The city of Geneva, Switzerland can boast of having the most international organizations in the world. It also has Europe’s United Nations and the Red Cross. The city is quite beautiful sitting along Lake Geneva with the Alps close by.
We took an hour train ride from our home base of Montreux, just north of Geneva in June of 2016. From the main road we found a tourist information center and picked-up a valuable map. There were also maps throughout the city.
Our first quest was to find the “Longest Bench in the World.”
We saw an episode of Amazing Race that featured this landmark. The Marronnier de la Treille” is over 400 feet long (120 meters). As I remember, the contestants had to count how many newspapers could fit on the bench. Some teams had to count twice.
The bench was built in 1767. There is a good view from this promenade.
Not far is th Gothic style church of St. Pierre Cathedral that dates back to the mid 12th century.
It was once under Catholic control, now under the jurisdiction of Reformed Protestant hands.
What was indeed interesting is the archeological finds under St. Pierre.
Open to the public, the site dates back to 3rd century BC.
A number of artifacts have been found from several churches. The dig, which started in 1976, gives a good perspective of early life before and after Jesus Christ.
Walking along the waterfront promenade, we intended to see one of the largest fountains in the world, “Jet d’Eau.” Water is propelled 460 feet up (140 meters). This fountain, too, was one of the stops on Amazing Race. On our day, though, the fountain was not operating due to high winds. The following picture is from the large fountain in Locarno, a southern Swiss town along Lake Maggiore.
We had to cross over a “people’s bridge” to get across the Rhone River.
We saw a Ferrari along the sidewalk. There are a number of Ferrari Clubs, like in northern Toronto, that love their Ferraris. What was the original color of the first Ferrari made by Enzo Ferrari? Answer is on last page.
Interesting sculptures exist along the waterfront.
Across the street lies the Monument Brunswick.
In our opinion, the monument is rather gaudy. It was paid for by the man who’s name is now on it. Built in 1879 as a mausoleum by the Duke of Brunswick. He did, though, give his entire fortune and estate to the city of Geneva.
Not far is Hotel President Wilson.
Rooms here are known to go for $80,000 night.
Ironically, the hotel is named for the man who propelled the formation of the original League of Nations. Wilson never did visit Geneva, nor did the Republican Senate vote for the League. Wilson is honored nonetheless.
Due to time constraints and only a one-day visit, we did not tour the United Nations nor the International Red Cross. This is a city well deserving of at least a three-night stay.
We did walk to the United Nations of Europe. It is the second largest building, the first being in New York City. What made a unique picture are all the flags.
Close by is monumental sculpture of the “Broken Chair.” A Swiss artist Daniel Berset idea of constructing a huge chair with a broken leg symbolizing all those that lost legs and limbs due to mines.
The carpenter, Louis Geneve constructed the chair out of 5.5 tons of wood and is 39 feet high (12 meters). It is definitely something you don’t see every day.
People were definitely protesting in the large square. A number of groups have grievances with their respected countries. You have to admire these people, filled with passion, advocating their cause.
Once again we found a “Manora’s restaurant” in a Manor’s Department store. This is a superb buffet, just right for the wallet.
There were a number of kiosks that sold shrimp. I will not eat a shrimp with it’s head still on. Just won’t.
We regret not spending more time in Geneva, but you just can’t do everything. Leave something for next time!
Answer: Yellow.