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

The historic district of Annecy is a true treasure for everyone who likes excursions. Travelers can visit more than twenty unique historic landmarks here. Known as Old Town, this area of Annecy is situated along a river. Numerous old canals make the city center even more picturesque and attractive. Charming pedestrian streets along these canals are inviting for a stroll, and numerous historical buildings near the waterfront look picture perfect. Many residents of Annecy consider Le Palais de I’lle the main historic symbol of the city. This is an old castle built on a small manmade island in the middle of the Thiou Canal. The construction of the palace took place at the beginning of the 12th century.

For many years, the medieval castle was the residence of rich citizens of Annecy. Each new owner was adding something new to the look of the building. In the 17th century, a prison was opened in Le Palais de I’lle. Later, the castle was turned into a military warehouse. Nowadays, the gorgeous historical building houses an interesting museum dedicated to the historic heritage of Annecy. Visit an excursion to Le Palais de I’lle to be able to admire the rich collection and explore the most hidden parts of the castle.

You will find old prison cells and the court-room here. Visitors can also visit the castle’s chapel. There is a thematic museum dedicated to fishing in the oldest part of the castle. This museum has an unusual collection. Some of the exhibits in Le Palais de I’lle are of great value. Don’t forget to take a look at a collection of old paintings and sculptures, exquisite antique furniture, and an archive with old photographs. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

There are many interesting religious landmarks in the city. For example, many tourists will find it interesting to visit Notre-Dame de Liesse. This old church was built in the 16th century but it was almost completely destroyed during the revolution. Notre-Dame de Liesse was restored only in the mid-19th century. An old bell tower is the oldest part of the church. Nothing in this church has been changed for more than 150 years, so Notre-Dame de Liesse is a striking example of the neoclassical style. The inner décor of the church also amazes with its luxury, and the fabulous old altar is the heart and the main treasure of the shrine. There is an interesting old building not far from Notre-Dame de Liesse. Its façade features the city’s coat of arms (a trout). Many years ago, there was a town hall open in this building. Later, the mansion belonged to a local priest.

Eglise Saint-Maurice is the oldest church in Annecy, so it is no less interesting to visit it. The gorgeous Roman Catholic church was built in the 15th century. Eglise Saint-Maurice is located in a cozy area overlooking a canal. Many elements of inner décor that visitors can see today were built more than three centuries ago. Do not miss an opportunity to sit on vintage church chairs made by local masters yet at the beginning of the 18th century. The richest citizens of Annecy donated money to construct this church, and this explains why Eglise Saint-Maurice had such a luxurious décor.

The main city cathedral – Cathedrale Saint-Pierre – is a historic landmark that is famous beyond the borders of Annecy. The construction of the gorgeous shrine ended in 1535. Initially, the cathedral was built for the Franciscan priory. Cathedrale Saint-Pierre escaped any large damages over the centuries. Today, visitors can visit it and admire the marvelous old altar and skillfully made stained-glass windows. There are several other interesting architectural landmarks nearby, and they form a united architectural complex together with the church. Many buildings are open for tourists and excursions. There are a conservatory and a dance school in one of the old houses.

There are several interesting museums that tourists should visit in Annecy. For example, Musée du film animation is one of the most original cultural venues in the city. It is dedicated to animated films. For more than 60 years, Annecy has been a regular location of the International Animation Film Festival. The museum exhibits an interesting collection of thematic exhibits, the age of some of which is approximately one hundred years. You can see old posters and vintage equipment that film animators used at the beginning of the 20th century. Old decorations and sketches made by the internationally famous film animators always draw the attention of visitors.

Finally, do not miss an opportunity to visit Château de Menthon. This old castle is built on a top of a hill. The first fortification on this site appeared yet in the 10th century with the purpose of protecting the region. The first castle was made from wood, and so it was restored in the 13th century. Today, halls of the old castle house collections of valuable historic artifacts. Visitors can see old artworks and household items made centuries ago.