Prince-Bishops' Castle, Castle and Class A Swiss cultural property in Delémont, Switzerland.
The Prince-Bishops' Castle rises on a hill above Delémont and shows the features of a classic Swiss castle built in the 18th century. Its walls and towers shape the city's skyline and form a strong visual anchor in the old town.
The castle was built as a residence for the prince-bishops who ruled the territory for centuries, until the region eventually became the Canton of Jura. This shift from religious rule to a modern cantonal structure marks a major turning point in the region's story.
The castle takes its name from the prince-bishops who once lived here, and it remains central to how the city sees itself today. The building shows how this region was shaped for centuries by religious rulers rather than secular ones.
The castle sits near the city center and is relatively easy to reach, though it sits on a hill so walking uphill is necessary. Although it now functions as a school building, visitors can sometimes see it with advance arrangements.
The building houses a school and combines education with history in an unusual way. Children sit in classrooms whose walls are centuries old, a daily experience that is rare elsewhere.
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