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St. Peter's Cathedral (Cathédrale St-Pierre)

Cours de Saint-Pierre, Geneva, CHE

The Old Town of Geneva may reflect centuries of history in its buildings and cobblestoned streets, but no structure is more steeped in history than the Cathédrale de St-Pierre. Visitors can admire the cathedral's varied architecture, stained glass, and religious artifacts, as well as climb the 157-step tower for some of the best city views.

The Cathédrale de St-Pierre is one of Geneva's major landmarks and a time capsule of religious history. Built in the 12th century, it was central to the Reformation in the 16th century, and Protestant reformer John Calvin even preached inside. Today, visitors admire the cathedral on group tours, including city-wide bus and Segway tours. Many regional tours pass the cathedral and may include a Lake Geneva cruise. To explore inside, it's best to visit independently.

  • The Cathédrale de St-Pierre is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
  • Admission to the cathedral is free, but it's worth paying the small fee to climb the north tower and visit the archaeological site below ground level.
  • Hours change seasonally, with later hours held during the summer months.

The cathedral is located in the Old Town (Vieille Ville) and can be easily reached on group tours and Segway tours or on foot after a short hike uphill. You can also find the cathedral by public transit: take the 12 tram to the Rive stop, then walk uphill toward the cathedral's distinctive towers and spire. Alternatively, hop on the 36 bus to the Cathédrale stop right outside the cathedral.

The cathedral is open daily, with extended hours from June through September. Any time is great for a visit, though it's less crowded during the week, and you can expect more visitors over the holidays.

The International Museum of the Reformation tells the story of the 16th-century Reformation movement in its artifact-packed exhibits. You can find the museum conveniently located on Cour Saint-Pierre, alongside the cathedral. The museum—once the site of the cathedral cloisters—is an ideal stop to learn more about Geneva's religious history in Saint-Pierre.

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