Auvernier

Auvernier is a common Suisse of the Canton of Neuchâtel.

History

Located at the edge of a lake in an area of the Jura has forest character, the territory of Auvernier is inhabited by the man at least since the Neolithic era. Lake vestiges found at the time of archaeological excavations indeed make go up the presence of the first sedentaries with - 3000. At the time of the Romans, the occupation of close places (villa of Dovecote) let think that the area was rather largely populated and it is thus probable that dwellings existed on the territory of Auvernier. The first mention of the name Averniacum goes back to 1101, in a document attesting the gift by Rodolphe III of Burgundy of various territory in its been engaged Hermengarde. A little more than 300 years later, in 1346, the limits of the territory of the commune are fixed following a disagreement with Colombier and in 1477 the vault St-Nicolas (the current temple) is built, giving to the village, then composed of maisonnette out of wooden, an aspect close to the current one. Between exposed lake and slopes full southern, Auvernier developed around two axes, fishing, as the pole present attests some on the armorial bearings of the village, and the Viticulture. The castle of Auvernier, built in 1559 has since its creation a viticultural vocation as the broad arched cellars and the many pieces of vines attest some belonging to the field. The heiresses families of the castle will have in heart to maintain and develop this speciality. Many others Encavage S make of Auvernier a well-known commune in the area for its wines and this craft industry will end up taking the step on the activity of fishing although this one is always present on the commune. The installation of a school of vine growing in 1888 become today the cantonal service of the vine growing still confirms this vocation. In 1880, the correction of water of the Jura offers to Auvernier new territories in the south of the commune and it is at the twentieth century, more precisely in years 1960-70 than the construction of the highway A5 and the replanning of banks of the lake will offer to Auvernier a renewal its bonds with the lake. The creation of a large marina and a broad zone of relaxation including/understanding a great beach offer to the population a pleasant and easy access at the edge of the lake. In parallel, the urban development of Neuchâtel threatens the village character of Auvernier by the construction of many buildings and in particular of many villas. Fortunately for the wine vocation of the village, since 1974, the pieces reserved for the vine are protected by the law what limits the extension of constructions. The current policy is to control the interventions on the zone of old locality, in order to preserve at Main street, which extends about from the castle at the house of commune, close to the temple, its typical character made of beautiful houses of XVIe at the XVIIIe century bordering a broad paved street.

Monuments

the Castle of Auvernier the Castle
the temple, old St-Nicolas vault and his contemporary stained glasses inaugurated in 1995 and drawn by Yvan Moscatelli, artist of the area.
the square house, property of a family of vine growers which contains a manual press of wood still used today.
the cure of 1747 with its frontage Louis XV
the well of Bugnon, of 1720
many fountains of the village.

Transport

On the line of tram Neuchâtel (Pury Place) - Boudry
On the railway line Neuchâtel - Yverdon
Unloading dock for the boats of line of the Neuchâtel Lake

External bonds

Article in the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland

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