GENEVA
It is the name of the second largest city in Switzerland, second only to Zurich in size and population. Geneva is a city kissed by the Rhone River and backed by the majestic mountain range of the Alps. There is much to see in Geneva and more to do. Find a flight, book a hotel and be surprised by this Swiss delight. Take note of the places you should visit in Geneva:
- Jet d'Eau
The Jet d'Eau is surely the largest and most famous fountain in
Switzerland, as well as one of the places to visit in Geneva. You will find
this powerful jet of water that reaches 140 meters in height where the city's
lake meets the Rhone. In this place the liquid element ascends at a speed of
200 kilometers per hour, which is said soon but is outrageous. Up to 7,000
liters of water can be in the air in no time! Be very careful with the
direction of the wind, if you get too close and it changes suddenly you could
end up less wet.
Lake Leman or Lake Geneva (in French Lac Léman or Lac de Genève) is not
only one of the favorite recreational sites for locals and visitors, it is also
a beautiful natural border between Switzerland –to the north– and France –to
the south– . If you wish, aboard a small boat you can go from one country to
another in a matter of minutes, one of the most curious things to do during
your trip. Furthermore, this large body of water turns out to be the largest
lake in Western Europe, and the Alps can be seen clearly from its shore. If the
weather is good and you have a good eye from its shore you will be able to
appreciate Mont Blanc, which at 4,809 meters is the highest mountain in Europe
(if we exclude the peaks of the Caucasus).
- Headquarters of the United Nations (UN)
After New York, the headquarters of the United Nations Organization in
Geneva (UNOG) is the largest of all. You will find it in the Palais des
Nations, in French Palais des Nations, a majestic building embraced by a park
from which you have a beautiful view of Lake Geneva. What to see in this
imposing space? Among other rooms, you can visit the Human Rights room and the
Alliance of Civilizations. It is starred in the great dome of the Spanish
artist Miquel Barceló, which is considered the Sistine Chapel of the UN. The
visit is not free, but it is guided. You can check timetables and prices here
(information only available in English and French). It is one of the places to
visit in Geneva that no one should miss.
- English Garden Flower Clock
Surely the most sought after attraction behind the Jet d'Eau is the
English Garden flower clock or l’horloge fleuri du Jardin Anglais in French,
one of the places to visit in Geneva. Planted in the mid-1950s, this iconic
collection of flowers perfectly blends the botanical and watchmaking tradition
of the area. All this while remaining a real beauty.
- San Pedro Cathedral
European Heritage since 2007, St. Peter's Cathedral is one of the most
relevant religious buildings and one of the essential things to see in the city
of Geneva. It owes its fame to being the mother church adopted by John Calvin,
one of the greatest exponents of the Protestant Reformation. In fact, this
Christian building that began to be built in the 12th century still preserves a
wooden chair that was once used by the influential French theologian. An
eclectic place where elements from multiple architectural trends coexist.
- Les Grottes
What to do in one of the most colorful neighborhoods in Geneva? Due to
its unique architecture, it is nicknamed The Smurfs, as they say that their
houses resemble those of the little blue characters of Peyo. Connoisseurs
establish a parallel between these residences built in the early eighties and
the work of GaudÃ. Go through it yourself and draw your own conclusion.
Whatever it is, surely its urban fabric will not leave you indifferent.
- Hôtel de Ville
Standing for more than 500 years, the Hôtel de Ville or Geneva City Hall is a building of great local and international importance and another of the places to visit. Located in the old part of the city, its superb exterior highlights a rare paved ramp, the work of Pierre Desfosses made between 1555 and 1578; its no less impressive interior, the Alabama Room, famous for hosting the first Geneva Convention and the birth of the International Red Cross.
- Plainpalais flea market
Geneva is known for its exclusive shopping streets and exorbitant
prices, which is why those who travel on a low budget or are crazy about
bargains find the Plainpalais flea market, in French, marché de Plainpalais,
especially attractive. If it does not rain, you will find it mounted from early
in the morning of every Wednesday and Sunday (except for the first Sunday of
the month), in winter until 5:30 p.m., in summer until 6:30 p.m. There, an
endless number of antique furniture is sold, as well as a large number of
collector's cultural objects related to the world of music (CDs, vinyl,
magazines, etc.). A curious place to stroll full of opportunities to shop at
reasonable prices and one of the best things to do to relax.
Do not hesitate to visit any of these places that we mention, enjoy your stay and leave us the comment with your pleasant experience.
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