Geneva’s Secrets: Get To Know Them Before 2014
Geneva is a spectacular city situated at the foot of the Alps, along the banks of Lake Geneva. Not only is it one of Europe’s most visited cities, but it is also the home of the United Nations. Famous for its diversity and tolerance of different cultures, it has become the playground for the rich and famous, and because of its status as a tax haven, millions of people flock there every year for its amazing selection of luxury stores. If you’re thinking about visiting Geneva next year, here are some of the best attractions you simply must experience.
Jet d’Eau de Geneve
This is one of the most iconic monuments in the city, with the water founding shooting water over 140 meters into the air! Funnily enough, it was never meant to be a water fountain. Originally it was a security valve at the city’s hydraulic power station. Engineers were forced to install the valve due to too much pressure being placed on the system, and this marked the birth of the spectacular fountain. Soon enough, the water feature became a tourist attraction, and the valve was moved nearer to the lakeside. Since its opening in 1951, the Jet d’Eau de Geneve has poured over 500 litres of water every second into the sky, at over 100 miles per hour!
The Reformation Wall
This wonderful feature is a monumental homage to the Protestants that reformed Europe, and it can be found in a beautiful park near to the Place de Neuve. John Know, Theodore de Beze, Guillaume Farel and Jean Calvin are carved into the wall, and along the sides are the people that carried the Protestant reforms throughout Europe. The motto for the Reformation Movement was ‘light after darkness’, and this can be found carved into the wall too.
Geneva’s Parks
There are a number of fantastic parks in Geneva, and you could easily lose track of time wandering through them. Not only are they a great place to bring the kids if you’re holidaying with your family, but many of them offer amazing views of the city, as well as the Alps.
If you’re into mountaineering, the Alps are pretty close to the city, just remember to pack your boots…
The Palais des Nations
The Palais des Nations is the diplomatic centre of Europe, and it also represents Geneva internationally. This huge structure was built between 1929 and 1936, and it has been the headquarters of the United Nations ever since the body was created. Over 25,000 delegates from countries all over the world pass through this building every year, and the Palais des Nations is home to countless pieces of artwork too. Open to tourists every day, it is an essential architectural must-see when visiting Geneva.
Mont Saleve
Nick-named the city’s ‘local mountain’, this amazing natural attraction is very accessible by car, and the view from the top is phenomenal. There are countless activities for children, and lots of nature to discover too. From rock-climbing to paragliding, Mont Saleve is a hotspot for adrenaline junkies, and in the winter you can even ski here!
If you’re planning to head to Switzerland, it would be smart to do some research on translation services in Switzerland to get your important documents translated before your travels.