Porrentruy Castle, Medieval castle in Porrentruy, Switzerland.
Porrentruy Castle is a fortress perched on a hill above the old town and features the prominent Réfous Tower along with extensive fortifications. The complex spreads across the site with buildings from different periods arranged around a central courtyard.
The castle served as the seat of power for the Prince-Bishops of Basel from 1524 to 1792 after they were forced from their original lands during the Reformation. It remained a center of authority and administration throughout this entire period.
The castle now houses the Court of the Republic of the Canton of Jura and remains a center of governance for the region. Walking through the courtyard, visitors can sense how this place shaped the administrative life of the surrounding communities.
Most areas of the castle are open during daytime hours and can be freely explored, with the Réfous Tower offering the best views over the city. A short walk from Porrentruy train station is all that is needed to reach the site.
The ramparts on the western and northern sides date back to the 14th century and demonstrate the original defensive strength of this strategic location. These older structures give the place a sense of how long this position has served a protective role.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
