You're invited to browse our current tours, sample tours & sign up for our free newsletter
 



 

...city of refuge and Reformation

Beautiful Geneva is tucked away in the southwestern corner of the almost-French Swiss Alps. Not only is Geneva a stunning city, it is rich in Reformation history. Once called the “Protestant Rome,” John Calvin’s ministry was so successful that he is said to have influenced the direction of the entire city. Unlike other Reformers who lobbied for a return to "simpler times," Calvin supported capitalism and progress, while insisting upon conservativism in every aspect of living.

Geneva became a center for refuge for followers of the Reformation persecuted in their homelands. These refugees came primarily from France, but also from Italy, England and Spain.

Today, tourists and business people from all over the world, flock to this glittering city.

Fabulous Tours to Geneva:
click here
Geneva Tourist Information:
click here
English-speaking Churches:
click here
Christian History Highlights:
click here
Cultural Events / Festivals:
click here
Interactive Swiss Map:
click here
Index of Featured Swiss Towns: click here
Geneva's motto is
"POST TENEBRAS LUX"
(After the darkness, light)

St. Peter's Cathedral
The International Museum of the Reformation
The Reformation Wall La Fusterie Church
Images courtesy of © Lightmotif - Christophe Blatt    

St. Peters Cathedral
The center of town is dominated by the imposing, partially-Romanesque, partially-Gothic Cathedral de St. Pierre, originally built in the 12th century. John Calvin preached here daily, every other week, from 1536 to 1564; his chair outlasted him and still sits in the north aisle. Beneath the cathedral are the ruins of a Roman sanctuary, a 4th century basilica and a 6th century church. It's only 157 steps up to the top of the North Tower, where the view is worth the effort. Back to top


The International Museum of the Reformation
In April 2005, the International Museum of the Reformation opened its doors at the Maison Mallet next to St. Peter’s Cathedral (Cathedral de St. Pierre). The exact location was no accident, as it was on this very site that May 21, 1536 that the Reformation was proclaimed. The Museum paints a comprehensive picture of the Reformation from its origins to the present day, using the latest museum technologies.Click here for the website. Back to top


The Reformation Wall
The International Monument to the Reformation was erected to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Calvin's birth. The center grouping of the monument represent William Farel (who brought Calvin to Geneva), John Calvin (second only to Luther in the Protestant Reformation), Theodore Beza (who succeeded Calvin as leader of the Swiss Reformation and John Knox (who taught here before taking the Reformation to Scotland). Back to top

La Fusterie Church
This church, known as New Church, was built between 1713 and 1715 to cope with the in-flux of Christians after the Edict of Nantes. Protestant worship had been held in the Saint-Pierre Cathedral, La Madeleine and Saint-Gervais, but these were no longer large enough. Unlike these former catholic churches whose interiors had been changed for Protestant worship, La Fusterie was purpose built. It was modelled after the Frech Protestant church in Charneton, near Paris.


College Calvin
The Reformed Church emphasized education and Protestants in Geneva enjoyed a high literacy rate. In 1559, the College and the Academy were founded. Boys could attend from age 7 and learned Latin, Greek, grammar, logic, rhetoric and the classics.The Academy was a popular with students from abroad, who returned to their home countries to spread Reformed Doctrines.

Lake Geneva and Jet d'Eau
A beautiful location for a scenic boat ride or a relaxing walk along to shore, Lake Geneva is a prominent feature of this beautiful city. The centerpiece of this lake is the Jet d'Eau, the world's tallest fountain, which shoots water into the air with incredible force and beauty. Back to top


International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum
Discover the fascinating history of the world’s first humanitarian organization.
This renowned museum, universally acclaimed as one of the best in the city, provides a moving reminder of the importance of international humanitarian efforts.
Back to top
Christian History Highlights in Geneva:
  • 1534 Farel appointed as Geneva’s first Protestant priest
  • 1536 The Reformation is proclaimed in Geneva. Calvin publishes the first edition of Institutes of the Christian Religion
  • 1538 Calvin and Farel banished from Geneva
  • 1541 Calvin returns to Geneva and the Ordonnances Ecclesiastiques are adopted
  • 1550s Geneva protects European Reformation refuges
  • 1557 Geneva New Testament published
  • 1559 Genevan Academy founded
  • 1560 Geneva Bible published (NT & OT)
  • 1564 Calvin died Back to top


Selected Cultural Events in Geneva:

March Motor Show (Europe’s largest and most prestigious)
Mid-June Bol d'Or (more than 600 yachts racing to the far end of Lake Geneva and back)
Swiss National Day Early August Fêtes de Genêve (huge celebration with lake floats, open-air concerts and fireworks)
August & September La Bâtie Festival de Genève (live music and theatrical performances around the city)
Dec 11 L'escalade (Geneva’s largest street celebration where chocolate & marzipan treats are made to commemorate a failed seizure of the city in 1602)
October International Flamenco Festival Back to top

for more info: www.geneva-tourism.ch

Have you been to Geneva? Maybe you live there...we want to here from you! Use the following form to tell us your recommendations. Thank you!

 

E-mail address:
Name and comment:
Options: Add my address to the mailing list for the free monthly newsletter the Reformation Quill.


The information on this site is presented for Christians to learn more about their heritage. While every effort for accuracy has been made, please contact us if you notice anything that needs to be brought to our attention.

Visit our sister website: Christian World Travel for worldwide tours & cruises
Home l About Us l Contact Us l Sample Tours l Current Tours l Fun Quiz I Our Store

© Reformation Tours, LLC 2008 • CST#2093421-30
409 Portland Ave, Belleville, IL 62220
Tel: (618) 222-9914 • Fax: (618) 222-9917 • Toll Free: (800) 303-5534
info@reformationtours.com

 

"May you be blessed by the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth."

Psalm 115:15
Trust Earned Travel (www.Tet.org) educates business and vacation travelers.