Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva is an international city, with residents and visitors from all over the world. It is a financial hub and houses the corporate headquarters for numerous worldwide companies. It is also a diplomatic center with the headquarters for the United Nations and the Red Crossed located here. Geneva is located at the south-western end of Lake Geneva, where the lake flows back on the Rhone River. It is situated between two mountain chains, the Alps and the Jura. All of these factors combine to make Geneva an interesting place to visit, with it's mega-shopping and financial district, its historic old town and the beauty of the mountains and lake.
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Old Town (Vieille Ville) makes for a delightful walk along narrow cobblestone streets lined with ancient buildings, churches, murals and even cannons. Among the highlights are the city hall with the cannons in the little square opposite to it and antique shops scattered along the way with all sorts of interesting "junk" in the windows. There are also outdoor restaurants if you find yourself famished after the walk high up the hill and along the steeply pitched streets.
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The St. Pierre Cathedral belonging to the Swiss Reformed Church is located in old town Geneva. It is a lovely cathedral started in the 12th century and contains an eclectic mix of styles. It is best known as the adopted home church of John Calvin, one of the leaders of the Protestant Reformation. Inside the church is a wooden chair used by Calvin. |
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The Place de Nueve lies below the old city wall and you actually hike down to get there. It is considered the cultural center of Geneva because the area is home to the Rath Museum, the Grand Theatre and the Music Conservatory. Bastion Park, the subject of our visit, is a large open air park filled with blooming flowers, statues and an impressive Reformation Wall. The wall commemorates the major events and figures of the Protestant Reformation, including larger than life statutes of Farel, Calvin, de Beze and John Knox.. |
The Geneva harbor is a lively place packed with sail boats. Situated in the harbor, at the point the lake flows into the river Rhone, is the billowing Jet d' Eau, Geneva's iconic
harbor fountain. It is said you can see the fountain from 10 miles away in any direction. You can also walk out to the fountain along the walkway, but beware that you may get soaked depending on which direction the wind is blowing. Along the harbor, near the English Garden, colorful blooms are planted, as well as the famous Flower Clock. The clock symbolizes Geneva's watch industry and actually tells the correct time. |
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The Botanical Gardens is a unique place for a relaxing, peaceful afternoon.. There are wide tree lined paths, a variety of blooming flowers, a whimsical merry-go-round and a small open-air zoo. There is also a small restaurant with outdoor seating overlooking the bright green grass of the play area with a lovely view of the lake. |