Reformation Monument, Geneva 
The Reformation Monument on a gray December day. More photos.
Four major Genevan reformers.
The commanding statue of John Calvin.
Geneva's official commemoration of its significant role in the Reformation is the Reformation Wall (Mur de la Réformation) or Reformation Monument, 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
| Names: | Monument de la Réformation; Mur de la Réformation; Reformation Monument; Reformation Wall; Wall of Reformers |
| Type of site: | Religious history monument; Protestant site |
| Size: | 325 feet long, 30 feet high |
| Dates: | 1909-17 |
| Address: | Parc des Bastions, Geneva, Switzerland |
| Hours: | Always accessible |
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).
- The Rough Guide to Switzerland
- Monument de la Réformation - Fodor's Online Travel Guide
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of the Reformation Monument. 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.
