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Founded: 1805Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Finland
Historical period: The Age of Enlightenment (Finland)
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Alikartano (Frugård) manor was established in 1608 and it was owned by the famous Nordenskiöld family from 1709 to 1912. The current main building was built in 1805 and it represents various architecture styles including baroque, neoclassical and rococo.
Today Alikartano is a museum exhibiting scientific achievements of the Nordenskiöld family. Some rooms are decorated in the 19th century style. The museum is open in summertime from Wednesday to Sunday.
Olargues is a good example of a French medieval town and rated as one of the most beautiful villages in France. It was occupied by the Romans, the Vandals and the Visigoths. At the end of the 11th century the Jaur valley came under the authority of the Château of the Viscount of Minerve. The following centuries saw a succession of wars and epidemics, and it was not until the 18th century that Olargues became re-established. This was due to the prosperity of local agriculture and artisanal industry.
The Pont du Diable, 'Devil's Bridge', is said to date back to 1202 and is reputed to be the scene of transactions between the people of Olargues and the devil. The old village is clustered around the belltower, which was formerly the main tower of the castle (Romanesque construction). The old shops have marble frontages and overhanging upper storeys. A museum of popular traditions and art is to be found in the stairs of the Commanderie.