If you’re looking for some of the best views of Geneva in Geneva, search no further. The towers of Saint-Pierre Cathedral offer unparalleled opportunities to see the city from above – if you’re willing to climb a few flights of stairs, that is.
Towers of the Saint-Pierre Cathedral; the south tower is on the left, and the north tower is on the right. Photo credit: Site-archaeologique.ch
View of the Jet d’Eau from the north tower
The Saint-Pierre Cathedral is located in the heart of Geneva’s Old Town, or Vieille Ville. Its main structure dates back to the 12th century, where construction began under Bishop Arducius of Faucigny, though excavations have uncovered evidence of buildings on the site as far back as the Roman Empire.
The interiors of the Cathedral are striking (see photos here) and are accessible free of charge to the public year round. A 4 CHF ticket (2 CHF for children ages 6-616) grants access to the north and south towers. The stairs are steep and narrow, but once at the top of either tower, you have 360-degree views of the city of Geneva and its surrounding mountains. You can also take a peek at the Cathedral’s mighty bells and look down on the winding cobblestone streets of Geneva’s Old Town.
View of the Jet d’Eau from the south tower
Exiting the north tower. It’s a steep, narrow walk back down to street level.
Description of the cathedral’s many bells, posted at the top of the south tower
Practical Information
There is no charge to enter the Cathedral; however, there is a charge to climb its north and south towers. Tickets cost CHF 4 for adults and CHF 2 for children ages 6-16. Visitors can also purchase a combined ticket valid for the Cathedral and its towers, the International Museum of the Reformation, and the archaeological site under the Cathedral.
For a map of access routes to the Cathedral by foot, car, or bus, click here.
More information about the Cathedral including opening hours, admission costs, and guided tours is available by clicking here. Visit the Cathedral’s website by clicking here. Click here to read our related post about a tour of the Site archéologique located under the Cathedral.
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