Reformation Wall, Geneva 
The Reformation Monument on a gray December day.
Four major Genevan reformers.
The commanding statue of John Calvin.
View along the Reformation Wall.
The Pilgrims at prayer on the Mayflower.
The Lord's Prayer in English.
Location map and aerial view of Reformation Wall. For a larger interactive view, see our Geneva Map.
Geneva's official commemoration of its significant role in the Reformation is the Reformation Wall (Mur de la Réformation) or Reformation Monument, carved in the early 20th century.
History
The monument was constructed from 1909 to 1917.
What to See
This imposing structure, appropriately located in the city dubbed the "Protestant Rome," is the most impressive general monument to the Reformation there is. The giant wall (325 feet long, 30 feet high) dominates the large Parc des Bastions and centers on 15-foot-tall statues of four Geneva luminaries:
- Guillaume Farel - the first to preach the Reformation in Geneva
- John Calvin - leader of the Reformation movement and spiritual father of Geneva
- Theodore Beza - Calvin's successor, born in Vezelay (France) and known for emphasizing Calvin's doctrine of predestination
- John Knox - Scottish preacher, friend of Calvin, and founder of Presbyterianism in Scotland
It is ironic to recall that these reformers did not look kindly on statues during their lifetimes—and in fact they look very stern indeed. Behind the statues runs the motto shared by the Reformation and Geneva: Post Tenebras Lux ("After Darkness, Light").
The four Genevan reformers are flanked by smaller statues of major Protestant figures, bas-reliefs, and inscriptions. One of the reliefs shows Roger Williams and the pilgrim fathers praying on the deck of the Mayflower; another features the 1689 presentation of the Bill of Rights to the King William of Orange by the English Parliament.
Martin Luther (the German "Father of the Reformation") and Ulrich Zwingli (a major Swiss reformer based in Zürich) have significantly less prominent memorials at the sides of the wall - Calvin had disagreed with them on some points.
Quick Facts
| Site Information | |
| Names: | Reformation Wall; Monument de la Réformation; Mur de la Réformation; Reformation Monument; Reformation Wall; Wall of Reformers |
| Location: | Geneva, Canton Geneva, Switzerland |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Protestant |
| Categories: | Monuments; Colossal Statue |
| Architecture: | Modern |
| Date: | 1909-17 |
| Features: | Reformation History |
| Status: | monument |
| Photo gallery: | Reformation Wall Photo Gallery (for viewing) |
| Stock photos: | Reformation Wall Stock Photos (for licensing) |
| Visitor Information | |
| Address: | Parc des Bastions, Geneva, Switzerland |
| Coordinates: | 46.200244° N, 6.145885° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Lodging: | View hotels near this location |
Travel Resources
- Geneva Map - our detailed interactive map of Geneva, plus hand-picked links to more
- Geneva Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
- Geneva Guided Tours - sightseeing tours and activities in Geneva
- Geneva Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
Article Sources
- Personal visit (December 23, 2006).
- The Rough Guide to Switzerland
- Monument de la Réformation - Fodor's Online Travel Guide
Last updated on July 26, 2010.
