Αξιοθέατα και μέρη για επίσκεψη Pimprez - Top 20

A must-see history

The Château Mennechet is a historic castle located in Chiry-Ourscamp, in the Hauts-de-France region. The castle was built at the end of the 19th century by Alphonse Mennechet de Barival, a wealthy and learned man. It was originally intended as a richly decorated gallery, but it was never completed. Architecture: The castle is an example of neo-Gothic architecture with beautiful sculptural decorations. The building is surrounded by an ornate garden and has an imposing facade with detailed stonework. The ruins of the castle can still be admired and offer a unique insight into the rich history and culture of the region.

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Noyon is an impressive Gothic building in the heart of Noyon, in the Oise department. Built between 1145 and 1235, the cathedral is a major religious and cultural monument. It exemplifies the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture. The cathedral is 103.11 meters long (exterior) and 91.33 meters (interior), with a nave height of 22.73 meters. The interior is richly decorated with works of art and features a magnificent Merklin organ from 1898. The cathedral also has a Louis XVI-style high altar.

The armistice agreement of World War I was signed here on November 11, 1918 in a clearing in the forest of Compiègne in a railway carriage. In June 1940, France's capitulation to the German Reich was also signed here and in the same carriage. For this purpose, the carriage was brought back here from a museum on Hitler's orders. The original carriage no longer exists, but you can admire an identical carriage here in the museum for a fee. Today you can also find a lot of patriotism and commemoration here.

The complex of buildings surrounding Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the earliest examples of Gothic architecture. You can admire the cathedral's rich liturgical furnishings, the elegant canons' residences, the remains of the episcopal chapel, and the chapter library, one of the oldest in Europe. You'll also discover the history of Noyon, the ancient episcopal city that witnessed the coronation of Charlemagne and the birth of John Calvin. The cathedral chapter of Noyon is a true treasure trove of art and history that will delight both the eyes and the mind.

Mennechet Castle is now in ruins, but it still offers a glimpse of the grandeur and art of its former owner, Alphonse Mennechet de Barival. You can explore the remains of the castle-gallery, designed to house Mennechet's collection of paintings, sculptures and earthenware. You can also admire the panoramic views of Mont-Conseil and the Oise valley from the castle's location on the hillside. As the castle is private property, you will need to obtain permission from the owner before visiting.

This former monastery was dedicated to the Holy Cross (Latin “Santa Croce”). The patronage refers to the cross on which Jesus Christ died. The veneration of the Holy Cross goes back to a large extent to Saint Helena, who was the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great (who recognized Christianity as a religion after his victory at the “Milvian Bridge” in front of Rome and in the year 312 for a long time the persecution ended with the “tolerance edict” of Milan). In the early fourth century she undertook a pilgrimage to the Holy Land (Israel / Palestine) and from there brought numerous relics with her to Europe, including the "True Cross" on which Jesus Christ was crucified. Helena is therefore often depicted with a cross as an attribute. The church celebrates the festival of the discovery, public presentation and veneration of the Holy Cross – called “Exaltation of the Cross” – on September 14th.

Cathedral of Gothic architecture from the 12th century