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 Geneva
is Switzerland’s most cosmopolitan city. Situated at the south-western end
of Lac Léman and astride the Rhône, Geneva is the departure point for lake
steamers. Only an arrival by water can convey just how well sited the city
is, with foreground hills rising against a backdrop of mountains.
The river bisects the city – some refer to the north side as the right bank
and the south as the left bank. The city centre is sited on both shores,
with the main railway station and the suburbs to the north of the river and
the Old Town to the south of the river.
Settled since Neolithic times, Geneva became an imperial city in 1032, under
Emperor Conrad II, before achieving independence in 1530 and joining the
Swiss Confederation in 1814. Geneva’s reputation for religious tolerance
during the Reformation proved to be a major influence on its subsequent
development.
For centuries, exiles from religious or political persecution chose the city
as their refuge, ranging from the English regicides in the 17th century to
Lenin in the early 20th century. Even the manufacture of watches was
fostered by one of the most intolerant of religious exiles, John Calvin, who
lived here from 1541 to his death in 1564.
This extraordinary mix of nationalities, coupled with the fact that most
émigrés were of an intellectual disposition, led to the establishment of
disparate centres of learning. These soon developed such a fine reputation
that Geneva became a popular choice for the sons (and later daughters) of
well-to-do families to finish their education.
Switzerland’s famed neutrality had a part to play in encouraging
international organisations to locate their headquarters in Geneva, which
today boasts over 200, raising an always numerous foreign community to
one-third of the population.
The catalyst for choosing Geneva was the decision in 1919 to set up the
headquarters of the League of Nations, predecessor of the United Nations, in
the city. Although the UN moved to New York in 1945, Geneva has kept its
European office here. Other important organisations based in the city are
the International Committee of the Red Cross (founded by the Swiss Henri
Dunant in 1864) and the World Health Organisation.
The city is also a major banking centre and plays a significant role in the
manufacture of watches, scientific instruments, jewellery and foodstuffs.
These roles have contributed to it being an expensive city in which to live
or stay, although it has much to offer the visitor, principally the Old Town
and some fine museums. Geneva is an efficient, clean city. Its excellent
public transport system, coupled with the ease and pleasure of walking
around the centre, make a car unnecessary, even a nuisance.
Geneva Website:
www.ville-ge.ch
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