Old Town Geneva, Geneva

Old Town Geneva, Geneva

The Old Town of Geneva comprises the fortified medieval town, encompassing the Cité-Centre on the left bank of the Rhone and the Saint-Gervais Quarter on the right bank.

The Old Town of Geneva comprises the fortified medieval town, encompassing the Cité-Centre on the left bank of the Rhone and the Saint-Gervais Quarter on the right bank. Explore the cobbled streets and narrow passages of the charming district on a walking tour to discover historical buildings with art galleries, antique shops, and museums.

The upper city part lies on a hill overlooking the city, and was the site of the first Roman oppidum. The Place du Bourg-de-Four is the heart of the Old Town, surrounded by several cafes, restaurants and fountains. A stone's throw to the east on Rue des Chaudronniers is the Palace of Justice. To the west of the square is the Parc des Bastions with the iconic 330 feet long Reformation Wall built into the old city wall. As you move down the hill from the Place du Bourg-de-Four in the north-west direction, you will come across the Cathédrale St-Pierre, a 12th century Reformed Protestant Church with a Neo-Classical façade, and Romanesque and Gothic elements. The church is flanked by the Temple de l'Auditoire and the International Museum of the Reformation. Further down are the Ancient Arsenal, Hôtel-de-Ville, Maison Tavel, Maison de Rousseau et de la Littérature, Eglise Saint Germain, and Musée Barbier-Mueller.

The lower town has some of the oldest squares in the city such as the Place du Molard, Place de la Fusterie with the eponymous Temple, and Place de Longemalle. The Grand Theatre, a major landmark, hosts ballet, opera, and classical music performances. Walk down the main shopping streets of Rue du Marché, Rue de la Croix-d'Or, Rue de la Confederation, and Rue du Rhône to admire the exquisite watches and sample the delightful chocolates.