Marsens

Marsens
Country Switzerland Canton Fribourg District Gruyère 46°39′N 7°4′E / 46.65°N 7.067°E / 46.65; 7.067Coordinates: 46°39′N 7°4′E / 46.65°N 7.067°E / 46.65; 7.067
Population	1,549 (Dec 2009)[1]
- Density	199 /km2 (515 /sq mi)
Area	7.79 km2 (3.01 sq mi)
Elevation	722 m (2,369 ft)
Postal code	1633
SFOS number	2140
Localities	Marsens, Vuippens
Surrounded by	Corbières, Echarlens, Grangettes, Hauteville, Le Châtelard, Pont-en-Ogoz, Riaz, Sâles, Sorens
Website	www.marsens.ch SFSO statistics
Marsens
View map of Marsens

Marsens is a municipality in the district of Gruyère in the canton of Fribourg in Switzerland.

The municipality comprises the small villages of Marsens and its neighbor Vuippens. They are 5 km from the town of Bulle, and 20 km from the city of Fribourg.

History

Marsens derives its name from the god Mars. Archaeology in the village uncovered a gallo-roman temple dedicated to the god, which had been forgotten over the centuries. The site of the temple can be seen today.

Marsens was also well known for the Humilmont convent, the remains of which sit just outside the village.

In more recent times, it is best known as the site of the psychiatric hospital of the canton.

While this region's economy has long been based in agriculture, Marsens today is developing more artisans and industry. The village is expanding as new modern homes are built, but Marsens' pastoral view of the mountains and the sound of nearby cows' bells remains.

References

1. ^ Swiss Federal Statistical Office, MS Excel document – Bilanz der ständigen Wohnbevölkerung nach Kantonen, Bezirken und Gemeinden (German) accessed 25 August 2010