City guide · Genève
Geneva
An international city on Lake Geneva: the Jet d'Eau, the Reformation Wall and the Palais des Nations
Geneva sits at the southwestern corner of Lake Geneva, where the Rhône leaves the lake, and is the most international city in Switzerland: the United Nations Office at Geneva and the International Committee of the Red Cross are both based here, while on the cobbled streets of the Old Town, the north tower of St. Pierre Cathedral still overlooks the whole city. You can cover the Old Town, the Jet d'Eau on the lakefront, and the international organizations district in two to three days, then take a boat or train to Lausanne or Annecy for a day trip. Also worth visiting in the city: St. Pierre Cathedral, the Reformation Wall, the International Museum of the Reformation, Maison Tavel (the oldest private residence in Geneva), the Jet d'Eau, the English Garden and Flower Clock, the Palais des Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross headquarters, the United Nations Office at Geneva, the Museum of Art and History, the Natural History Museum, Bains des Pâquis, the Botanical Garden, the former site of Fort Sainte-Claire and the Old Town main street.
History
How the city came to be
The old name of Geneva, Genava, appears in Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic War; it began as a Celtic settlement and became a transport hub in Roman times. From the late 4th century until the Reformation, Geneva was long a bishop's seat, belonging in turn to the Kingdom of Burgundy and the Holy Roman Empire; from 1124 the city belonged to the bishop's domain, and in 1162 the bishop became a Prince of the Empire. From the 13th century, Geneva became an important trading city and gradually gained self-government. In 1536 the citizens voted to accept the Reformation, Calvin arrived the same year, and after returning in 1541 he directed the building of the city's church and academy, which earned Geneva the name "Protestant Rome"; in 1559 Calvin founded the Academy of Geneva (the predecessor of today's University of Geneva), with Théodore de Bèze as its first rector. On the night of December 11–12, 1602, the Duke of Savoy's night attack on Geneva failed, the famous Escalade, which is still a city festival today. After the French annexation period of 1798–1813, Geneva joined the Swiss Confederation in 1815. The International Committee of the Red Cross was founded in Geneva in 1863, and from the 20th century the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international institutions settled here one after another.
- Around 500 BCCelts build a fortified settlement in today's Old Town area.
- Roman eraGenava becomes a transport point between Gaul and the Alps.
- Late 4th centuryGeneva becomes a bishop's seat.
- 1124The city comes under the bishop's domain; in 1162 the bishop becomes a Prince of the Empire.
- 13th centuryGeneva becomes an important trading city, and citizens gain more self-government.
- 1536Citizens vote to accept the Reformation; Calvin arrives in Geneva.
- 1541Calvin returns to Geneva and directs church building until his death in 1564.
- 1559The Academy of Geneva is founded, with Bèze as its first rector.
- December 11–12, 1602The Savoy night attack fails, the Escalade.
- 1798–1813The French annexation period.
- 1815Geneva joins the Swiss Confederation.
- 1863The International Committee of the Red Cross is founded in Geneva.
Stories
Stories of the city
The Niton stones in the lake
History · Geneva
Two rocks in Lake Geneva are known as the Pierres du Niton. General Guillaume Henri Dufour chose the larger of them as the reference point for surveying in Switzerland.
Caesar's Genava
History · Geneva
Geneva began as an Allobrogian border town fortified against the Helvetii, and the Roman Republic took it in 121 BC. Caesar mentioned the town in his Latin writings under the spelling Genava.
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Trips beyond the city
These places can be explored from this city but lie outside it. See each place for transport and visiting guidance.
