Saint-Ursanne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Saint-Ursanne
|
||
|---|---|---|
City gate of Saint-Ursanne
|
||
|
||
 Saint-Ursanne
Location in Switzerland
Saint-Ursanne
Location in Canton of Jura
|
||
| Country | Switzerland | |
| Canton | Jura | |
| District | Porrentruy | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 11.46 km2 (4.42 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 440 m (1,440 ft) | |
| Population | ||
| • Total | 730 | |
| • Density | 63.7/km2 (165.0/sq mi) | |
| Postal code |
2882
|
|
| Surrounded by | Seleute, Ocourt, Montmelon, Asuel, Montenol, Saint-Brais, Epauvillers | |
| Twin towns | La Motte, Var (France) | |
Saint-Ursanne is a beautiful old town in Switzerland. It is in the canton of Jura and is famous for its well-preserved medieval look. The town has many historic buildings. These include a Romanesque abbey church, a collegiate church, and a cloister. You can also see many medieval houses, a quiet hermitage, and a bridge from the 1700s.
The Doubs River flows in a loop around Saint-Ursanne before it goes into France. Since 2009, Saint-Ursanne has been part of a new, larger area called Clos du Doubs. There is also an active railway station located just above the town, to the east.
Saint-Ursanne is well-known for its fun medieval festival. This event happens every summer. The town also hosts the annual St-Ursanne - Les Rangiers International Hill Climb race in August.
The town's name comes from Saint Ursicinus. He was a monk from the seventh century who built a monastery here. In 2021, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) gave Saint-Ursanne an award. It was named one of the "best tourism villages" in the world.
-
Fountain in the city centre 2018
-
Detail of the abbey 2022
-
Aerial view 1955
Famous People from Saint-Ursanne
Many interesting people have connections to Saint-Ursanne. Here are a few:
- Ursicinus of Saint-Ursanne (7th century): He was an Irish missionary and a hermit. A special stone coffin, believed to be his, is kept in Saint-Ursanne.
- Saint Wandregisel (around 605–668 AD): He was a Frankish courtier, monk, and abbot. He lived as a hermit in Saint-Ursanne for a time.
- Lionel Régal (1975 – 2010): He was a French hillclimbing racer who competed in Saint-Ursanne.
- Cathérine Hug (born 1976): She is an art historian and curator who grew up in Saint-Ursanne.
- Benjamin Conz (born 1991): He is a Swiss professional ice hockey goalie who was born in Saint-Ursanne.
