Sacred Destinations

Archaeological Site, Geneva 


Sign outside the cathedral leading to the excavations below.
See all photos in our Geneva Archaological Site Photo Gallery.











Location map and aerial view of Archaeological Site. For a larger interactive view, see our Geneva Map.




What to See

The Site Archéologique (Archaeological Site) in Geneva was discovered underneath the Cathédrale St-Pierre when its foundations needed reinforcement in 1976. So far, excavations beneath the cathedral have uncovered:

The ruins encompass so many different eras that they can be confusing, but there are audio guides in English and excellent signs (with diagrams and drawings) in French and English to help.

The foundations are not terribly exciting (being piles of stone), but the in-situ mosaics and artifacts are quite interesting. The self-guided walking tour is well laid-out, with good lighting and sturdy catwalks leading visitors around an underground maze of ancient history.

Quick Facts

Site Information
Names: Archaeological Site; Site archéologique
Location:Geneva, Canton Geneva, Switzerland
Faiths:Original/Primary: Ancient Roman
Current/Secondary: Christianity
Categories: City Ruins; Churches
Architecture: Roman, Paleochristian
Features:Roman Mosaics
Status:ruins
Photo gallery:Archaeological Site Photo Gallery
Visitor Information
Address:Cathedrale St-Pierre, Cours St-Pierre 6, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Coordinates: 46.20114° N, 6.148025° E   (view on Google Maps)
Lodging:View hotels near this location
Opening hours:Tue-Sun 11-5
Cost:8 SF

Note: This information was accurate when published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Travel Resources

Article Sources

  1. Personal visit (December 23, 2006).
  2. Fodor's Switzerland 2005.


Last updated on October 8, 2009.






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