The Old Town of Geneva: Small Secrets and Medieval Atmosphere

In the historic Old Town of Geneva, you’ll find charming alleyways with medieval charm and numerous treasures from Geneva’s history. And the best part: If you take a closer look, you can discover some hidden secrets here!

A good starting point for a tour of the Old Town is St. Peter’s Cathedral, which towers high above the rooftops of the city and is a true eye-catcher. Those who climb the 157 steps to the top of the church tower will be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view that is unparalleled. From here, you can not only admire the Old Town but also the Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains.

The alleyways are lined with beautiful buildings and invite you to stroll around. Particularly worth seeing is the Place du Bourg-de-Four, the oldest square in Geneva. Here you’ll find numerous cafes and restaurants where you can take a break and observe the lively atmosphere on the square.

But the real highlight of the Old Town are the many hidden secrets that are tucked away here. Did you know, for example, that there are numerous secret passages that connect the alleyways of the Old Town? These were once used by the city’s inhabitants to quickly and safely move around during attacks. Today, they are open to visitors and offer an exciting opportunity to explore the city from a different perspective.

The numerous treasures of Geneva’s history are also worth a closer look. In Rue du Puits-Saint-Pierre, for example, you’ll find Maison Tavel, the oldest house in the city, which is now used as a museum. Here you can immerse yourself in the history of Geneva and be amazed by an accurate replica of the city in the year 1850.

In Rue de la Fontaine, you’ll find the Potter’s Master Fountain, which has an interesting story to tell. It is said that a potter’s master once lived here and was envied and slandered by his neighbors. One day, he disappeared without a trace, leaving behind his wife and children. When they later rebuilt the fountain, they found a pot of gold coins under the edge of the fountain – presumably the payment for a deal that the potter’s master had made with a nobleman.

It’s a place full of history and stories waiting to be discovered by you, so make sure to add the Old Town of Geneva to your must-visit list.