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Interesting Facts
- The city of Geneva served as an important catalyst for the Protestant Reformation that swept through Europe during the sixteenth century. The French Protestant reformer and theologian, John Calvin, settled in Geneva in 1536 and preached at the famous Cathedrale St. Pierre. Under his leadership, Geneva became known as the "Mother of the Protestant Church."
- With such strong ties to the Protestant Reformation, it's not surprising that the city still harbors powerful religious overtones. Geneva's motto, for example, is POST TENEBRAS LUX. Basically, that translates into, "After the darkness, light."
- Geneva was the original home of the League of Nations – an international organization founded in 1920 by President Woodrow Wilson to promote world peace. The League was dissolved in 1946 and succeeded by the United Nations. Today, visitors to Geneva can visit the massive United Nations Building that was completed in 1936.
- The International Red Cross is a Swiss-born organization, formed according to the terms of the Geneva Convention of 1864. Originally called the "Red Cross Society," the organization was initially set up to care for the wounded during wartime. Later, that aid was broadened to cover the sick and the homeless, as well.
- Among other things, Geneva is characterized by its strong French culture, which is evident in both the language and the cuisine. Long ruled by the Dukes of Savoy, Geneva didn't join the Swiss Confederacy until after 1815, when it officially became a Canton.
- Geneva has the distinction of being the home of the largest fountain in Europe. Poised in the center of Geneva Harbor on Lac Leman, the captivating Jet d'Eau gushes some 500 feet in the air.
- One of the most popular landmarks in Geneva is the famous Floral Clock. Measuring over five meters in diameter, it is said that it takes over 6,000 plants to decorate the monument. Seeing as it represents the passing of time, it's only fitting that the plants are changed with the seasons.
- Geneva has always been something of a heady place. From the days of the French humanists in the sixteenth century, the city has been home to various intellectuals, theologians, philosophers and artists. Among the more prominent are Calvin, Rousseau, de Saussure, Liotard, and Voltaire.
- A popular and oft visited site in Geneva is the daunting "Wall of the Reformation," which was completed in 1917. The Wall, which is located in the University Park, is a tribute to the leaders of the Protestant Reformation. The four statues of Calvin, de Beze, Knox and Farel are the highlight.
- Who says you can't mix religion and science? Despite its Protestant roots, Geneva is home to CERN, a leading physics research center located near Meyrin. Its claim to fame came in 1996, when the center created "anti-matter" for the first time. Sound confusing? It is. But a free three-hour guided tour will clear it all up for you.
