Journey Through Time: Archaeological Site of St. Pierre Cathedral
Unearth Geneva's hidden past at the Archaeological Site of St. Pierre Cathedral, revealing layers of history from ancient settlements to the Roman era and the rise of Christianity.
Delve into Geneva's captivating past at the Archaeological Site of St. Pierre Cathedral, an underground museum revealing over 1,000 years of history. Located beneath the iconic St. Pierre Cathedral in the heart of Geneva's Old Town, this remarkable site unveils layers of civilization, from the pre-Christian era to the construction of the Romanesque cathedral. Explore the remains of ancient settlements, Roman monuments, and early Christian churches, all meticulously preserved and presented with modern museographic techniques. Discover the evolution of Geneva through fascinating artifacts, interactive exhibits, and immersive audiovisual displays. A visit offers a unique glimpse into the city's rich heritage and the lives of those who shaped its destiny, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. The site is open daily, offering a captivating journey through time beneath one of Geneva's most iconic landmarks.
A brief summary to Site archéologique de la Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Genève
- Cr de Saint-Pierre 6, Geneva, 1204, CH
- +41223117574
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Consider purchasing the combined ticket for Espace Saint-Pierre to access the Archaeological Site, the Cathedral towers, and the International Museum of the Reformation for a comprehensive historical experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking on uneven surfaces within the underground site.
- Allocate at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the Archaeological Site and appreciate the depth of its historical exhibits.
Getting There
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Walking
From Place du Bourg-de-Four, the oldest square in Geneva, walk north along Rue de l'Hôtel-de-Ville towards the St. Pierre Cathedral. The entrance to the Archaeological Site is located on the Cour de Saint-Pierre, the square directly in front of the Cathedral's main entrance. The walk is short, approximately 5 minutes, and offers views of the historic buildings in Geneva's Old Town.
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Public Transport
If arriving by tram or bus, the closest stops are 'Molard' (served by tram lines 12 and 17, and bus lines 2, 7, and 10) and 'Cathédrale' (bus line 36). From Molard, walk uphill towards the St. Pierre Cathedral, following the signs for the Old Town (Vieille Ville). From the 'Cathédrale' bus stop, the entrance to the Archaeological Site is a short walk across the Cour de Saint-Pierre. A single public transport fare within Geneva costs CHF 3.00.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
A taxi or ride-share from Geneva's main train station (Gare Cornavin) to the Cour de Saint-Pierre will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around CHF 20-25. Note that car access to the Old Town is restricted, so the taxi may drop you off near the Cathedral, requiring a short walk.
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