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| GENEVA TRAVEL GUIDE Geneva Hotels Geneva Switzerland is one of the world's major centers of international diplomacy, having served as the site of the initial headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross before that. Although the United Nations is now headquartered in New York, the organization still retains a large presence in Geneva at the Palais des Nations and many of its sister/child organizations such as the World Health Organization and UNICEF have their world headquarters here. Pop. (metro) 645,000 (2000). It will be one of the eight host cities in the 2008 European Football Championships. Geneva is officially a French-speaking city, although with the large international presence English takes a close second. Spanish, Russian, Portuguese and Arabic speakers abound, and of course you will also occasionally hear Swiss German, and Italian. Geneva capital of the Swiss canton of the same name situated where the Rhône issues from the Lake of Geneva (Lacus Lemanus), first appears in history as a border town, fortified against the Celto-Germanic Helvetii, which the Romans took in 120 B.C. In A.D. 443 it was taken by Burgundy, and with the latter fell to the Franks in 534. In 888 the town was part of the new Kingdom of Burgundy, and with it was taken over in 1033 by the German Emperor. According to legendary accounts found in the works of Gregorio Leti ("Historia Genevrena", Amsterdam, 1686) and Besson ("Memoires pour l'histoire ecclésiastique des diocèses de Genève, Tantaise, Aoste et Maurienne", Nancy, 1739; new ed. Moutiers, 1871), Geneva was Christianised by Dionysius Areopagita and Paracodus, two of the seventy-two disciples, in the time of Domitian; Dionysius went thence to Paris and Paracodus became the first Bishop of Geneva but the legend is fictitious, as is that which makes St. Lazarus the first Bishop of Geneva, an error arising out of the similarity between the Latin names Genara (Geneva) and Genua (Genoa, in northern Italy). The so-called "Catalogue de St. Pierre", which names St. Diogenus (Diogenes) as the first Bishop of Geneva, is unreliable. In 1536 a young man named Jean Calvin, fleeing Catholic persecution in France, spent a night in Geneva. As it turned out, he was to do a lot more there than sleep. After being expelled from Geneva for nearly three years, Calvin returned triumphantly in 1541 to help elevate the city to the rank of a Protestant Rome. The intellectual influence of the Reformation extended to all realms of Genevan life: politics, economy and administration. Geneva was an independent republic from at least the 16th century until it became a Swiss Canton on 31 December, 1813. This is a point of some pride to the Genevois, who still refer to their Canton as the République et Canton de Genève. A favorite festival is the yearly celebration of the Escalade, which commemorates a failed attempt in 1602 by the forces of the Dukes of Savoy to invade the city by climbing and otherwise breaching the city walls. Having turned aside this invasion attempt at the cost of only 16 lives, Geneva had secured its liberty, since the House of Savoy was never again strong enough on this side of the Alps to attempt such an invasion. Geneva is still a very proud city. Some find it downright stuffy although there is quite a bit more life to be found if you look under the surface, especially if you speak some French. GENERAL INFORMATION Country Switzerland Canton Geneva Population 185,526 Density 11,698 /km² (4,517 /sq.mi.) Area 15.86 km² (6.1 sq mi) Elevation 375 m (1,230 ft) PLACE TO VISIT United Nations - The European Headquarters of the United Nations can be found in Geneva. The sprawling complex is accessible only via guided tour, offering insight into the inner workings of the world’s most important international body. Highlights include the 2,000 seat Assembly Hall and the Council Chamber decorated with gold murals depicting the struggle for peace. The Lake Geneva - Geneva’s world famous lakefront is the centerpiece of the city and offers a lot of opportunities for recreation and relaxation throughout the year. The Jet d’eau spouting 140 meters into the air is the world’s tallest and symbolizes Geneva’s heritage as a leader in the field of hydraulic power. The Promenades along the left and right banks of the lake are filled with cafes, parks, street markets and other diversions from lake cruises to amusement rides to water skiing. Rousseau Island - This romantic island, named after the Genevan philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, is a bastion of serenity amidst the turbulent waters of the Rhone River. The island contains a bird sanctuary and a restaurant with stunning views of the surrounding cityscape. Batiment Des Forces Motrices - Built in 1886, the Batiment Des Forces Motrices was Geneva’s first hydro-electric power plant providing the city with water and electricity. Today the massive building serves as a 985 seat opera house overlooking the Rhone River. Saint Pierre Cathedral - Towering over the Old Town in the heart of the city, Saint Pierre Cathedral is Geneva’s oldest and most impressive architectural treasure. Building of the Cathedral began in 1160 and took over 400 years to finish with numerous makeovers and fire damages meantime. The north tower offers panoramic views of the city, while the basement houses an Archaeological Museum chronicling the excavation of artifacts found beneath the Cathedral, some dating back as far as 350 AD. The Old Town - Geneva’s ancient Old Town is a maze of sloping cobblestone streets and alleyways filled with cafes, boutiques and historical landmarks. A former Roman marketplace, the Bourg-de-Four is the oldest public square in Geneva and remains a hub of activity surrounded by bistros, terraces, bars and other popular meeting spots. The 15th century Hotel De Ville located along Rue de l’Hotel-de-Ville still serves as the seat of government in Geneva and is the site of many political milestones including the first convening of the Geneva Convention in 1864 and the founding of the League of Nations in 1920. Across the street, the Old Arsenal is a former battery, now home to a 1949 mosaic by Alexandre Cingria depicting Caesar’s arrival in the city 58 BC. Finally, The Treille Promenade on the south side of the Old Town was once an artillery post and today offers beautiful views of the city from atop the town's last remaining rampart wall. Russian Church - The unexpected Russian Church pierces the skies near the old town with its flaming gilded cupolas and golden spires, offering a unique contrast to the predominantly French and medieval architecture which dominates the rest of the city. The church was completed in 1866 by Russian expatriates living in Geneva with funding from the sister-in-law to Tsar Alexander 1 st. The Byzantine styled exterior and opulent interior, filled with orthodox icons, is an inspiring treat. Reformation Wall - Located in beautiful Bastions Park, this monument commemorates the major events and figures of the Protestant Reformation. Larger than life statues of Guillaume Farel, Jean Calvin, Théodore de Bèze and John Knox dominate the central part of the 100 meter wall, eternally guarding over their “City of Refuge.” Place Neuve - Bounded by the Conservatory of Music, the Grand Opera Theater, the Rath Museum and the nearby Victory Concert Hall, the square at Place Neuve represents the pinnacle of high culture in Geneva. A statue of the Swiss General Henri Dufour sits in the center of the square adding to the air of sophistication which permeates the plaza. High class cafes and restaurants are also on hand to cater to the theater crowds. Plainpalais Cemetery - A peaceful oasis in the center of the city, the Plainpalais Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Geneva’s most prominent citizens including John Calvin, James Fazy, Augustin de Candolle, Henri Dufour, and Sergio Vieira de Mello, the late UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The cemetery is filled with interesting gravestones dating back to 1482. Carouge - Just over L’Arve River, the neighboring town of Carouge is a Mediterranean style hamlet modeled after the city of Nice in France. The former trading town is today commonly referred to as the ‘Greenwich Village of Geneva’ for its many boutiques and studios where artisans and craftsmen of every ilk can be observed plying their trade. The bohemian vibe carries on into the night in Carouges’ many jazz and night clubs. Mount Saleve - Looking over the city like a big brother, Mount Saleve sits in Geneva’ s backyard just 5km from the city center. A cable car offers quick access to the peak 1,380 meters above sea level, where breathtaking views of the Alps to the west and the Jura mountains to the east await. Day trippers can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city from a mountain top cafe or head off on one of the many trails criss-crossing the mountain to find their own slice of heaven. English Garden - Situated on the left bank near the Jet d’Eau, the English Garden is home to the infamous “flower clock,” the largest of its kind in the world and a symbol of Geneva’s dedication to integration with nature. Several statues of note inhabit the park including the ‘Monument National,’ and a sculpted bronze fountain by Alexis Andre. Bastions Park - A former botanical garden and site of the first university in Geneva, tree lined Bastions Park is popular with students and abuzz with activity most hours of the day. A set of life size chess boards at the north end of the park attracts chess masters both young and old looking for a challenge. Finally, Reformation Wall built along the old rampart wall of the Old Town pays tribute to the founders of the Reformation forever immortalized in statue along the wall. Parc La Grange - Geneva’s largest park encompassing 12000 square meters along the lake. The park contains the largest rose garden in the city and a horticultural center. The Verdure Theatre on site hosts free concerts every Wednesday and Friday during the summer months. La Perle-du-Lac and Parc Moynier - The ‘Pearl of Lake’ and adjoining Park Moynier is arguably the most beautiful area in Geneva with clear views of the Mont Blanc and the lake. The parks are flush with flowers with plenty of shady spots to wile away the afternoon. The History of Science Museum, a former estate home, is located in the center of Park Moynier. Batie Woods - Covering some 20 hectares, Batie Woods is a refuge of wildlife near the city center. Several hiking trails cross the park that is popular with joggers and hikers a like. A small zoo and several terrace restaurants are also located in the park. International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent - One of the most popular museums in Geneva, the International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent traces the history of the world’s first humanitarian organization from its humble beginnings through modern day. The museum features a multi-media extravaganza providing access to the latest news and film footage taken straight from today’s headlines. Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMCO) - MAMCO, located in an old factory building, is a dynamic museum on the cutting edge of modern art in Europe. Supported by a stable of artists from the nearby Centre of Contemporary Art, MAMCO constantly reinvents itself, updating not only its exhibits, but also its interior construction three times per year. The works of Marcel Duchamp, the inspiration for the museum, are on display year round. Natural History Museum of Geneva - The Natural History museum presents an educational look at the world of nature with special emphasis on the ecological history of Switzerland. Included is a life size model menagerie of bears, foxes, alligators, aardvarks and other animals from around the globe, as well as a complete collection of every mineral and plant indigenous to Switzerland. There is a special children’s area for kids and a working lab for visiting scientists. Botanical Gardens and Conservatory - Open year round, the Botanical Gardens and Conservatory offers an escape from the winter blues or, in summer, a chance to experience one of the most comprehensive botanic collections in the world. The conservatory contains over 16,000 different plant species and is a working natural refuge dedicated to preservation and the advancement of horticulture. There are many areas to discover on the grounds including a rock garden, an animal park and a garden of scent and touch. HOW TO REACH By plane - Geneva airport is served by almost all European carriers, and by two daily trans-atlantic flights, one from New York, JFK on Swiss and one from Newark on Continental, otherwise when flying from the U.S. you will have to change planes at your airline's hub airport. Within the last few years Geneva itself has become a hub for the low- cost carrier Easy Jet serving a number of destinations in Europe including Great Britain. To get into town from the airport, taxis cost approx. 30 CHF; the number 10 bus leaves every 15 minutes from 6am-11pm, get off at the 22-Cantons stop for train station; all trains leaving Geneva airport train station stop at the main train/bus station. Train/bus tickets are around 3CHF (valid for one hour) and can be purchased at machines at the bus stop and in the station. A free transport ticket to the city of Geneva can be obtained from the Geneva Transport kiosk in the airport arrival terminal. There is a change machine next to the UBS ATM and at the bus stop. By train - The Swiss Federal Railway serves Geneva's Gare de Cornavin with trains to most destinations in Switzerland at least once per hour, as well as to Paris via the SNCF's TGV or "High Speed Train," or Milan and Venice by the Swiss-Italian Cisalpino (CHEEZ-al-PEEN-o). The French SNCF also has a station in Eaux Vives which can be reached from Cornavin via the number 16 tram (Amandolier/SNCF stop). This station serves points south such as Annemasse, and Chamonix - Mt. Blanc. By car - The motorway network brings you right into Geneva : only 40 km from Annecy and 80 km from Chamonix with customs at Bardonnex - Saint-Julien; you need the compulsory motorway sticker (single annual 40 CHF fee) to come through this customs office. Purchase of the motorway tax sticker at one of the customs is obligatory in order to drive on Swiss motorways. By bus - Geneva is served by a number of regular international bus routes (Bus station : tel. +41(0)22 732 02 30). Additionally, the TPG (Geneva Public Transport) provide regular services from the neighboring French towns of Saint-Julien, Archamps, Thoiry, Ferney-Voltaire, Moillesulaz (tel. +41(0)22 308 34 34). See the TPG (Transport Public de Geneve) website for bus timetables. By boat - Regular boat service is provided, mainly in turn of the last century steamboats from ports all around Lake Geneva by - Compagnie Générale de Navigation. All boats arrive at the Paquis port after docking briefly at Parc des Eaux Vives, and the Jardin Anglais. Private boat tours and transfers from Geneva to any port on the lake by Léman Transfers. Groups of up to 6 passengers can be privately chauffeured around the lake. |