Thirteen gates arranged radially around a central turntable define the semicircular hall of the former Rotonde CFF. In Delémont, you’ll encounter traces of industrial history alongside Baroque architecture, religious heritage and an Old Town with restored historic buildings. This makes it possible to discover the city through a variety of structures and stories, rather than reducing it to a single theme.
Old Town and architectural history
The Château de Delémont stands at the southwestern corner of the Old Town, on the site of a medieval manor house. The present-day Baroque building was constructed between 1716 and 1721 under the direction of Pierre Racine, a native of the Jura. The contrast between the former manor house and the later building offers a long architectural perspective, though the château itself dates from the 18th century. Delémont was founded in 1289, when Pierre Reich de Reichenstein granted it a charter of liberties.
The Delémont Synagogue is also part of the city’s history. Arthur Roos, an architect from Mulhouse, built it in 1911 for the small Jewish community; it was restored in 2000. It is considered one of the last intact rural synagogues in Western Europe. Visits are possible by appointment, so arrange your visit in advance.
In the heart of Delémont, the Musée jurassien d’art et d’histoire is located on the Old Town’s ramparts. Its buildings form part of an architectural ensemble dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum has been based in Delémont since 1909 and presents the history of the Jura from Roman and Merovingian times to the recent past. The site thus offers a view of the city’s architecture alongside a broader sweep of history.
Discover industrial history
The Rotonde CFF was built in 1889 as a locomotive depot. Its semicircular hall and 13 radially arranged gates face a central turntable. Today, historic steam locomotives are kept there. A visit can be arranged through the CFF railway station; check what options are available before planning your visit.
Another site associated with industrial history is the Tête de puits des Rondez on Route de Courroux. Built around 1900, the building houses the mine’s winch and lift and stands as the last visible reminder of how iron shaped the region. Ore was mined until the 1920s and then processed in blast furnaces and foundries. The tour In the Footsteps of the Red Faces explores this heritage; it starts at the Tête de puits and ends at Delémont railway station. Check whether the tour is available before booking.
If you’d like to explore different parts of the city, you could also consider the Circuit Secret Delémont. A digital key grants access to seven sites, including the bell tower of St-Marcel Church, the old Corps de Garde near the château and Villa Vermeille. The guided tour of the Old Town also passes through historic lanes and squares on its way to the summer residence of the prince-bishops. Another tour explores the path to the sovereignty of the Canton of Jura and includes a visit to the cantonal parliament chamber; reservations are required.
River scenery and viewpoints
East of Delémont, the Réserve du Colliard lies at the confluence of the Sorne and the Birs. The area is especially popular for birdwatching. Walks and cycling routes start there and follow the Birs towards Soyhières and Courroux. The reserve offers a different perspective on Delémont from the Old Town, focusing on river scenery and nature observation.
The Point de vue du Béridier offers a bird’s-eye view of Delémont and its valley. The viewpoint is accessible on foot and by car; it has a picnic and fire area as well as an observation table. You can plan a visit both for the view and for a break. Visibility and conditions on site may vary.
Market and practical information
A weekly market is held in the Old Town on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, and there is also a monthly fair. The market offers traditional products such as fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, cheese and bread. If you’re planning a visit specifically for the market, check the dates before travelling; market arrangements may change on public holidays.
For getting around the city, MOBIJU bus route 1 connects the Old Town and the hospital with the railway station, running regularly every 20 minutes. From the CFF railway station, trains run hourly to Biel, Porrentruy, Basel, Olten and Delle/Méroux TGV. The CJ connection at Glovelier also provides access to the Franches-Montagnes. Check the current timetables before travelling. This way, you can plan your explorations of Delémont around the themes that interest you most: architectural history, industrial heritage, market life or nature.
Discover more destinations: Undervelier, Bourrignon, Saulcy, Delémont, Soyhières, Courfaivre, Rebeuvelier, Courroux, Glovelier, Vermes.
Back to the regional travel overview: Jura.
