St. Pierre Cathedral

Overview

St. Pierre Cathedral crowns the Old Town hilltop and blends Romanesque, Gothic, and neoclassical elements accumulated over 850 years. It served as John Calvin's church during the Reformation and remains central to Geneva's identity.

Highlights

• North tower climb: 157 steps to a 360° panorama of the lake, Jura, and Mont Blanc.
• Archaeological site: Beneath the cathedral, a museum reveals 4th-century Roman mosaics and early Christian baptisteries.
• Calvin's chair: The plain wooden seat Calvin used during his sermons.

History

Built from 1160 to 1232, the cathedral was Catholic until 1535, when it became the seat of Calvinist Protestantism. The neoclassical portico was added in 1756.

Visitor Tips

• Tower: CHF 5; the finest viewpoint in the Old Town.
• Archaeological site: CHF 8, allow 30–45 minutes.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes for cathedral and tower.