Martigny, Switzerland – City of Art and Much More

Each summer, when visiting the Bernese Oberland, we usually set aside a day to head south by train to the small city of Martigny. Our main goal is to view the current exhibition at the Foundation Pierre Gianadda. However, Martigny has much more to offer than this main attraction.

From Gallo Roman archaeological sites to other museums, numerous high-quality public sculptures, and an 800-year-old fortress, there is plenty to explore. At an elevation of 471m and surrounded by mountains, Martigny is picturesquely situated close to a sharp bend in the Rhône, where the great river is joined by the alpine waters of the Dranse.

The city's population has grown from 5,900 in 1950 to its present level of about 17,500, and this expansion is reflected in much of its architecture. If you arrive by train and wish to visit the foundation or the old town, proceed directly ahead along the Av. De la Gare.

A bus station is nearby, but the walk is not lengthy—about 20 minutes to the foundation. A sculpture by the eminent Swiss artist Hans Erni sits proudly on a small roundabout just a minute or two from the train station. Soon, on your left, you will spot the Tourist Information center, where you can pick up a handy map that indicates the location of museums, monuments, architectural sites, and modernist public sculptures.

The tourist office occupies the same building as the Museum of Earth Sciences, whose basement displays mining artifacts, machinery, and specimens in a small reconstruction of a mine gallery. This museum is adjacent to the lively Place Centrale, the café-lined and tree-lined heart of the old town. If you are heading for the foundation, you will need to turn left and follow the signs.

Foundation Pierre Gianadda

Each year, the Foundation Pierre Gianadda hosts three well-curated, top-class exhibitions featuring works by great masters. This summer (2016), it was Picasso; last summer, it was Matisse.

The foundation also houses a car museum with over 40 cars and an archaeological museum displaying artifacts from the Gallo-Roman period found locally. The well-laid-out surrounding gardens are a treasure trove of works by mainly modernist sculptors, including: Moore Ernst Arp Brancusi Calder Miro De Kooning Rodin Bourdelle

These works are carefully and sometimes playfully set amongst a landscape of clearly labeled trees and shrubs. If you are staying in Martigny, you might choose to attend one of the evening concerts held in the main hall.

Opening times: Daily 9am – 7pm (June to November) 10am – 6pm (after November)

Admission: CHF 20, with the usual discounts for pensioners, students, children, and families. The Swiss Museum Pass is accepted.

Archaeological Sites

The archaeological sites of importance, harking back to the Roman occupation, are clustered in the area between the Place Centrale and the Pierre Gianadda Foundation.

The most impressive is perhaps the small restored amphitheater. While it may lack the visitor trappings commonly found at such sites, entrance is free and it offers the opportunity for quiet contemplation and imagination.

Chateau de la Batiaz

The Batiaz fortress has kept a watchful eye on the city and its inhabitants for 800 years. Its elevated position makes it obvious to visitors.

On display is a collection of assorted weaponry, and you can watch a film about Martigny in the Middle Ages. The fortress can be reached by foot or by the small tourist train from the Place Centrale. You will be rewarded with a superb view of the Rhône valley.

Open May to October.

Worth Considering

Not far from the foundation is Barryland, a must for lovers of St. Bernard dogs.

The Protestant Church of Martigny, also in the vicinity, is a gem. This small church has recently installed 17 fine stained glass windows designed by Hans Erni, who remarkably was over 100 years old at the time.