In the French-speaking part of Switzerland, the beautiful city of Geneva is located on the lake of the same name. In addition to the many international organizations that have offices there, there are a number of impressive museums to visit, which make the city interesting. It is also a fairly green city with a number of nice parks. There are good restaurants and the viewpoints on the lake are special. Especially the spouting fountain is a picture to see.
Top 10 sights of Geneva
#1. St Pierre Cathedral
From the hill of the city, the cathedral dominates the cityscape. According to necessaryhome, the cathedral acquired its current size around the twelfth century. Inevitable are the various changes to the appearance over the years. Wars and fires have played a part in this. The neo-classical facade dates from the mid-18th century. After climbing some 157 steps, you have a beautiful view of the city and the lake from the north of the cathedral.
#2. Place du Bourg du Four
In the heart of the center is this beautiful square with its flower fountain. The fountain dates from the 18th century when the square was also known as a meeting place for trade, among other things. The architecture from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries gives the square a special appearance. With good weather there are many terraces and street artists.
#3. Fountain of Geneva (Jet d’Eau)
Most recognize photos of Geneva by the Jet d’Eau located in the lake. This world famous fountain is actually a symbol of the city. The fountain features prominently in many advertising materials about the city. It is probably one of the most photographed parts of the city. No fewer than five hundred liters of water per second are sprayed to a height of one hundred and forty metres. If the wind is a bit ‘wrong’ you will be soaking wet. It is especially beautiful at night when the fountain is lit up.
#4. Maison Tavel
The beautiful building in which this museum is housed once belonged to the noble Tavel family. The property was acquired by the City of Geneva in 1963. Since then, the entire property has been dedicated to Geneva’s urban history and daily life. You will find this museum north of the Parc des Bastions.
#5. Parc des Bastions
This city park was founded in 1817 by AP de Candolle. The park is full of fountains, monuments and statues. You will also find a life-size checkers and chess game near a terrace. The botanical gardens, rock gardens and the arboretum are neatly maintained.
#6. Jardin Anglais
This English Garden was laid out in 1854 and has only gotten bigger and more extensive since then. The bronze fountain with mermaids is a true showpiece. It was placed in 1862 by the Parisian sculptor Andre Alexis. According to the locals, this is the most lively park in the city.
#7. Palais des Nations
This stately building is located in Ariana Park, which was built to serve as the headquarters of the League of Nations. Today it serves as the office for the United Nations in Geneva. A design competition was held and this huge structure was chosen from the 377 entries. Between 1929 and 1936 it was built in a beautiful park.
#8. International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum
Opened in 1988, the museum attracts between 70 and 80,000 people annually. The museum shows what the Red Cross and the Red Crescent stand for and what activities have taken place in the world. The museum is located next to the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
#9. MAMCO
In Geneva’s trendy Plainpalais district, a 1950s factory houses the Museum of Contemporary Art. Here an attempt is made to make contemporary art understandable for its visitors or at least to get you thinking. New exhibitions are regularly placed so that there is always something new to discover. There are many galleries in the vicinity of the museum.
#10. Patek Philippe Museum
This museum is about the famous watch brand Patek Philippe and watches from history. For example, there are special specimens to admire from between the 16th and 19th centuries. It also discusses the history and development of making and creating watches.
