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Geneva - The Global City
 
 Geneva
- Travel Information
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Climate: |
Temperate Maritime climate
with extremely cold winters. |
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Rainfall: |
1015 mm |
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| Summer: |
Max
- 77°F (25°C) | Min - 57.2°F(14°C) |
| Winter: |
Max
- 44.6°F (7°C) | Min - 26.6°F(-3°C) |
| Best Time to Visit: |
June to September. |
| Major Attractions: |
Genevas lakefront, Jet
d'eau (water fountain), Flower Clock, Saint Peter's, Cathedral,
Reformation Wall, Place Neuve, United Nations Building. |
| Major Entertainment Centers: |
Place Neuve, Grand-Théâtre
(opera house), Victoria Hall, Bâtiment des Forces-Motrices,
Conservatory of Music. |
| Shopper's Paradise: |
Bon Génie, Rue du March,
Globus, Rue du Rhône 48 and Manor, Rue Cornavin 6. |
| Near by Places (Excursions): |
Chamonix, Mont-Blanc, Geneva
Gruyères, Les Diablerets Gstaad, Lausanne - Montreux
Chillon, Christmas Market in Montreux. |
| Famous Food & Beverages (Gourmet's Delight): |
Papet vaudois, Fondue, Raclette,
Rösti, Fotzel slices, Birchermuesli. |
| Foreign Embassies & Consulates: |
America, Australia, Britain,
Canada, China, Denmark, Czech republic, Denmark, Finland, France, India,
Iran, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand. |
History & Evolution
The earliest record of the city dates back to 120 B.C. When the city was
occupied by Romans. Geneva became a part of Kingdom of Burgundy in the 9th
century B.C. The city was given a name Genua by Julius Caesar. The city grew
rapidly an in the fifteenth century the city emerged as a 'City of Trade
fairs'. The city became a trading capital of Switzerland.
The city gained independence from dukes a few years after 1530, when
citizens took matters into their own hands and formed a pact with Geneva and
Fribourg. Geneva was flooded by the European refugees at that time. The city
became a centre of academic excellence. The Geneva Bible came into existence
in 1560 and it became the first English translation with methodically
organized numbered verses. The Duke of Savoy again tried to invade Geneva in
1602 but were not successful. The city with a large number of refugees
became a cosmopolitan city with religious liberty. The main sectors that
were flourishing in the city of Geneva were Banking and watchmaking Geneva
was declared a Republic in 1792.
It got annexed by France in 1798. After the downfall of the Napoleon
government Geneva became a part of the the Swiss Confederation in 1815.
Another major landmark in the history of the city was the Geneva Convention
of 1864. The event led to the formation of International Red Cross, designed
to help soldiers or civilians caught up in war or natural disasters. Geneva
was chosen as seat of the League of Nations after world war I. Geneva also
has the European headquarters of the United Nations. Geneva today is one of
the most loved cities of the world.
Site-Seeing
Geneva is the major financial center of Switzerland. The city has several
sites of attraction that mesmerize visitors from all over the world. The
city has magnificent architecture and amazing landscapes. Geneva is truely a
beautiful city with world class infrastructure.
Jet d'Eau:
The Jet d'Eau is one of the world's largest fountains. The water jet is one
of the city's most famous landmarks. The fountain is considered as the
symbol of the city of Geneva. The fountain is situated at the point where
Lake Geneva empties into the Rhone River. The fountain is visible throughout
the city and from the air. The height of fountain's jet is approximately 142
meters. The fountain is operated by two 500kW pumps. The first fountain was
installed in 1886. At that time it was used as a safety valve for a hydro
power generator. The fountain was moved to its present location in 1891. The
present Jet d'Eau was installed in 1951. The fountain is a must visit for
anyone traveling the city. The Jet d'Eau has become a major attraction of
Geneva. The place is visited by travelers from all round the world and is
often crowded during weekends.
Location: Lake Geneva.
St. Pierre Cathedral:
The St. Pierre Cathedral is a popular attraction of Geneva. The church came
into existence in the 12th century. This was a home church to the most
popular leader of the protestant reformation, John Calvin. The church still
preserves a wooden chair used by Calvin. The area beneath the church has
recently reveled rich artifacts of ancient Roman empire. The church is a
site of historical importance and is visited by people from all over the
world.
Location: Old Town
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