Geneva has the enviable reputation of being clean, prosperous and generally efficiently run – rather like the rest of Switzerland. Geneva is also proud of its status as a truly international city – it is situated in the center of Europe, where Switzerland and France meet, and is the headquarters of over 200 international organizations, including the European branch of the United Nations. It is of course, the home of the famous Red Cross – an organization whose influence extends to every corner of the world.
Geneva has one of the most beautiful settings of any European city – on the banks of Lake Leman, and within the shadow of the Swiss and French Alps. Steamers ply their way across the lake, and the banks of the lake are lined with ornate mansions and delightful promenades. On one of the promenades you can relax on what is supposedly the world’s longest wooden bench! Beaches don’t come to mind when you think of Switzerland, but travel just outside the city and you can find miles of beautiful beaches along the edge of the lake.
The biggest attraction in Geneva is a fountain – not just any old fountain, but the world’s highest. The Jet d’Eau which was originally just a water valve for the nearby hydraulic system has become the symbol of the city. It soars to a height of over 400 feet from the middle of the lake, and the spray can soak you if you are standing on the side of the lake. Be sure to visit after dark, when the fountain is beautifully illuminated.
Geneva is the undisputed watch making capital of the world. In addition to the many stores selling watches, there is a whole museum dedicated to the industry – the Patek Phillipe Museum houses watches, clocks and other mechanical devices dating back to the 16th century. A smaller collection of clocks can be seen at the railway station, including the famous ‘railway clock’ which helps ensure the punctuality of Swiss trains.
There are several other clocks in the city that are worth seeing. The flower clock, situated on the promenade alongside the lake was originally designed in 1955 to symbolize the city’s watch industry. The clock is a masterpiece of floral art in which the colors of the plants which make up the clock vary as to the season. The second hand of the clock is the largest in the world – more than 6 feet in length. The clock Malbuisson, in the old town has a display every hour, on the hour, in which small mechanical figures parade around the clock face.
Geneva has excellent shopping; the main shopping street, the Rue de Rhone offers department stores, designer clothes shops and many stores selling wonderful Swiss chocolate, and that indispensable item – the genuine Swiss army knife. The old town, which centers on the Cathedrale St. Pierre, has many antique and furniture shops.
You can visit several of the institutions that help to make Geneva a truly international city. The Red Cross was the world’s first humanitarian organization and was formed as an offshoot of the Geneva Convention, in 1859. The museum highlights the origins of the Red Cross and offers a fascinating and compelling look at world disasters and atrocities during the last 150 years. Despite the sometimes upsetting subject of some of the displays, the impression you take away from the museum is a positive one -one of hope for the future of mankind.
You can also tour the huge United Nations building, in a beautiful setting in a wooded park by the lake; the building was originally constructed to house the short-lived League of Nations in 1929. There is a visitor’s center as well as works of art and sculpture scattered throughout the building. The UN Refugee Agency is housed in a separate building and offers displays on the plight of refugees around the world; there are regular presentations by visiting speakers.
Geneva is ideally situated to easily explore some of the most spectacular mountain scenery of Switzerland and France. The efficient rail and bus system can take you to some of the most beautiful scenery in the Alps for the day – and you can still be back in Geneva in time for dinner.
