I love old towns, and usually do not miss one while visiting a city. Geneva’s Old Town, was no exception. It is an ancient maze of small streets and picturesque squares, filled with homey cafés, restaurants and historical sights but you can get lost easily. I climbed to the place though the narrow allies from the Geneva opera side, and took the stairs to geneva shopping street, but you can do the opposite too…
It is one of the largest in Europe and catalogues the town’s 2,000 years of history in its many unusual art galleries, antique shops, museums, fountains and other sights. True charm can only be savoured if you walk around.
In the very center of Geneva’s Old Town is Bourg-de-Four Square, a must-visit square, the oldest place in Geneva, where the Roman marketplace used to trade its wares. Now a touristy locale full of exclusive shopping opportunities and the great place to have a cuppa.
Founded in the 4th century, St Pierre cathedral is an extremely important historical site, both architecturally and ecclesiastically. It is one of few cathedrals to feature the unusual neo-classical design, with iconic pillars that make it stand out from other European churches. It is also the site of numerous archaeological excavations, revealing some artifacts that are as old as the Roman empire. With regards to its importance within the history of Christianity, John Calvin, one of the principal figures in the foundation of Protestantism, spent much time preaching between its walls. Inside, travelers can still find a wooden chair that the man himself used.
You can go up to the tower for a panoramic view, but I would not really recommend it. It is very lonely in non tourist season and some red-green weird signal are there in the top which I did not like at all. It was scary and I thought I have wasted my 5frank,
©thegreyeye.wordpress.com, 2017-21. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved.
Thanks so much for sharing the wonderful pictures! The architecture of all the buildings I am always amazed at and love. I like to look at all the individual characteristics of of each.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
This cathedral looks gorgeous! Love the photos, you captured so many beautiful parts of Geneva!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 😊
LikeLike
Oh, what a stunning rose window in the cathedral! Even when grey and cloudy, these old European towns are endowed with such class and style. Funnily enough, some of your photos remind me of other cities; Florence, Zurich, Berlin, Strasbourg. I even see echos of my hometown, which still boasts one of the loveliest old quarters I’ve ever seen: Montreal 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, you are from Montreal.. I heard that is a beautiful place
LikeLike
You have successfully captured the classical essence of this beautiful old town.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, I love roaming around old towns
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful photos – always love wandering around “old towns” just love the character and history of them 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLike
Gorgeous pictures! I’ve been there before, it was amazing seeing the city trough your point of view. 💙
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Debbie 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for taking us on your tour. I’ve been there before and this brought back nice memories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am happy it does
LikeLike
Wow..those steep and narrow streets…dizzying. Thank you for sharing your lovely photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you too for reading
LikeLike
I really enjoyed your commentary and the photo series is excellent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks 😄
LikeLike
Fantastic photos! I didn’t realize the age of this city. It reminds me of Munich, a city I lived in for several years, but obviously unique and possessing its own distinct personality.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love Munich, a fine city with beautiful suburbs , I have lived there too, but for a month. I would love to live there again
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wouldn’t mind myself!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful photos and I especially love the Old Town area in Geneva. Just wrote about my day there with photos from the city so have a look, as I can already spot similar spots that we photographed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will surely read , thank you 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person