Geneva is the second most populated city in Switzerland, after Zurich. It is situated right on the edge of Lake Geneva and between the mountain ranges of the Alps and the Jura. It is an important economic city and also has the headquarters of major organisations like the Red Cross and the United Nations and has been voted the third best city to live in the world but also the fifth most expensive. Geneva is of course famous for being the place where various packs have been sign such as the Geneva convention for treatment of prisoners of war.
In the summer residents and visitors alike flock to the shores of Lake Geneva to sunbathe and swim. In the winter is it a hub for skiers flying into the airport and travelling onto one of the numerous ski resorts in the area.
Geneva has always been a border down and was taken over by the Romans in 121BC. It became a Christian strong hold towards the end of the Roman empire and in the Middle Ages was ruled over by a Count under the order of the Holy Roman Empire. It remained so until the late 14th centre when it was allowed to govern itself and the House of Savoy rose to prominence. There was religious upheaval and strife in the 16th century when the House of Savoy was thrown out of power by the Protestant Reformation. But a couple of century’s later and Geneva was influenced by Catholic France and it was not until the Napoleonic wars ended in 1815 that Geneva became part of the Swiss Federation.
Geneva has 82 sites of historic importance and national significance. The entire old city is protected and there are numerous religious and civic buildings forming part of the Swiss Heritage sites.
Geneva has a strange traditional where the secretary of the Parliament of the Canton of Geneva observes a particular chestnut tree and when the first bud is seen, this is the first day of spring, a formal press release is given and local newspapers shout the news. Historically this bud is appearing earlier and earlier.
If you are visiting Geneva and want to take a trip to a ski resort, then click this link to visit TheSkiBug website for airport transfer prices.