Sightseeing in Dijon - what to see. Complete travel guide

This town is located on the bank of the Ouche River. Dijon is a famous cultural region that is often called the center of a magnificent architecture and art. To prove these words we can mention numerous architectural places of interest, sculptures, and museums that do not stop amazing travellers by their unforgettable design and luxury.

The historical part of Dijon is called the Medieval Center. The region features several old palaces surrounded by a thick wall built in the 12th century. Among the buildings the most famous ones are Palais des Ducs and Palais des Etats that once have been owned by great dukes. The inner decoration of Salle des gardes palace is kept in a great state even nowadays. The palace is used as a burial vault of Jean sans peur. Nearby the palace you will see a chapel, in which has been founded the famous Order of the Golden Fleece. One of the palace’s wings is now turned into Museum of Art and its most famous exhibit is the burial vault of Philippe de Valois le Hardi. Best sculptors have worked over the creation of the vault and the tomb itself is decorated with a procession of sorrowful women.

There are also religious sights among old buildings of Dijon. Tourists are usually recommended to visit Saint-Benigne Cathedral created in the splendid Roman style. Norte-Dame church is known as a wonderful example of gothic style. The façade of the church is decorated with rows of sculptures. The interior of the church is rather modest and you will not find any useless details here. Saint-Michel Church is built in the Renaissance style. Near the church are located the ruins of an ancient monastery. The mentioned sights are just a small part of amazing buildings that visitors will find in Dijon. Apart from viewing magnificent places, visitors can attend numerous beautiful gardens and parks, try delicatessen in local restaurants, or enjoy camping on the bank of the river. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In the heart of Dijon, is located a beautiful triumphal arch. Once upon a time, these gates were part of large-scale fortification structures, which until now have survived only partially. Now the arch is located on a beautiful square. On days of national holidays and on weekends, interesting cultural events are often conducted on this square.

A very interesting historical monument is the Church of St. Benignus. It is a spectacular monument in the Romanesque style. Part of the ancient monastery is now occupied by the Archaeological Museum. Its visitors can see many unique exhibits. The ancient sculptures of the gods, as well as jewels and items of life of the ancient Celts, are presented here. During the excursion, visitors of the monastery will be offered to walk along its most beautiful and interesting halls. The setting of some of them remains unchanged for more than one hundred years.

In an interesting historical building is the Museum of Burgundian Life. Its collection is very multifaceted and informative. This museum stores items of antique furniture, as well as old national costumes and household items. The collection of this museum began to form in the middle of the 19th century. The age of many exhibits here is more than 150 years.

A very unusual cultural institution is the Museum of Sacred Art, located in the building of an old church. This museum has a very interesting collection of ancient paintings and sculptures. In it you can see luxurious silver and gold dishes, which were made by local craftsmen in the 12th century. This museum also features a very interesting collection of religious accessories.

Among the outstanding architectural monuments is worth highlighting the beautiful ducal palace. It was built in the 14th century. For hundreds of years, the palace has been repeatedly rebuilt and supplemented with new annexes. Today in its architectural features, elements of different styles are combined. In many rooms of the palace, it was possible to preserve the furnishings of the last years as much as possible. Even a large kitchen with antique furnaces and other equipment was preserved in it. All the halls of the palace are accessible today for visits. After a fascinating excursion to this magnificent building, you can stroll around the square and the surrounding garden. In the warm season, beautiful fountains always work in front of the palace.