Sightseeing in Rouen - what to see. Complete travel guide

This is one of the largest cities of France, which is, after all, known as the historic capital of Normandy. Even during the Middle Ages the city prospered and succeeded in all spheres. It was known as a major commercial and industrial center. Rouen was heavily damaged during the Second World War, but a part of historical monuments have managed to survive.

Museum of Joan of Arc is one of major cultural centers of Rouen. The courageous maiden was burned in the area located about thirty yards from the building of museum in 1431. The museum is divided into two floors. The first floor is the basement that looks more like a gloomy crypt. Here you can see miniature models of ancient castles, and a collection of armor and weapons. The upper level is the location of wax figures museum.

Rouen Cathedral is surely the most ambitious religious sight of the city. The building features various types of the Gothic style and this is also one of the tallest buildings of the city. The building of Church of Saint Maclou built in the early 13th century is no less impressive. One of the church’s halls has been converted into a gallery that exhibits photos that remind of the military events of 1944. While talking about religious places of interest, it’s hard not to mention Church of Saint Ouen, the construction of which took place in the 14th century. This is a building with strict lines in design and numerous tall towers. Inner decoration of the church is considered a real example of the medieval style. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Botanical Garden is the most beautiful place in Rouen. This is a huge complex with numerous different sections and greenhouses. Here you can see a rose garden, rock gardens, and a rich collection of fuchsias and taxa. The total number of plants is slightly less than six thousand, and it’s really hard to find such a large choice of items and bright colors in any other botanical garden of France.

The most famous and visited cultural center of Rouen is the Museum of Fine Arts. It presents a huge collection of artistic values. Here, you can see unique paintings and sculptures, interior decorations and other works of art. The age of some exhibits is more than 500 years. The museum is remarkable for its impressive scale and beautiful decoration. They often conduct excellent themed events in its spacious courtyard.

An original historical monument is the ancient cemetery of Saint-Maclou which is of great value from an architectural point of view. The cemetery was founded in 1348. When the epidemic of the plague hit the city, it killed one third of the population of Rouen. Today, the main object of the cemetery is an ancient building, whose galleries are decorated with symbolic objects used for funeral rites. One of the buildings nowadays is occupied by the school of fine arts.

A prime example of medieval architecture is the Palace of Justice. At present, the Parliament of Normandy is located in a magnificent historical building. It was built in 1509 and is an architectural sample of Gothic architecture. Despite the fact that the palace was badly damaged during the Second World War, they managed to put it like it used to be. The historic building is closed to the public. Visitors can admire only its unique appearance.

The ancient monastery of Saint-Georges de Boscherville survived in Rouen. The monastery was founded in the 11th century. During the period of religious wars, many buildings of the monastery were destroyed. They had to be rebuilt again. As a result, the building got a unique architectural appearance, which combines elements of different styles. Nowadays, the monastery is located on the territory of an extensive park, part of which is occupied by an orchard. There is an old garden of medicinal plants here, as well.

Lovers of unusual excursions should visit the Blacksmith's Museum. Its opening took place in the 19th century. The museum occupies the building of an ancient church built in the 16th century. The museum has exhibits from all over the world. Of great interest are its forged and decorative elements, that the world's best craftsmen have been working towards.