Culture of Grenoble. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

» The cathedral was first mentioned in the chronicles of 902. It was recognized as the Church of the Virgin Mary.
»  During the excavations in 1989, it was found out that there had already been a religious building at the site of the modern cathedral. It was constructed in the 3rd century. A room where people were baptized was found here.
»  In the 4th century, there was a clergymen’s residence.
»  In the 13th century, the complex of several constructions (a parish church, a cathedral, and a courtyard) was built.
»  The church was completed and rebuilt of different materials in different periods of history.
»  The lower level dates back to the 12th century. It is limestone. The upper level is brick. There is also a quadrangular belfry. The spire of the tower is 17 m high. There are arched windows at all the levels. Higher levels have more windows.
»  At the side of the building, there are sarcophagi with the remains of heirs to the throne.
»  In the hall, there is a 14-meter altar that dates back to the 15th century. A wooden carved table in the middle of the altar was made in the 18th century.
»  Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Grenoble is located on the Square of the Mother of God.

» In the 1590s, the commander of the Huguenot army ordered to build a fortification. Later, a powder depot was constructed, earth dams were dug, and wall panels were updated. They became more massive as compared to the walls built by the Romans. They are 1.3 m thick.
»  In the 18th century, the cordon of forts was not used and started to deteriorate. It was also damaged by floods.
»  100 years after, the French authorities needed the Bastille again. The ruined fort was reconstructed.
»  In the 19 century, the Grenoble citadel was used as a fortification of the Alps. The fort existed until 1940.
»  Today, only some fragments have left from the fortification.
»  In the territory of the former citadel, there is a place for cycling, walking, and sightseeing. There are also the Museum of Military History and a cafe.
»  If you go up to the top of the tower, you will see the surroundings of the city. On stands, you can find information about the history of the Bastille.
»  The hill where the Bastille is located appeared when the glacier melted 25 000 years ago.

» In the monastery by the lake, there is a Women’s Catholic Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary founded in the early 17th century.
»  The building served various purposes. During the French Revolution, prisoners were held here. Then, the complex passed to Ursulines. In the 20th century, when the church was separated from State, troop masses settled here. There were an immigrants’ shelter and a students’ dormitory.
»  Despite the circumstances, these buildings have survived in its original form.
»  In 1968, the building was transferred to the museum. Exhibits are kept in a separate wing.
»  In the hall, there is an exhibition that tells about the development of the province of Dauphine, its geographical location, history, cultural traditions, and crafts. Here, you can see pieces of applied art, belongings, clothes, and other things that demonstrate what people of the past epoch did.
»  You should also visit a chapel. It was painted in baroque style by the artist of the 17th century. The wooden painting behind the altar is gilded. Wall frescoes depict scenes from the life of Saint Francis, the founder of the Monastery Order.

Location on the map:   Facts: » The opening ceremony of the Museum of Grenoble was held in a bishop’s residence in December 1800. Four halls were allocated for exhibitions.
»  The foundation of the cultural institution was initiated by a drawing teacher. French writer Stendhal took lessons from him. Initially, the collection included about 300 canvasses and statues.
»  The modern building was built in 1994. The construction was facilitated by the President. He laid the first stone in the foundation himself.
»  The building had been built for 8 years. It is located in the city center.
»  It cost ₣203 million.
»  Here, you can see exhibits from different countries and different epochs. Brown and black statuettes depicting humans and animals have been brought from Africa. Tombs of the nobles are from Ancient Egypt.
»  The small room houses 900 artifacts covering the period from the reign of the Roman Empire to nowadays. Canvasses by artists of different schools, sketches, and drafts will let you fathom culture and history.
»  There is also the park of sculptures.
»  Here, you can see the cedar of Lebanon planted in 1847.

Location on the map:   Facts: » A stadium was specifically built for the Winter Olympic Games in 1968. Hockey matches and figure-skating competitions were held here. The festive closing ceremony of the Olympics was visited by the Prime Minister.
»  The stamp series dedicated to the Games was produced in honor of this significant event. Stamps depict a skier, a jumper, figure-skaters, and hockey players. There is an inscription “Grenoble” above them.
»  The sports complex is named the Ice Palace.
»  Its total area is 113 m2.
»  Stands accommodate 12 000 fans.
»  In the media sector, there are 500 seats for media representatives.
»  At the stadium, there is an oval track for cycling competitions.
»  17 years after, there was a fire that damaged the roof. It was necessary to cancel a cycling race and other events. The rooms have been closed for reconstruction for several months.
»  The Palais des Sports in Grenoble is among the top 25 unusual constructions in the world. The building is a complex structure. It looks magnificent due to a hyperbolic paraboloid. The dome is supported by four pillars in the corners of the stadium.