A member of the Congress of Vienna once said 'There are the five continents and then there is Geneva.' Set at the crossroads of Europe along the shores of beautiful Lac Leman, Geneva is a living postcard that embodies the spirit of multiculturalism like no other city in the world. The city is has a long history of tolerance dating back to the 17th century when Protestant refugees flooded the city to listen to John Calvin and John Knox preach during the Reformation when Geneva was known as the "Protestant Rome." Today the city continues its mission of peace as the home of the United Nations and the Red Cross as well as many other international organizations, earning it the title of "world's biggest little capitol."

The tour begins on the shores of Lake Leman along Geneva's right bank with stunning views of the Alps beyond and the towering Jet d'Eau ? the world's tallest fountain. The tour continues along Geneva's park-like promenades and on across the rushing waters of the Rhone River. From there, head into Geneva's ritzy shopping and banking district for a glimpse of the finer things in life. After that it's on to Geneva's Old Town, a gothic maze of cobblestone streets oozing with medieval charm and history. Learn about the l'Escalade invasion of 1602 when Geneva's citizens beat back the Duke of Savoy with the help of a tea cauldron. Next, sitting atop the city like a crown, we visit Saint Pierre's Cathedral followed by Geneva's oldest house and the Town Hall where the League of Nations and the Red Cross were both founded. Finally wander down along the old city walls to Geneva's theater district and center of culture at Place Neuve. We end the tour in beautiful Bastions Park for a little respite and a glimpse of Reformation Wall containing the effigies of Geneva's founding fathers where it all began. Photo: ND007

Now available for the iPhone!
This self-guided audio walking tour of the major sights of Geneva is now available for purchase as a self-contained app for the iPhone and iPod Touch from The App Store.

Starting Point: Quai du Mont Blanc
Nearest Tram Stop: Quai du Mont Blanc
Estimated Walking Time: 1.5 hours
File Size: 47 Megabytes

Or, click here to hear the sample in a new browser window.

Sites you will visit on this tour:

1. Quai du Mont Blanc
2. Alps Square
3. Pont du Mont Blanc
4. Pont des Bergues
5. Place de la Fusterie
6. Rue du Marche
7. Grand Rue
8. Hotel de Ville
9. Calvin Auditory Chapel
10. Saint Pierre Cathedral
11. Rue du Puits St. Pierre
12. Treille Promenade
13. Place Neuve
14. Park Bastions