Reformation Wall: Geneva's Tribute to Protestant History

The Reformation Wall, or *Mur des Réformateurs*, is an imposing monument in Geneva, Switzerland, that honors the Protestant Reformation. Located in the Parc des Bastions, it's built into the old city walls, symbolizing the importance of Geneva to the Reformation. The wall stretches 100 meters long and features statues and bas-reliefs of key individuals and events. The central statues depict the four main proponents of Calvinism: William Farel, John Calvin, Theodore Beza, and John Knox. These figures stand approximately 5 meters tall, holding books or scrolls to represent the importance of scripture. To the sides are other figures who spread the Reformation throughout Europe. The monument also features bas-reliefs depicting important events, such as the preaching of the Gospel and the signing of the Mayflower Compact. The Reformation Wall was inaugurated in 1909 to mark the 400th anniversary of John Calvin's birth and the 350th anniversary of the University of Geneva. The monument's location is on the grounds of the University of Geneva, which was founded by John Calvin. The wall is inscribed with Geneva's motto, "Post Tenebras Lux" (After darkness, light), a core phrase of Calvinist philosophy. The design of the Reformation Wall was the result of an international competition won by Swiss architects Charles Dubois, Alphonse Laverrière, Eugène Monod, and Jean Taillens. The sculptures were created by French sculptors Paul Landowski and Henri Bouchard.