Calvin, Geneva’s Reformation and Influence

2-hour walking tour exploring John Calvin's legacy, the Protestant Reformation, and Geneva's religious and cultural transformation
Duration
2-hours
Group Size
1-15 people
Location
Geneva Old Town

Tour Overview

Learn about how John Calvin transformed Geneva into the “Protestant Rome” in the 1500’s and the international influence of Geneva’s reformation up to the modern era. The tour explores the political, religious and cultural revolution that made Geneva a center of Protestant thought and a refuge for European religious exiles. Walk the paths of Calvin and his contemporaries and visit the key historic sites of the Reformation. Discover how Calvin’s ideas spread throughout Europe and the Americas, influencing democracy, education, and social welfare systems. Learn how the Reformation shaped Geneva’s unique character, from its austere architecture to its commitment to education and humanitarian values.

Tour Highlights

  • •  The International Monument to the Reformation (Reformation Wall)
  • •  Saint Peter’s Cathedral where Calvin preached for over 20 years
  • •  Calvin’s Auditory where the Geneva Bible was translated into English
  • •  The Collège Calvin, how the Reformation spread through education
  • •  Stories of Reformers who promoted Calvinism in other countries
  • •  Stories of religious refugees who found sanctuary in Geneva
  • •  The enduring influence of Calvinism in modern Geneva and abroad
  • •  Geneva’s defensive fortifications and the Battle of the Escalade 1602

What to Expect

The tour involves walking some steep cobblestone streets and stairways through Geneva’s Old Town, visiting both indoor and outdoor sites, including possible entry to Saint Pierre Cathedral. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.