La Neuveville
The square town
The village located in the canton of Bern, between Lake Biel and the Jura mountains, proudly preserves its historic character. The heart of La Neuveville is an almost perfect square with three parallel alleys.
Its geographical location, nestled between the lake and the mountains, has limited the expansion of the village, thus preserving its original core and the imposing walls that encircle the oldest part of the village. The history of La Neuveville is rich and has its roots in Roman and Carolingian times, as shown by the excavations carried out in the area, which have revealed remains dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages and even Roman elements. The ancient name of the locality is lost in time, and the history of La Neuveville is intertwined with that of other surrounding regions, such as the area of Nugerol, which was once disputed between the Bishop of Basel and the Count of Neuchâtel.
Founded in 1312 by the Bishop of Basel, the village has retained its medieval appearance to this day. Its location, between the lake and the mountains, has allowed the village to retain its tranquil nature and authentic beauty. In the 19th century, however, La Neuveville saw significant growth thanks to the introduction of new infrastructure. The construction of the road along the lake, the Bienne-Neuchâtel railway line and the A5 motorway improved accessibility, making the village more connected to the rest of the region. During the 19th century, La Neuveville also experienced industrial development, particularly in the watchmaking sector, which played an important role in the area’s economic growth. Despite the changes, the village has managed to retain its old-world charm, with its traditional houses and historical monuments that tell of its long and fascinating history.
