Climbing the 157 steps to the towers of Saint-Pierre Cathedral opens up a 360° panorama of Geneva and the lake. This specific cultural visit brings together the city’s history and a view over the city and water. Geneva also offers museums with a variety of themes, from everyday life and ceramic culture to humanitarian work. If you plan to climb the tower, check the current access conditions before your visit.

City History in Buildings and Collections

Saint-Pierre was built in the 12th century and later extensively remodelled. During the Reformation, the cathedral became a Protestant place of worship. Geneva’s history stretches back even further: it began before the Roman occupation in the 2nd century BC. From the Middle Ages until the end of the 18th century, the city was an independent city-state; in the 16th century, John Calvin led the Protestant movement here. These different periods provide a broader context for the city’s religious history.

The Reformation Wall dates from 1909 and features Guillaume Farel, John Calvin, Théodore de Bèze and John Knox. It is a cultural property of national significance in Switzerland. Together with the history of Saint-Pierre, it offers another way to explore the Reformation: through the figures depicted here, and through the cathedral’s changing religious status there.

Maison Tavel is Geneva’s oldest private residence and has housed the Museum of Urban History and Daily Life since 1986. The objects on display come from public collections in Geneva. They illustrate the history of the city and its residents from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Alongside political and religious developments, the lives of Geneva’s people are also brought into focus.

Museums with Different Perspectives

The Ariana Museum has 27,000 objects from Switzerland, Europe and the Orient; its collection illustrates twelve centuries of ceramic culture. The building itself is also an architectural attraction: the museum is housed in a late-19th-century palace with a star-decorated vault and striking colonnades. Here, a clearly defined collection focus meets the architecture of the building as another aspect of the visit.

The International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent is located in the heart of international Geneva, near the Palais des Nations. Its exhibitions and events explore the history, current issues and challenges of humanitarian work. Audiences and partners from different cultures contribute to them. The museum offers an immersive, participatory experience while also fostering contemporary artistic creation. As individual exhibitions and events may change, it is worth checking the current programme before your visit.

Lakeside and Focus Areas for Your Stay

Geneva is located on the shore of Lake Geneva, near the French border, and is surrounded by the Alps and the Jura Mountains. In the city, you can explore historic streets, landmarks, museums, parks and lakeside promenades. Activities on Lake Geneva include boat trips and swimming. These lakeside options complement the city’s cultural themes with a different focus; they do not indicate which activities are available at any particular time.

Choose a stay that matches the themes you want to explore while you’re there. If you plan to climb the cathedral tower or attend a particular event, check the relevant current access conditions and programme information.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Chêne-Bourg, Dardagny, Meinier, Bellevue Ge, Lancy, Laconnex, Vandœuvres, Genthod

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