St. Peter's Cathedral (Cathédrale St-Pierre)

Overview

St. Peter's Cathedral (Cathédrale St-Pierre) is a historic cathedral located in the heart of Geneva's Old Town. It is known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and panoramic views of the city.

It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Geneva and has been a place of worship for centuries.

Cathedral Historical Site

Location

Address

Cours de Saint-Pierre, Geneva

Neighborhood: Old Town (Vieille Ville)

Coordinates

46.204391, 6.143444

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM

tuesday 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM

wednesday 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM

thursday 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM

friday 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM

saturday 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM

sunday 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Admission

Adults

Free (donations appreciated)

Children

Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

April-October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds and better lighting for photos

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild and pleasant

• flowers in the surrounding gardens
• Easter services

summer

warm to hot

• extended visiting hours
• outdoor events in St. Peter's Square

autumn

cool and crisp

• fall foliage in the surrounding areas
• harvest festival

winter

cold and sometimes snowy

• Christmas decorations and lights
• holiday services and concerts

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Check opening hours before visiting
Respect quiet and sacred atmosphere
Dress modestly

What to Bring

essential

ID or passport comfortable shoes camera water

seasonal

warm layers in winter umbrella or rain jacket sun hat and sunglasses in summer

not allowed

large backpacks or bags food and drinks inside the cathedral smoking

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate (for climbing the tower)

• climbing the tower involves 157 steps and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or fear of heights

Medical facilities: first aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

cash (CHF), credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)

Currency

Swiss Francs (CHF)

Typical Costs

entry Free (donations appreciated)

tower climb CHF 5

guided tour CHF 15-30

audio guide CHF 5

parking CHF 3-5 per hour

Dress Code

modest and respectful attire (shoulders and knees covered), comfortable walking shoes, closed-toe shoes for climbing the tower, shorts, mini-skirts, or sleeveless tops

Booking Tips

• 1-2 weeks for tours or events
• official website or local tour operators
• varies by tour or event
• available for tower climb and guided tours

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Geneva Tourism

Size: 50 MB

Features: Map, Audio guide, Tickets, Events calendar

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, café, and some outdoor areas

Charging Stations: Café and visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Geneva Airport (GVA)

Distance: 7 km

Travel Time: 15-20 minutes

taxi

CHF 35-45 15-20 min

public_transport

CHF 3.90 20-25 min

From City Center

Distance: 1 km

walking

Free

tram

CHF 3.90 10 min

bus

CHF 3.90 10 min

taxi

CHF 10-15 5-10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: St. Peter's Cathedral is a symbol of Geneva's rich history and cultural heritage, offering a peaceful retreat in the bustling city center.

Historical Significance: The cathedral has witnessed significant historical events, including the Reformation led by John Calvin in the 16th century.

Insider Tips

Free entry to the cathedral, but donations are appreciated
The best views of the city are from the tower, which has a small entrance fee
The surrounding streets offer charming cafés and shops for a complete Geneva experience

Local Recommendations

• Try a local café in the Old Town
• Ask for recommendations from the friendly staff at the cathedral's gift shop
• Visit the nearby Musée International de la Réforme for a deeper understanding of Geneva's history

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Bonjour

thank_you Merci

where_is Où est

how_much Combien coûte

beautiful Belle

ticket Billet

Guide Languages: French, English, German, Italian

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance facade

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Low angle shots to capture the grandeur

Result: Majestic and detailed facade shots

#StPetersCathedral #Geneva #HistoricCathedral #Switzerland

Tower viewpoint

Best Time: Sunset

Tips: Wide-angle shots to capture the panoramic views

Result: Breathtaking views of Geneva and the Alps

#GenevaViews #Alps #SunsetViews #Switzerland

Photography Rules

allowed areas outdoor areas, main cathedral space, and tower viewpoint

prohibited areas altar area, chapels during services, and restricted areas

flash photography only allowed in outdoor areas and with permission

commercial photography permit needed for commercial use

drone policy prohibited without special permission

tripod policy allowed in outdoor areas and with permission, not allowed inside the cathedral

selfie sticks allowed in outdoor areas, not recommended inside

Nearby Attractions

Réformation Wall

Distance: 200m

Walking: 3 min

Type: Historical Monument

Musée International de la Réforme

Distance: 300m

Walking: 5 min

Type: Museum

Parc des Bastions

Distance: 400m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Park

Pâquis Baths (Bains des Pâquis)

Distance: 1.5km

Walking: 20 min

Type: Public Baths

Reviews

4.6

Based on 5,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Climb the tower for the best views"
"Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience"
"Check out the nearby cafés and shops in the Old Town"

Contact Information

+41 22 311 35 60

info@cathedrale-st-pierre.ch

www.cathedrale-st-pierre.ch

Social Media

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