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Interactive satellite map of the Auditoire de Calvin. For a larger view,
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At the the Auditoire de Calvin in Geneva, the Scottish reformer John Knox preached from 1556 to 1559 and the French-born reformer John Calvin founded a Christian academy in 1559.
History
The Auditoire is a simple but elegant 13th-century Gothic chapel built over a 5th-century church. At the Swiss Reformation it became a Protestant lecture hall, where Knox preached and Calvin taught missionaries his doctrines. He also encouraged Protestant refugees from around Europe to hold services at the chapel in their native English, Italian, Spanish, German, and Dutch.
What to See
Located right next door to the Geneva Cathedral, it couldn't be more convenient to stop by the Oratory, and it is worth a look. The Gothic chapel is an attractive small space, with a sense of openness due to its single nave.
The side chapels have informative placards and collages commemorating John Calvin and showing the spread and impact of the Reformation movement in Geneva.
The Auditoire is still used by the Church of Scotland, the Dutch Reformed Community, and the Waldensian Church of Italy. English-speakers may wish to join the Church of Scotland's Sunday service at 11am.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Auditoire de Calvin; Calvin's Oratory |
| Type of site: | Protestant chapel; Reformation historical site |
| Dates: | Built 13th-century; Calvin's academy founded 1559 |
| Architecture: | Gothic |
| Address: | 1 pl. de la Taconnerie, Geneva, Switzerland |
| Neighborhood: | Vielle Ville (Old Town) |
| Phone: | 022/9097000 |
| Hours: | Mon.-Sat. 10-noon and 2-5 |
| Cost: | Free |
Travel Resources
- Geneva Map - our interactive city map plus links to more online maps
- Geneva Hostels & Budget Hotels - search and book budget lodgings
- Geneva Hotel Reviews - unbiased hotel reviews from fellow travelers
- Geneva Car Rentals - explore Switzerland with a car picked up in Geneva
- Guided Tours of Geneva - sightseeing tours and excursions
- Geneva Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Geneva
- Swiss Rail Pass - save on multiple train journeys with a rail pass
Sources
- Personal visit (December 2006).
- Fodor's Switzerland 2005.
