Auvernier
Intro
Auvernier, the site of one of the most significant prehistoric finds in Switzerland, is a traditional winemaking village on the shore of Lake Neuchâtel.
Description
Auvernier is located in the middle of a mellow vineyard above the north-west shore of Lake Neuchâtel. The historic village centre extends a long a central main street, which is fully cobbled. The dense buildings, comprising urban-looking houses and vintners' houses, are interspersed by four squares with fountains. The first correction of the flow of the Jura at the end of the 1860s caused the water level to decrease. Since then, the village has no longer stood directly beside the lake. During the Belle Époque, villas sprang up on the newly-won strip of shore, lining Kantonstrasse, which developed at the same time.
Auvernier Castle vineyard can be found to the west of the village. Thanks to its perfect exposure to the sun on a slope that tilts slightly towards the north-east, the wine produced from this vineyard is outstanding. The castle, flanked by two small towers, has been owned by the same family since 1603. The current owner is continuing the castle's 400-year winegrowing tradition in what is now its 17th generation. Visitors can gain an insight into this rich heritage through tours of the wine cellar and tasting sessions, which can be booked in advance.
In addition to wine, Auvernier is also known for its archaeological pile dwellings, which were one of the most significant prehistoric finds in Switzerland. This site is part of the “Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps” UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes a selection of pile dwelling sites in six countries (Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy, France and Slovenia).
ISOS
ISOS is the Federal Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites of national importance. The inventory is maintained by the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) and lists the most significant settlements in Switzerland. Today, some 1,200 places are included in the inventory, from hamlets right through to cities. The inventory provides information on the development and identity of the settlements listed in it, thereby contributing to the preservation of architectural diversity in Switzerland and promoting both sustainable planning and a high-quality Baukultur.
