On Saturday, 25 April 2026, join The Cornell Club of Switzerland for an extraordinary journey beneath one of Geneva’s most iconic landmarks. Hidden below St. Pierre Cathedral lies one of Europe’s most remarkable archaeological sites — a vast underground museum revealing more than 2,000 years of continuous urban history.
This guided tour in English offers a rare opportunity to step back through the layers of Geneva’s past, from pre-Christian settlements to the rise of early Christianity and the foundations of the medieval cathedral that still stands today.
A Journey Through Time
Excavated over a period of 30 years, the archaeological site preserves an exceptional collection of remains that illuminate Geneva’s development as a key center of Christianity north of the Alps.
Visitors will encounter:
- 4th-century church structures
- A paleo-Christian baptistery
- An Allobrogian tomb
- Domestic and ritual spaces
- Ancient wells
- Vestiges of Roman and early medieval occupation
Carefully designed illuminated walkways guide visitors through the site, while detailed interpretive displays, 3D animations, and interactive digital tools bring the discoveries — and the archaeological methods behind them — vividly to life.
Today, the site is recognized as one of the most important archaeological complexes of its kind in Europe, offering a truly immersive historical experience beneath the heart of the Old Town.
Event Schedule
We will meet at 14:45 outside the cathedral at the museum entrance.
The guided tour runs from 15:00 to 16:15 and will be conducted in English. Afterward, participants are welcome to continue exploring the museum until its 17:00 closing time.
There will also be time to visit the cathedral itself and enjoy the surrounding historic area.
Highlights nearby include:
- The Alabama plaque commemorating the 1864 signing of the First Geneva Convention, which led to the founding of the International Committee of the Red Cross
- The beautiful Promenade de la Treille, home to the longest wooden bench in the world
- The historic mosaics depicting three major events in Geneva’s history near the canons
Optional Dinner at Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville
We will conclude the evening with an optional aperitif and dinner at the renowned Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville, known for its warm ambiance and authentic Genevan cuisine. It will be a wonderful opportunity to continue the conversation and enjoy a convivial evening together.
Dinner may be booked separately for those who wish to join the group but cannot attend the tour.
Practical Information
- The tour will take place rain or shine.
- This is a walking tour lasting approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- The guided tour is limited to 20 participants.
- The event is open to all — members and non-members alike.
- Registration deadline: Friday, 17 April 2026.
We encourage early registration, as places are limited.
To register and view full details, please visit our registration page here.
We look forward to exploring Geneva’s hidden history with you!