Mont-Terri

Mont-Terri is an archaeological site with medieval castle ruins on a plateau at 804 meters elevation, surrounded by steep cliffs and protected by ancient fortifications. The approximately four-hectare area displays remains of settlements from various historical periods.

People settled here starting in the Neolithic period and lived there for thousands of years, from the Bronze Age through the medieval period. In the 1st century before Christ, Gauls built an impressive fortification that underscores the site's importance at that time.

The settlement was an important place for different peoples and cultures across centuries. The structures and findings show how inhabitants lived and worked here, from early times through the Middle Ages.

The site sits on a plateau with good views and can be explored on foot, though steep paths require sure footing. Visitors should bring appropriate footwear and allow enough time to see both the archaeological remains and the castle ruins.

Beneath the mountain lies an international research laboratory where scientists from many countries study the properties of clay layers. This underground facility takes advantage of the natural geological setting of the place for cutting-edge materials research.