Site Archéologique, Geneva 
Sign outside the cathedral leading to the excavations below.
See all photos in our Geneva Archaological Site Photo Gallery.
The important Site Archéologique in Geneva was discovered underneath the Cathédrale St-Pierre when its foundations needed reinforcement in 1976. So far, excavations beneath the cathedral have uncovered:
- late Roman mosaic floors;
- two 4th-century Christian shrines;
- portions of three more early churches; and
- an 11th-century crypt that was part of the first Romanesque cathedral on the site (completed c.1000 AD).
The ruins are so multi-layered 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 mosaics and artifacts are quite interesting. The self-guided walking tour is well laid-out, with good lighting and sturdy catwalks leading you around the underground maze of ancient history. And when I visited in late December, I had the place all to myself!
Quick Facts
| Names: | Site archaeologique; Archaeological site |
| Type of site: | Archaeological excvations; Early Christian site |
| Address: | Cathedrale St-Pierre, Cours St-Pierre 6, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland |
| Neighborhood: | Vielle Ville (Old Town) |
| Phone: | 022/3117574 |
| Hours: | Tues-Sun, 11-5 |
| Cost: | 8 SF |
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 23, 2006).
- Fodor's Switzerland 2005.
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of the Geneva Archaeological Site (beneath the cathedral). Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Geneva Map or get our free Google Earth download.
