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Reformation Wall: Geneva's Tribute to Protestant History

Visit the Reformation Wall in Geneva's Parc des Bastions, a powerful monument honoring the key figures and events of the Protestant Reformation.

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The Reformation Wall in Geneva's Parc des Bastions commemorates the key figures and events of the Protestant Reformation. Giant statues of Calvin, Farel, Beza, and Knox stand as a testament to Geneva's pivotal role in this religious movement.

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Local tips

  • The Reformation Wall is located within Parc des Bastions, which is open to the public at all times and has no entry fee.
  • Take tram line number 12 to the 'Place de Neuve' stop, which is close to Parc des Bastions.
  • Visit the International Museum of the Reformation, located a short walk from the Reformation Wall, to learn more about the history of the Protestant Reformation.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Place de Neuve, walk south into Parc des Bastions. The Reformation Wall will be directly ahead. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take the tram to Place de Neuve. From Geneva Airport (GVA), take the train to Geneva Cornavin station, then tram line 12 to Place de Neuve. A single ticket for zone 10, valid for 60 minutes, costs CHF 3. A day pass costs CHF 10.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Geneva. A short taxi ride from Geneva city center to the Reformation Wall will typically cost between CHF 10-13. There are no specific drop-off fees.

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Discover more about Reformation Wall

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.

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