Visit Saint-Pierre Cathedral in Geneva

Construction of Saint-Pierre Cathedral in Geneva began in the middle of the 12th century and took almost a century to complete. However, the building has undergone many renovations and reconstructions over the centuries, due to numerous fires. Today, the cathedral's architecture is a blend of several styles, including Romanesque, Gothic and neoclassical. In the 16th century, with the advent of the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland, the interior of the cathedral was stripped of all its ornaments and its painted decorations were erased. Only the stained glass windows remained.

Later, in the 18th century, the cathedral's medieval façade was replaced by the current neoclassical one. This renovation was carried out by the architect Théodore Labrouste, who also designed the Sainte-Geneviève library in Paris. The new façade was adorned with statues and sculpted motifs, which can still be seen today.

The cathedral also has a large bell called "La Clémence", which was hoisted into the north tower in 1407. Of the 45 bells distributed between the cathedral's two towers and spire, it is the largest. It weighs no less than six tonnes, and gave its name to the tower in which it is housed.

The cathedral is open to visitors every day and admission is free. Visitors can explore the interior of the church, climb to the top of the bell tower to admire the panoramic view over the city, and discover the history of the Reformation through exhibitions and historical artefacts.

Along the way, you can visit the archaeological site of the cathedral, which is particularly valuable for its historical importance. In this underground space, the history of Geneva will be revealed to you. The site covers a period from the 3rd century BC to the construction of the present-day cathedral in the 12th century. Beneath the cathedral are the remains of earlier churches, some dating back to the end of the fourth century.