fabienne goes abroad: Switzerland: Geneva

Geneva, spelt Genève in French, is the most populous city in the French speaking part of Switzerland, and the second most populous in Switzerland overall. It is situated on the edge of Lake Geneva, known as Lac Léman in French, which is one of the largest lakes in Western Europe.

The city was originally called Genava; this was derived from a Celtic word meaning a bend in a river or estuary. The town is approximately 375m above sea level, and it is surrounded by the Alps and the Jura mountain chains.

For a more general description about what I did each day, please see the main post:

http://www.fabienne-emilie.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/switzerland.html

Friday, 18th October, 2013

Saturday, 19th October, 2013

Taken from the Pont du Mont-Blanc showing the southern side of Geneva.

The "Flower Clock" was originally created in 1955, but has seen numerous design variations throughout the years.

The remains of the "Molard Tower" are a reconstruction from 1591, however the original tower was built in the 14th century. The Tower used to have a view over the lake, and for many centuries was a protective force for Geneva's harbour.

"Saint Peter's Cathedral"

"Saint Peter's Cathedral" contains many different styles as it was reconstructed and renovated during different time periods.

The large columns were added to "Saint Peter's Cathedral" in the 18th Century.

The organ inside "Saint Peter's Cathedral", named The Great Organ. The new organ, inaugurated in 1965, was built by Metzler in Zurich. Pal Andersen of Copenhagen made the case. Situated above the main entrance it has 68 organ stops, four keyboards and one pedal-board. The oldest of former organs dated back to the Middle Ages and was melted down in 1562. It was not used during Reformed services as the psalms were sung without accompaniment. The organ was reintroduced to Saint Peter's in the XVIIIth century.

XVth Century Choir Stalls inside "Saint Peter's Cathedral". Ordered by the bishop or canons and paid for by the Florentine bankers who had settled in Geneva at the time, these stalls reproduce the themes of the apostles' creed or prophetic biblical themes. The stalls have small seats called "misericords" on which the monks could rest discreetly during the service.

Rohan Chapel. The chapel houses the mausoleum and a life-size statue of the Duke of Rohan (1579 - 1638), leader of the French Huguenots. Mortally wounded during the Battle of Rheinfelden (Thirty Years War) his remains were brought to Geneva with great pomp and ceremony and buried at "Saint Peter's Cathedral".

In the tower of "Saint Peter's Cathedral" with a view of the lake behind me. The South tower (1510 - 1530) gives access to the belfry and its five bells and to the watch room where the tocsin is situated. Passing under the steeple, it is possible to access the platform of the North tower, which was rebuilt in the XIXth century; it offers a panoramic view over the city and its surroundings. The North tower houses two bells, La Clémence and La Bellerive, dear to the people of Geneva. The former is rung for significant events in the patriotic life of the city.