Saturday, 25 April 2026 – Geneva
On a beautiful spring Saturday, members and friends of the Cornell Club of Switzerland gathered in Geneva’s Old Town for a fascinating guided tour of the archaeological site beneath St. Pierre Cathedral, followed by sunshine, strolling through historic surroundings, and for some, a convivial dinner at the Hôtel de Ville.
An Outstanding Archaeological Tour
The centerpiece of the afternoon was the guided visit, conducted in English, of the underground archaeological museum beneath St. Pierre Cathedral. We were fortunate to be guided by Jean‑Quentin Haefliger, whose passion, clarity, and storytelling brought more than 2,000 years of Geneva’s history vividly to life.
The tour opened with the geological origins of the site. Entirely covered by ice during the Ice Ages, the hill overlooking the confluence of the Rhône and Arve gradually became habitable as the glaciers retreated. This strategic position would prove decisive for centuries to come.
Because the Celtic inhabitants of the region left no written history, archaeology provides a rare and invaluable glimpse into their presence. As we descended through the layers, we saw how sacred and civic life evolved on this hill over time.
Roman influence became apparent when Julius Caesar came to Geneva, recognizing its importance as a border town and securing the bridge that controlled access against tribes west of the Rhône.
One of the most striking elements of the site is the baptistery, where excavations reveal baptismal fonts that diminish in size over centuries. This physical evolution mirrors the transformation of baptism itself from full immersion to more modern forms. Participants were intrigued to learn that baptisms could take place indoors within the Catholic Church only relatively recently.
The importance of the early church in Geneva was further underscored by the presence of relics, brought back from Rome by a bishop, which are clear markers of the city’s growing religious significance and its standing as an episcopal seat.
Equally impressive were the mosaics found beneath the cathedral, discovered during infrastructure work by SIG and leading to an extensive archaeological campaign conducted over several decades, from the late 1980s through 2006. These finds form part of what is now recognized as one of Europe’s most important underground archaeological complexes.
Throughout the visit, Jean‑Quentin Haefliger’s explanations combined scholarly precision with a contagious enthusiasm, making the layers of history both accessible and memorable.
Sunshine and historic strolls after the tour
After the museum visit, participants enjoyed time above ground as well. The late‑afternoon sunshine invited lingering at the Promenade de la Treille, where sweeping views of Geneva could be admired.
Several members took the opportunity to explore nearby landmarks, including the Alabama Plaque, commemorating the signing of the First Geneva Convention in 1864 and the founding of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Others wandered through the Parc des Bastions, enjoying both the historic setting and the mild spring weather.
Dinner at the Hôtel de Ville
Those staying on for dinner gathered at the Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville, where a private Carnotzet room had been reserved just for our group. The separate entrance allowed guests to greet one another as they arrived, setting a welcoming and relaxed tone from the start.
Seated around one long table, a wonderful mix of people enjoyed animated conversation, excellent food, and the attentive, friendly service that the restaurant is known for. The atmosphere was warm and convivial, a perfect continuation of the afternoon’s discoveries.
After dinner, a few members lingered near the cannons at L’Ancien Arsenal, where Jean‑Robert generously shared historical anecdotes sparked by our surroundings, ranging from the Reformation to the origins of the International Red Cross and Geneva’s broader role in peace efforts, including some surprisingly accidental and very human beginnings.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable day. We look forward to sharing more engaging events and opportunities to explore Switzerland’s rich history together.
