A Visual Journey into Geneva's Past

Step into Geneva's history through authentic postcards dating from the 1890s to the 1960s. Follow the footsteps of a traveller and discover how the city evolved over the decades, one postcard at a time.

Ready? Our journey begins here!

I have just arrived from Lyon at Geneva's Cornavin railway station. After a long journey, it's time to find my hotel and leave my luggage before exploring the city.

A short walk from the station brings me to the Rue du Mont-Blanc and the Hôtel Suisse. I leave my luggage at the hotel and head out towards the lake.

Did you know?

This postcard dates from 1898 and is the oldest postcard in our journey. At the time, the reverse side was reserved exclusively for the recipient's address, so messages were written on the front, often around the picture.

On my way to the lake, I'll make a quick stop at the Mont-Blanc Post Office. I'll send a postcard home and let my family know I've arrived safely.

Did you notice?

Look carefully at the roof of the Mont-Blanc Post Office. The statues that once crowned the front of the building are no longer there. Vintage postcards often preserve architectural details that have disappeared from the modern city.

I leave the post office and continue towards the lake. The view is already beginning to open up... I can see the Brunswick Monument next to the Mont-Blanc Bridge, steamers cruising across the lake, swans gliding on the water and seagulls flying overhead. What a beautiful place! People must be very happy to live here.

I cross the Mont-Blanc Bridge to reach the Jet d'Eau.

Did you know?

The Jet d'Eau has stood here since 1891. It has grown several times over the years: on this postcard, it reaches 90 metres; today, it rises to 140 metres.

It's time to leave the lake behind and walk up the hill to the Old Town. Let's head inside St. Peter's Cathedral.

Did you know?

Despite what this postcard suggests, the pulpit shown here is not the one from which Calvin preached. It dates from the 19th century. As for the chair, there is no documentary evidence confirming that it actually belonged to Calvin.

After the Cathedral, I decide to do a little shopping in the Old Town. I love antique shops!

Did you know?

This little shop, Chaudronnier, was one of those places that attracted curious tourists and collectors of old objects. In 1958, it was still run by Mr. Rastello, an artisan who repaired and restored old pewterware.

After shopping, I would love to see a show tonight. Let's head to the opera house.

Did you notice?

The top of the Grand Théâtre looks different. A fire destroyed part of the building in 1951, and the upper section was rebuilt differently.

I'm tired. I woke up early this morning, so it's time to head back to the hotel for a rest. The hotel is not far from here.

Oh, look at this tower...

Did you notice?

At the end of the 19th century, this tower had three clocks showing three different times: Geneva time in the middle, Paris time on the left, and Bern time on the right. Before standard time was introduced, these local times could be quite different — which could be confusing for travelers when planning their train journeys.

It was before the adoption of a standard time based on the Greenwich meridian.

Tomorrow, the journey continues...

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