Geneva, a city of beautiful contradictions, built on faith and established over the years through trade and wealth. A city where luxury brands like Dior and Cartier live alongside living history like St. Peter’s Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Pierre).
Part of the French speaking portion of Switzerland, Geneva sits on the shores of Lake Geneva in the shadows of the Alps. Initially a fishing settlement the city became a centre of faith with reformists such a John Calvin turning St. Peter’s from a Catholic Church into a Protestant place of worship.
The city is famous for three things: its religious history, Lake Geneva and the iconic Jet d’Eau, and world-renowned watchmaking.
Lake Geneva is one of the largest lakes in Western Europe, and the Jet d’Eau, shooting 140 metres into the sky, has become the defining symbol of the city. Visible from almost anywhere along the waterfront, it’s a remarkable sight, particularly when lit up after dark.
As for the watchmaking, its origins are surprisingly humble. When John Calvin’s teachings called for austere living, Geneva’s skilled jewellers found their primary market effectively banned overnight. Turning their expertise to watchmaking instead, what began as necessity became mastery, and Geneva has never looked back.
St. Peter’s Cathedral
I only had around 5hrs in the city, prioritising a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral. My ticket to the Cathedral included the tower and the archaeological dig. There is the option to visit the reformation museum as well but as a child who grew up having to learn all about the reformation I didn’t want to bother with my limited time.
The Tower:
Be prepared to walk up a lot of steps, some are very narrow and small. At times you’ll have to wait for a green light before proceeding up but it is well worth it. The views of the city from the towers were incredible and unrivalled. Unfortunately there was some cloud cover which restricted the view of the alps that day but it was spectacular nonetheless
The Archaeological Dig:
I’m a big history nerd, I always have been, one of the reasons I love to travel so much is I get to experience history in person. As soon as I saw the option to explore the archaeological dig I just had to check it out. It isn’t one to be missed and takes you under the Cathedral whilst giving you an incredible walk through the history of Geneva and the cathedral. An audio tour comes included with your ticket and gives an incredibly in depth understanding of each area of the dig. My favourite parts were walking through the ancient Roman church and viewing the ancient Roman baptismal pools.
Lake Geneva
I visited Geneva in January and whilst it was sunny in the city, clouds on the mountains restricted the true beauty of the lake. Despite the cloud cover, Lake Geneva and The Jet d’Eau were breathtaking. On a warm, sunny day I can imagine it being the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee and relax. There’s regular boat trips from Geneva to other parts of the lake and a water taxi too. Something I would do if I were to visit again.
Shopping:
Dior, Chanel, Cartier, Mont Blanc, they’re all here and worth a stop but alongside these big luxurious names you’ll also find master craftsmen and unique independents. Tschin-Ta-Ni, a quaint tea shop offering hundreds of different teas, from around the world, was just one of the many places I could have spent hours visiting.
Geneva is a city that leaves you already planning your return. Next time, I’ll give it the overnight stay it deserves, a little shopping among the boutiques and the watchmakers, dinner by the lake as the Jet d’Eau lights up against the evening sky, and enough time to simply slow down and embrace the Swiss way of life.
