We managed to walk our feet off today checking out several areas of interest. I was a bit surprised that getting between areas took less time than anticipated. We are within reasonable walking distance of many of the shopping areas, the historic district and the Reformation Wall.
After a lovely breakfast at our hotel, with really good coffee, we started our day with a visit to the information center and obtained a very helpful map and some good recommendations for things to see and how to get there. We crossed a bridge over the narrow part of the lake noting the beautiful swans.
It was a bit windy so the Jet d'Eau (the world's tallest fountain) was not running. Weather forecasts call for sunnier skies and calmer winds this week so we hope to see it in action. We were also disappointed that the flower clock, was being replanted - no worries we have time to come back and visit both another day. We then headed up the hill to the historic district to wander around and tour St. Peter's Cathedral.
This is a Presbyterian Church - historic landmark and certainly a central church for the beginning of the Reformation movement. This church is known as the adopted home church of John Calvin. In the late 16th century he was a key figure in The Reformation, building on the ideas Martin Luther introduced in Germany.
We climbed the full 157 narrow stairs all the way to the top and were treated to view of the a panoramic view of Geneva and the ringing of the bells announcing the 10:00 hour.
WHAT? COULD THIS BE A TOWER LIBRARY ROOM????
From there we toured the archeological digs. This an area found beneath the cathedral and preserved. It dates back to the Roman Empire and it appears that there were churches built upon churches, much of which has been unearthed in the recent past. They archeologists have found ancient ruins and baptismal areas, church rooms and an entire section used for the housing of relics and funerals and many ancient tombs.
After a simple lunch of salad and rolls we walked to University Park to view the Reformation wall built in tribute to key figures of the movement. This monument dwarfs those who visit.
We also saw a few larger than life chess games going on in the park.
No shopping until we went to the Bike Switzerland and met John, our trip planner for our upcoming ride.. We checked out bikes and purchased our Swiss bike jerseys and arm warmers. We're not telling which one we bought; you will find out later, when they make their debut. We were too busy trying them on that we forgot to take any photos except the one below.
WHICH ONE IS IT??
After a day of touring and walking we treated ourselves to a pizza dinner. I had a delicious Swiss amber beer and Sandy a glass of wine or two.
One great day! We are hoping to sleep well again tonight
BONUS PHOTO OF THE DAY. Mr. GQ on a bike slipping a rose into his briefcase.
Tomorrow we are off to Lausanne to visit the Olympic Museum.
4 comments:
Glad to see you already have your jerseys, my gues is the one with the Swis cross. I too was impressed with the giant chess boards that are commonplace in many Swiss towns. Now I am really FOMO.
My guess is also the Swiss cross but the one with other flags ( I think) along the side seam.
You're all wrong it is the black and white one --- With Gail it is black and white
Stunning church
Post a Comment