St Peter's Cathedral

Geneva's whole history in one building

Word to the wise: Climb the 157 steps of the north tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the lake.
One of the most important churches in the history of protestantism, it was at this cathedral in the 16th century that John Calvin gave his famous sermons. Built over centuries, St Pierre offers a treasure trove of different architectural styles that's a fascinating window into Geneva's history, even if the end result is not entirely harmonious. While the oldest Romanesque part dates from 1150, fires and changing religious trends saw it gain Gothic and neoclassical additions, with all ornaments bar the stained glass windows being removed during the reformation.

Underneath the cathedral lie even older foundations, and recent excavations have uncovered remnants of buildings dating back as far as the 4th century AD.