Sightseeing in Nevers - what to see. Complete travel guide

This wonderful city is situated on the bank of the Laura River in the central part of France. This is a large industrial and agricultural region, and a world famous center of porcelain and faience manufacturing. The first porcelain factory was opened here yet in the 16th century, and foreign masters were invited as workers. The pottery was so excellent, that it was valued very high and even got a peculiar name - "Nevers blue".

This city is very attractive to travelers primarily because of its historical and architectural monuments. The majority of the old buildings have a religious orientation. One of the notable churches recommended for visiting is Saint-Cyr-Sainte-Juliette Cathedral, which construction took place in the 12th – 16th centuries. As the construction lasted for more than three centuries, one of the towers of the cathedral was completed in the Gothic style, and another - in the Romanism style. The cathedral is decorated with beautiful sculptures, and its large rooms are lined with mosaic, which has been traditional on those times.

Saint-Cyr-Sainte-Juliette is a true example of the Romanism style, and the Chapel of St. Mary belongs to another architectural style - Baroque. Palais or the palace of duke, which building took place in the 15th century, is one of the main attractions of this place. The palace is also a combination of several architectural styles (late Gothic and Renaissance styles). Today you will find several showrooms and a large aquarium in this palace. The territory near the palace is truly remarkable and, of course, cannot be neglected. Here you will find amazing old mansions and fortifications. Finally, don’t forget to visit Pottery Quarter, the entrance to which is crowned by the Port-du-Crewe gates. In this place was organized the first factory, and here worked masters who brought glory and fame to this city. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The city has an important religious monument of world significance - Saint Gildard Convent. It houses the relics of St. Bernadette of Lourdes, which every year attract pilgrims from all over the world who wish to worship them. In 1966, a beautiful church in honor of the saint characterized by a unique architectural style was built on the territory of the abbey.

Nevers has preserved some of the old defensive structures, the most interesting fragment of which is the Porte du Croix. The tower built in the 14th century miraculously survived several destructive wars. A few years ago it was completely restored, and today there is a small Archaeological Museum within the tower's walls. Its exposition is made up of finds discovered by archaeologists during the exploration of the city and its surroundings.

An important architectural monument of Nevers is the Palace of Justice, also known as the former Episcopal Palace. The magnificent palace was built by the order of Bishop Jean-Antoine de Tinseau and designed by the local master Claude Denis. Like many years ago, today the entrance to the palace is decorated with unique forged gates. Originally installed at the entrance to a local cathedral, they were moved to the palace grounds in 1828.

Be sure to visit the Church of St. Peter that was built in the second half of the 16th century. Its classical facade retains many unique design elements: in its niches, you can see beautiful statues of John the Baptist and the Virgin Mary. Inside the church, there is no less interesting artistic value - unique frescoes painted by the best Italian masters in the 17th century.

Paris Gate that can be seen on one of the streets of Nevers is a reminder of an important historical event - the victory at the Battle of Fontenoy. This beautiful arch was built in 1745 by order of Louis XV. Today it serves as a symbol of the invincibility and courage of the French army.

Other attractions worth noting include the Church of St. Stephen. Originally it was erected as a pilgrimage church, therefore it features a non-traditional interior decoration as for ordinary temples. The main material for the erection of the church was a sandstone, many elements of its exterior and interior decoration have remained unchanged since the 18th century.