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Delsberg City Walls

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Delsberg City Walls (Switzerland)

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Delémont (German: Delsberg), the capital of the Canton of Jura, possesses a well-preserved old town that was once enclosed by a formidable city wall. The fortifications were reinforced in the 14th century when the settlement came under the rule of the Prince-Bishops of Basel, who used Delémont as a summer residence. Of the original four city gates, two magnificent examples survive today: the Porte au Loup to the south and the Porte de Porrentruy to the west. The city walls served not only as protection against external enemies but also to control the flow of goods within the region. Inside the walls, a regular urban layout developed featuring late Gothic and Baroque townhouses. Although parts of the wall were removed in the 19th century to accommodate urban growth, the remaining segments and prominent gates still delineate the borders of the historical core, testifying to Delémont's strategic significance.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C004913171918141040
Rain mm7560747511810510711079947787

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The remains of the Delsberg city walls are largely freely accessible and can be walked along the old town. Some sections are on private property or not accessible, but the main walls can be viewed from the outside.
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Typical hours
Since it is an open area within the city, the walls are accessible at any time. There are no set opening hours, and entry is free; best explored during daylight.
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Photography
Photography along the walls is unrestricted for personal use. A tripod works well on the pavements; however, watch out for pedestrians and avoid using flash in the old town.
⏱️
Time needed
For a walk along the preserved wall sections and a quick look at the towers, allow about 20 to 30 minutes. Those who study the history via information panels can easily spend an hour.
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Combine with
Combine the city wall walk with a visit to the Delsberg town hall and the Gothic church of Saint-Marcel. A stroll through the old town with its boutiques and cafés is also recommended.
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Getting there
Delsberg is well connected by train; from the station it is just a few minutes' walk to the old town. By car, follow signs to the centre; parking is available near the walls.
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Insider tip
Walk along the walls in the late afternoon when the light turns the stones golden. A short detour to the viewing platform behind the town hall has a great view of the entire city fortification.

Geography

Coordinates
47.36280, 7.35560

Facts

  • The Porte au Loup (Wolf Gate) dates in its current form from 1775.
  • Delémont was granted city rights in 1289 by the Bishop of Basel.
  • The Porte de Porrentruy was rebuilt in 1756 and features Baroque characteristics.
  • Remnants of the former city moat are still recognizable in parts of the old town.
  • The city walls were originally reinforced with several defensive towers.
  • The Prince-Bishops' castle is located within the area protected by the walls.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

DelémontDelémont<1 km · SWExplore →
MoutierMoutier9 km · SExplore →
Sikypark ZooSikypark Zoo13 km · SExplore →
St. Ursanne City WallsSt. Ursanne City Walls15 km · WExplore →
GrenchenGrenchen19 km · SExplore →
TherwilTherwil21 km · NEExplore →
AeschAesch22 km · NEExplore →
Botanical Garden of PorrentruyBotanical Garden of Porrentruy22 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Delsberg City Walls (10)

Swiss Labyrinthe

A maze of hedges and paths in Delémont. Visitors can get lost and search for the exit.

Musée Rosinski🏛 museum

Museum in Delémont showing works of artist Rosinski. The collection includes drawings and paintings.

Tête de puits des Rondez

Historic mine shaft head in Delémont. The structure recalls the former mining in the region.

Le Colliard

Nature reserve in Delémont. It provides habitat for rare plants and animals and invites walking.

Saint-Marcel

Church building in Delémont in the canton of Jura, Switzerland. It serves the Catholic community.

Château de Delémont🏰 castle

Castle in Delémont in the canton of Jura, Switzerland. The building shapes the townscape and houses cultural institutions.

DelémontBD

Gallery in Delémont dedicated to comic art. Regularly changing exhibitions on various themes.

Musée Jurassien d'Art et d'Histoire🏛 museum

Historical museum in Delémont, Switzerland. It displays art and history of the Jura region.

Chapelle du Vorbourg

Castle chapel in Delémont in the canton of Jura, Switzerland. It belongs to the Vorbourg castle complex.

Château du Vorbourg

Castle ruins in Delémont in the canton of Jura, Switzerland. Only wall remains are visible.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How many city gates does Delémont still have today?
Two prominent city gates are still preserved: Porte au Loup and Porte de Porrentruy.
Can the city walls be visited?
Parts of the old fortification are visible during a walk through the old town.
Where do you park for the old town of Delémont?
There are parking spaces around the city center, e.g., at Place de la Gare.
What is special about Place de la Liberté?
It is the central square of the old town with historical fountains and buildings.
Is there a museum about the history of the city?
Yes, the 'Musée jurassien d’art et d’histoire' is located in the old town.
Delsberg City Walls: where is it located?
Delsberg City Walls is located in Switzerland.
Delsberg City Walls: what is there to see?
Highlights include Swiss Labyrinthe, Musée Rosinski, Tête de puits des Rondez.
Delsberg City Walls: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Delsberg City Walls: why is it worth visiting?
Delémont (German: Delsberg), the capital of the Canton of Jura, possesses a well-preserved old town that was once enclosed by a formidable city wall.
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