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Reformation Wall, Geneva 

Reformation Wall, Geneva
The Reformation Monument on a gray December day.

Reformation Wall, Geneva
Four major Genevan reformers.

John Calvin
The commanding statue of John Calvin.


View along the Reformation Wall.

Reformation Wall, Geneva
The Pilgrims at prayer on the Mayflower.

John Calvin
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:

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

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. The Rough Guide to Switzerland
  3. Monument de la Réformation - Fodor's Online Travel Guide


Last updated on July 26, 2010.






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