A walk through the heart of Geneva

The Broken Chair, an impressive sculpture, is an emblematic symbol of peace. Broken Chair is the work of famous artist Daniel Berset for the NGO Handicap International. Made out of 5.5 tonnes of wood and standing at a height of 12 metres, the chair stands on only three legs and has been dominating the Place des Nations since 1997. This giant work of art delivers a simple message: remember the victims of landmines, and urge your government to promote a ban on landmines.

Built in 1931-1932, the Hôtel Cornavin is the work of architect Jean Camoletti (1891-1972). The Hôtel houses the world’s largest clock standing at a height of 30 metres. In 1956, Hergé, who created Tintin, writes « The Calculus Affair » taking place by the Lake of Geneva. Professor Cuthbert Calculus stays at Hôtel Cornavin in Room 122. Yet Room 122 never existed! During its complete renovation in 2000, the Hôtel finally opens the Room to meet persistent requests and pay tribute to Belgian author Hergé. Tintin readers come from around the world to visit the Hôtel Cornavin, also known as the « Hôtel de Tintin ».

With its neo-gothic style, the Brunswick Monument is a surprising architectural work. Charles d’Este Guelph, Duke of Brunswick, made a fortune in Paris before moving to Geneva, where he died in 1873. He leaved his estate to the city with the provision that it would stage a grand funeral and build a monument in his name. Never before had a mausoleum been built in Geneva. No wonder the project gave rise to heated debates! It was finally built in the Jardin des Alpes, the former port of the Pâquis district.

> Cross the Pont du Mont-Blanc and walk along the lake to the Jet d’Eau.

Since 1891, the Jet d’Eau has been one of the best-known symbols of Geneva. It represents the international reputation, dynamism and ambition of a forward-looking city that protects its environment. The Jet d’Eau is 140 metres high and shoots out water at a speed of 200 km/h.

> Retrace your steps to the gateway to the Old Town.

The Temple de la Madeleine played a major role during the Reformation and calls to mind such names as Jean Calvin, Guillaume Farel and Michel Servet. The building dates back to the 15th century, but had to be restored after it caught fire in the 17th century. Since the 1960s, the church has been the place of worship for Geneva’s Swiss-German speaking community, and boasts beautiful stained-glass windows. The Temple de la Madeleine has been dominating a shopping, historic, colourful square.

> Take the Rue du Marché and walk along the Rue de la Corraterie.

With 120 metres long, the Banc de la Treille is the world’s longest wooden bench. Just below the Town Hall, the bench runs the length of the Promenade de la Treille and offers a panoramic view down to the Parc des Bastions. This is where the official chestnut tree of la Treille stands. Ever since 1818, a city official has had the task of recording the first bud to appear on this tree, because it marks the arrival of spring.

In the heart of the Old Town, the Town Hall is the seat of Government of the Canton and Republic of Geneva. In 1864, the first Geneva Convention - the founding act of the International Red Cross - was signed in the building’s Alabama Room. In 1872, the « Alabama » tribunal also ended the conflict between the United States of America and Great Britain. Today, you can walk up the cobbled spiral staircase to the upper floors.

> Walk past St Antoine’s prison and the Museum of Art and History.