Geneva Sights

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St Pierre Cathedral

Please notice that contrary to popular belief, the Swiss are beyond punctual when it comes to closing hours. So if a museum is supposed to close at 5PM, expect that at 4:45PM you will be asked to leave and if you point out that closing hours are still 15 minutes away you might get expelled. If you arrive after 4:30PM, you'll more than likely be denied entrance. The same applies to shops and pretty much every public activity with a schedule. In the same vein, especially relevant to jet lagged travelers, it is important to note that lunch hour at most restaurants end at 14:00 (and last orders at 13:45 for the more strict ones) with dinner service starting again at 18:00.

The Jet d'Eau in Lake Geneva

• Jet d'Eau, the Rade (visible from most of the Lac Léman waterfront). daily 10AM-11PM. One of the crowning symbols of Geneva is the monumental Jet d'Eau, a fountain of water pumped 140m into the air. The spectacular plume was once an occasional pressure release for hydro-power generation on the Rhône River, but people liked it so much that in 1891 the city created a permanent pumped fountain. It's beautifully lit at night. Best viewed from a distance — the surrounding half kilometer is soaked with water. Free.

• Cathédrale St-Pierre, Place St. Pierre (At the highest point in the Old Town), www.musee-reforme.ch/e/info/stpierre.html. Jun-Sep, M-Sa 9AM-7PM, Su 11AM-7PM; Oct-May, M-Sa 10AM-noon and 2PM-5PM, Su 11AM-12:30PM and 1:30PM-5PM. The new Espace Saint Pierre pass includes entrance to all three sites of Cour Saint-Pierre, a noteworthy space of unique spiritual and cultural importance. The Cathedral and its towers, which both embody the high point of the Reformed tradition and explore the origins of Christianity with an extensive archaeological site are now complemented by the International Museum of the Reformation on the ground floor of the Maison Mallet. An underground passage, reopened when the Museum was created, connects the two buildings. Nearby, the Auditoire, where Calvin taught, completes a complex that is both representative of the past and open to current questions. The new Espace Saint-Pierre thus aims to contribute to our understanding of today’s world – between tradition and modernity, cultural experimentation and spiritual practice. These three buildings invite the visitor to explore the city’s history. Religious denominations aside, Espace Saint Pierre represents a spirit that continues to guide the city and citizens of Geneva today. For schedules and information about free live organ performances in the cathedral, go to the website www.concerts-cathedrale.ch Adults 16CHF (Seniors, Disabled, Students aged 16-25, and groups of more than 15 qualify for a 10CHF pass, children aged 7-16 qualify for an 8CHF pass. Entry to the church itself is free, of course, but donations are welcome.).

• Palais des Nations, 14, Avenue de la Paix (Number 8 bus, stop at Appia), ☎ +41-22-917 48 96 (visit-gva@unog.ch, fax: +41 22 917 0032), www.unog.ch. Open daily Apr-Oct 10AM-noon and 2PM-4PM; Jul-Aug 10AM-5PM; the rest of the year M-F 10AM-noon and 2PM-4PM (except over the Christmas period). Originally built to house the League of Nations, the Palais is worth visiting just to take in the magnificent Assembly Hall, in addition to the large collection of public art, the library, and the landscaped grounds. 8.50CHF each for adults. (groups of 20 adults or more qualify for a 20% discount; private tour of 1-14 adults 127.50CHF; 6.50CHF each for students, senior citizens, and disabled persons; 4CHF for schoolchildren; free for children under six years old). Passports are required for entry.

• www.musee-reforme.ch/e/info/stpierre.html
• www.concerts-cathedrale.ch
• www.unog.ch