Self-guided tour of the center of Geneva: interesting places, photos, description
Switzerland… It is unlikely that among the tourists there will be those who, after getting to know this amazing country, will be able to remain indifferent to its sights, beautiful landscapes dotted with hundreds of mountain chateaus and will not kindly envy the happy and well-fed Swiss!
Today we have to make a fascinating tour of the most interesting and significant sights of Geneva. Prepare your cameras, because you won't have to cover their lenses even for a minute!
Patisserie Chocolatier du Rhone
Oddly enough, we have to start our journey through Geneva with an acquaintance with the Chocolatier du Rhone confectionery, whose products have won the hearts of millions of connoisseurs of bittersweet all over the world. Rumor has it that among the admirers of the confectionery were even the first people of states, for example, Kennedy, Charles de Gaulle and Churchill.
The first batch of chocolate was produced back in 1875, and since that moment the demand for this type of product in Switzerland has never decreased. If you believe the statistics, then during his life each local resident on average eats over 700 kg of chocolate! And to try out the entire range presented at the factory today, a person will need at least 70 years!
Fusteri Cathedral
This temple complex was built in 1715 specifically for Protestant believers. It was in Switzerland that they found refuge from the Catholics who persecuted them. The author of the project was Jean Venn, a Frenchman by origin.
The main difference between the temple and all other similar buildings in the city was its excellent acoustics, which allowed all participants in the service to clearly hear every word of the preacher. Nowadays, the complex has lost its former importance and is used for concerts and city celebrations.
Ancient tower and Molar square
The old tower, which is located on Molar Square, can also tell about the special significance of Geneva. If today there are countless boutiques and restaurants here, from the windows of which a beautiful view of the bay opens, then a few centuries ago the square played the role of a port. Massive walls were erected along the perimeter, which played a protective role from the attacks of numerous enemies.
The only mention of that distant time is the surviving Molar tower, on the wall of which there is a historical coat of arms depicting a woman bending over a traveler and an inscription revealing the entire historical essence of Geneva, calling this place a city for exiles.
As for the square itself, it can certainly be called one of the most romantic places in the city. But it appears in all its glory only with the onset of twilight. It is in the evening that thousands of lanterns illuminate the square, decorated with greetings in different languages of the world. After reconstruction in 2002, the boulevard became a favorite place for meetings, walks and romantic dates.
Museum of the Reformation
The collection gathered in the galleries of the museum allows you to learn about the Protestant history of Geneva. A huge collection of unique letters and documents revealing the secret sides of the long-standing confrontation between the Catholic world and the Protestants, the methods of waging a struggle and even the revelations of the first persons of European states – these are just a small fraction of what is collected in the halls of the Museum of the Reformation.
For the convenience of visitors, the creators of the museum have provided the possibility of using an audio guide, which will reveal many interesting and until recently unknown facts. Well, the gallery owes its name to the Malle house, which is part of the exposition. It was built on the site of St. Peter's Cathedral (where the inhabitants accepted the Reformation in 1536).
Church of St. Peter
One of the main attractions of the city is St. Peter's Cathedral, the first stone of which was laid back in 1160. Construction lasted a century and a half, which left its mark on the appearance of the complex – a combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles is clearly visible in its architectural image. And those buildings that were added to the complex several centuries later are distinguished by classical and neoclassical European styles.
Bourg-de-Four boulevard
It is here, like many centuries ago, that the Swiss conduct business negotiations, sign contracts and arrange gatherings. The place was not chosen by chance, because there was an intersection of ancient roads, numerous markets (they were organized by the Romans), and Protestants who fled from persecution gathered here.
Tourists will be able to enjoy several ancient buildings of the 16th-18th centuries, an unusual fountain and a cobbled pavement sparkling in the sun. A man-made attraction is also located here – a 120-meter wooden bench, which can easily claim the title of the longest in the whole world.
Arsenal
A tour of the city will not be complete without getting to know the old arsenal, which over the centuries has repeatedly changed its appearance and purpose. There was also a grain storage shed and a police station in the building. Until our time, as a colorful reference to the wars, several cannons of the 17th-18th century model have been preserved, which played the role of the main deterrent redoubt.
The wall behind the cannons is decorated with three paintings that are dedicated to the main historical events: the visit to the city of Caesar, the meeting of the exiled Huguenots and the city fair of the Middle Ages.
famous houses
The list of must-see attractions includes several famous households. So, the oldest house in Geneva is the house of Travel, which appeared in 1303. In 1963, he received the status of a museum and underwent a large-scale restoration. It is this building that is a real artifact of ancient Geneva.
In order to interest visitors, ancient exhibits, toys, objects and furniture samples were collected and put on public display. All this was done by the hands of ordinary citizens and for several decades has been called upon to tell the fascinating and historically rich history of the city.
Do not pass by the home ownership of the Frenchman Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who is the author of the idea of direct democracy. It is this form of government that is used in Switzerland to this day.
University of Geneva
The famous University of Geneva deserves special attention, from the doors of which many talented political and public figures and successful businessmen have come out. It was founded in 1559 and initially played the role of a theological seminary.
Today, up to 15 thousand students are trained in the educational institution, who in the future will take their places in the legal, psychological, medical, and economic fields.
Theatre, museum, conservatory
For cultural entertainment and education, you should go to the Geneva Conservatory, Victoria Hall, the theater and the Rath Museum. Within the walls of the conservatory, various areas of modern and ancient music are combined, professional musicians are trained.
In the Victoria Hall concert hall you can enjoy brilliant works performed by the best musicians of our time. Well, the Bolshoi Theater opens its doors wide to all lovers of stage acting. It was created in 1879, but for a long time had a dubious reputation and was attacked by Protestants.
After a global reconstruction in 1951, the hall can accommodate up to one and a half thousand spectators at the same time. As soon as you get inside, the main decorations of the interior immediately catch your eye – a huge chandelier under the dome, as well as a mirrored hall.
You can finish the day tour in the halls of the Rat Art Gallery, in the halls of which interesting works of famous and only emerging artists are collected, and exhibition evenings are also held.
There are many other historical sites in Geneva that deserve special attention. It is very difficult to get to know the city and its history as part of a one-day tour!