Religious Sites

Cathédrale St-Pierre, Site Archéologique
(St. Peter's Cathedral, Archaeological Site)

When St. Peter's Cathedral was completed in 1260, its interior bore black, ochre and white paint. In the 1400s the congregation added gold leaf and all the colors of the rainbow. But visitors today will be struck with St. Peter's austerity, evidence of the 16th-century Reformers' desire to focus worshipers' attentions on God alone. The restored 15th-century Chapel of the Maccabees offers a glimpse of the cathedral's former flamboyance. It was from St. Peter's pulpit that John Calvin preached the doctrine of Protestantism and changed the face of Christianity.

Adjoining the museum are the archaeological remains of the cathedral's predecessors, 4th- and 11th-century churches discovered in the 1970s during renovations. The archaeological site reveals a 4th-century mosaic floor and baptistery.

Musée International de la Réforme (International Museum of the Reformation)

The Museum of the Reformation is a must-see for religious visitors to Geneva. The location itself is historic: The building once served as an apartment complex for Huguenot refugees, which was in turn built on the ruins of St. Peter's cloister. The museum begins with an emphasis on the Bible-a key Protestant tenet-and includes some of the oldest French language Bibles in the world and Calvin's biblical commentaries. Other highlights of the museum include caricatures and pamphlets used to argue Protestant or Catholic perspectives; multi-media presentations that explain the views of various 16th-century intellectual and religious leaders; and a 15-minute audiovisual program that explains the history and implications of the Reformation.

Auditoire de Calvin (Calvin's Auditorium)

Originally built as the Notre-Dame-la-Neuve chapel, the 15th-century Auditorium became a lecture hall at the time of the Reformation (1536). On this site Calvin taught Reformed theology, and numerous Protestant refugee groups worshiped in their own tongue, including Italian Waldensians, the Dutch Reformed and the Scottish Presbyterians. (These groups continue to worship in the auditorium every weekend.) The Auditorium's most famous preacher after Calvin was John Knox, who carried Protestant theology to his native Scotland. A memorial to the French Reformers sits on the left side of the nave.

Collège Calvin (Calvin College)

Originally built as the Notre-Dame-la-Neuve chapel, the 15th-century Auditorium became a lecture hall at the time of the Reformation (1536). On this site Calvin taught Reformed theology, and numerous Protestant refugee groups worshiped in their own tongue, including Italian Waldensians, the Dutch Reformed and the Scottish Presbyterians. (These groups continue to worship in the auditorium every weekend.) The Auditorium's most famous preacher after Calvin was John Knox, who carried Protestant theology to his native Scotland. A memorial to the French Reformers sits on the left side of the nave.

Reformation Walking Tour

A self-guided walking tour allows visitors to tour Geneva's Reformation highlights at their own pace. The route takes visitors past the Museum of the Reformation, St. Peter's Cathedral, Calvin's Auditorium, the Reformation Monument and Calvin College. Copies of the guide are available at the Museum of the Reformation.

Monument de la Réformation (Reformation Monument)

It is only fitting that the Reformation Monument be as grand as the leaders it honors-it measures 325 feet long and 30 feet high. The massive wall pays homage to the 16th-century Calvinist Reformation and those who followed. The central four figures represent 15-foot likenesses of Geneva's Reformation leaders: William Farel, John Calvin, Théodor de Bèze and John Knox. Smaller figures include Roger Williams, leader of the Puritans in America, Oliver Cromwell of Great Britain, and William of Orange of the Netherlands. At the top of the monument the words "Post Tenebras Lux," are Latin for "After the darkness, light."

Excursion: Lake Geneva Cruises

There is no better way to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Geneva than plying the waters on a Lake Geneva Cruise. Admire tiny Swiss towns, terraced vineyards, three dozen ports and their storybook castles and cathedrals, all against a backdrop of the purple mountains. Spend your time relaxing in the sun, shooting photographs or enjoying a gourmet meal, anything is possible on Lake Geneva.