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Hotel Grand-Pre Geneva |
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Must to Visit |
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If you are passing through Geneva, do not miss
visiting the following places: |
Jet d’Eau Fountain
(Water fountain)
The 140 m/460 ft high water fountain in the center of the
harbor has become the emblem of Geneva. Originally the Jet d’eau
fountain used to be situated downstream on the Rhone and was
nothing more than an insignificant physical phenomena caused
each evening when the craftsmen switched off the hydraulic
pressure taps. |
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The Floral Clock
This symbol of Geneva as the cradle of the watchmaking
industry must be one of the most photographed sites in Geneva.
Over 6,500 plants are required to decorate this 5 meter diameter
"monument" whose floral harmonies are changed with the seasons. |
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The Wall of the
Reformation
This imposing wall, erected in 1917, runs along one side of
the Bastions, the University Park. It is dedicated to the
leading figures of the international Reformation movement: Jean
Calvin, Théodore de Bèze, John Knox and Guillaume Farel and
retraces the major episodes of the time. Geneva’s motto is "POST
TENEBRAS LUX", (after the darkness, the light), in other words,
after ignorance, understanding of the Bible (thanks to the
Reformation). |
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The Town Hall
This is the administrative headquarters of the local
government. The unusual square ramp of the staircase made it
easier for messengers to arrive on horseback in days gone by.
The "Alabama" plaque is a reminder that the Anglo-American
conflict was the first international dispute to be resolved in
Geneva. Don’t miss the summer concerts, given in the interior
courtyard. |
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Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens is located a few hundred meters below
the United Nations building. The activities of its conservatory
have won international recognition in the scientific world. The
park contains several tropical greenhouses, one of which is in
the shape of a dome; a park with deer, flamingoes, aviaries and
ponds and an open air coffee shop as well as an interesting
little shop with ecological articles. The more energetic
visitors can walk the 10 km/ 6 miles along the lakeshore to
Port-Noir while the less energetic can take a "Mouette", one of
the small taxi-boats that provide a ferry service across the
lake. |
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The United Nations
Building
This enormous complex, which covers a surface area equal to
that of Versailles, was completed in 1936. Since 1946 it has
housed the Office of the United Nations, successor to the League
of Nations founded by the U.S. President Wilson in Geneva in
1920. Guided tours permit visitors to admire the splendid rooms
they have only previously seen on television. You may also sign
the Golden Book for Peace and thus register your personal
commitment to furthering this planetary cause. |
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Place Neuve
Built outside the former ramparts, the Place Neuve has become
the focal point of Genevan culture.
It comprises the Grand-Théâtre (opera), the reputed Conservatory
of Music and the Rath Museum, internationally renowned for its
temporary exhibitions. |
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Cathedral Saint
Pierre
This Cathedral in Geneva, belonging to the Swiss Reformed
Church, was begun in the 12th century, and includes an eclectic
mix of styles. It is best known as the adopted home church of
John Calvin, one of the leaders of the Protestant Reformation.
Inside the church is a wooden chair used by Calvin. The area
beneath the Cathedral has recently been excavated extensively,
revealing a rich history of the site dating back to the time of
the Roman Empire. |
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