Exploring The History Of Geneva On A Stopover

Once you have planned your trip to hit the slopes in the Italian commune and resort

area that sits below the largest mountain in Europe outside of Russia, Mont Blanc, you should consider postponing your Geneva to Courmayeur transfer for a day to explore the historical aspects of that city. It has a rich and varied history that dates back to the pre-Roman times, and today it is the second most populous city in Switzerland. Situated on the west coast, in the French speaking part of the country, it is a well-regarded world city with an array of influence in the arts, culture, media, education, business, finance and more. Today, the city is the home of the United Nations and the Red Cross, so before you hop aboard your Geneva to Courmayeur transfer, be sure to take the opportunity to explore some historical aspects of the city - such as the magnificent Cathdrale St-Pierre and the Palais des Nations.

Cathdrale St-Pierre

Located at the highest point in the Old Town, the Cathdrale St-Pierre can be found in Place St. Pierre. Before you get your Geneva to Courmayeur transfer to go out and take a cable car up some real hills, climb this one to see this beautiful cathedral that sits on a site that has been occupied since the 4th century. The first Roman Catholic church was built on the site in 1000 A.D. and construction on the present building began in 1160 taking 150 years to complete. In 1536 the cathedral became a Protestant church and the famous Calvinist leader, John Calvin, preached here from 1536 to 1564. The exterior of the church is interesting in its mixed and almost confused elements of style, but inside the architectural styles lean towards a simpler conglomeration of Gothic and Romanesque. While inside, be sure to visit the Rohan Chapel, where the leader of the French Protestants is interred, and near the nave you can see an austere chair, which is said to be the chair of John Calvin. For those who are fit and ready, climb up the winding stairs to the tower to get a spectacular view over the city. And, before you go, take time to go underground on one of the archaeological tours of the history that lies below the cathedral.

The Palais des Nations

Located at 14, Avenue de la Paix, the Palais des Nations is home to the United Nations Office at Geneva, which is the second largest United Nations office outside of the base in New York. Before getting on your Geneva to Courmeyeur transfer, take the opportunity to head over to see the large and impressive faade of the Palais des Nations, built between 1929 and 1936. The final design of the building was done by a cooperation of five international architects, which speaks highly of the future use of the building as the home of the UNOG. You can book tours into the UNOG and see the beautiful assembly rooms and splendid architecture, and learn about the time capsule that is buried beneath the foundation stone listing the names of the League of Nations, and copies of other important documents.

by: Lukas Johannes

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