Geneva Tourism - St Peter's Cathedral

For centuries, Geneva has welcomed travellers and refugees that made a contribution to the history and the culture of the city.

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Archaeological Site of St Peter's Cathedral

Cours Saint-Pierre 6
1204 Genève
Tel. +41 (0)22 310 02 25
Tel. +41 (0)22 310 29 29
Web: www.site-archeologique.ch

Visiting the archaeological site of Saint-Pierre Cathedral offers a unique experience, an underground journey through an exceptional site, at the top of the hill, in the heart of Geneva's old town.

One of the most significant sites of its kind north of the Alps, it is presented in several specially equipped spaces within the excavations, using cutting-edge museum technologies. The visit thus begins in the 3rd-century BC and leads up to the construction of the current cathedral in the 12th century.

The space under Saint-Pierre Cathedral contains the remains of the many churches that preceded the current structure: the oldest of these dates from the late 4th century, providing evidence of Geneva's pivotal role in the development of Christianity. Furthermore, the excavations have brought to light traces of pre-Christian occupation of the hill: wells, a grain processing area, a likely ceremonial building and an Allobrogian tomb.

Although the site was occupied continuously, traces of ancient Geneva can be easily discerned. The bishops of Geneva, who inherited many of the powers of the Roman civilian and military rulers, chose this same location to erect several places of worship dedicated to preaching, baptism, the memory of the deceased and teaching.

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