Timeless Geneva: Discover Old Town & Cultural Treasures

The oldest square in the city has always been the favourite gathering venue in the city where locals and tourists hang out to enjoy a wealth of lovely cafés and restaurants. It also hosts many markets, shops, and departmental stores nestling between the historic facades. Another point of interest is the Passage des Degres-de-Poules, an enigmatic narrow staircase of 67 steps on the north side, leading up to Saint Peter's Cathedral.

Peter's Cathedral, located on the hill overlooking the Old Town, combining various architectural styles from Gothic to Ancient. The gorgeous temple now houses archaeological treasures dating from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. What’s more, its north tower which soars high above the town offers stunning views over the city, the famous Geneva’s lake, and the iconic Mont Blanc.

Once serving as a weapon depot, the building now boasts a small but impressive collection of cannons and three colorful mosaics depicting key events in Geneva’s history on the wall behind, which is reminiscent of the city’s turbulent past.

As the seat of the government of the Canton and the Republic of Geneva, the historic building has witnessed a number of events of great historic importance. The neoclassical structure is also famous for its unique large paved ramp surrounding the building. It was designed for direct access to the upper floors on horseback, which tourists can walk on nowadays.

Then, head for the Bastion Park to marvel at the Reformation Wall, a 100-meter-long part of the old city walls featuring giant bas-reliefs of the main leaders and inscriptions of important dates and happenings of the 16th-century Protestant Reformation. The greenery space is also a popular meeting point with large chess boards where anybody can play.

Next, pass by the Grand Theatre, an architectural marvel located in the New square. The magnificent structure was given a sumptuous façade with lavish decoration, including an array of Corinthian columns. It also shares the square with other stunning buildings such as the Rath Museum, which makes the site a great background for your souvenir photos.

Finish the tour at a main cultural and architectural heritage: the Tower On The Island. It is the remainder of a crucial 13th-century fortified castle located on a small but strategic island: the only checkpoint on the route linking northern and southern Europe for many years. From here, you can appreciate the historic atmosphere and scenic views of the Rhone River.