's most interesting about the city is its downtown area abounding in beautiful half-timbered homes and mansions and narrow cobbled streets and lanes. The city is famous for the grand Notre Dam Cathedral, the 16th century Gros Horloge (the famous large astronomical clock), the Tour Jeanne d'Arc, where Joan of Arc was brought to hear threats of torments, the church of Saint Maclou, the church of Saint Quen, and many other sights.
Rouen has several interesting museums, which include a museum that shows paintings by famous artists, a museum on the history of local navigation, and a few more museums showing lots of fascinating works of art and highlighting major historic events.
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