Parc des Bastions

Overview

Parc des Bastions sits at the foot of the Old Town and is home to the Reformation Wall, giant chess boards, and the University of Geneva's main building.

Highlights

• Reformation Wall: The 100-metre monument with statues of Calvin, Farel, Bèze, and Knox.
• Giant chess: Open-air chess with 60 cm pieces — a Geneva institution.
• Café-restaurant: Seasonal terrace shaded by plane trees.

History

Laid out in 1817 on the city's former fortification bastions, the park was Geneva's first botanical garden before the collection moved to its current site.

Visitor Tips

• Free: Open daily.
• Local ritual: The chess boards are busy on weekends and summer evenings.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.