Old Town of Geneva

The old town of Geneva at a glance

Geneva's Old Town (Vieille Ville) is located on a hill overlooking Lake Geneva. Characterised by narrow streets, historic squares and the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, Geneva is considered the centre of the Protestant Reformation. The most famous sights are the Reformation Monument in the Parc des Bastions and the Maison Tavel City Museum.

Walk through the Vieille Ville

From the Place du Bourg-de-Four, the historic centre of the old town, explore the alleys of the Vieille Ville with cafes, bistros and galleries. At the Maison Tavel City Museum, you will learn about the history of Geneva. Right next to it is the town hall with its stone bridle path, over which councillors once reached the meeting rooms on horseback.

• Good to know: The Maison Tavel is located at 6 Rue du Puits-Saint-Pierre.
• Tip: The Place du Bourg-de-Four is the starting point and meeting point of the old town.

Explore Cathédrale Saint-Pierre

Climb 157 steps to the top of the North Tower and enjoy the view over Geneva and Lake Geneva (Lac Léman). Inside, you'll see the largest collection of Romanesque and Gothic capitals in Switzerland. Directly below is one of the most important archaeological sites north of the Alps with finds dating back to the 1st century BC. Chr.

• Good to know: The climb to the tower and the archaeological site are subject to a fee.
• Tip: Inside the church, Calvin's original chair can be seen.

Reformation Monument and Parc des Bastions

In the Parc des Bastions below the old town, you will visit the Reformation Monument with the 4 central figures Calvin, Farel, de Bèze and Knox. The park is freely accessible and offers you oversized chess fields and shady places under old trees. Right next to it is the university building and the Bibliothèque de Genève.

• Good to know: The Reformation Monument is freely accessible.