Dole is a Jura city perched on a small limestone ledge above the Doubs. Born on the flanks of a fortress built in the 12th century by the Count of Burgundy to control a passage over the river, the city developed during the 13th century along the ancient Roman road linking Chalon-sur-Saône to Besançon. It has retained the heritage of its privileged position as the capital of Franche-Comté (until 1678) in its monuments and in the overall architecture of its city center.