Brunswick Monument
Quai du Mont-Blanc, Geneva, Lake Geneva, 1201
Brunswick Monument in Geneva’s Jardin des Alpes was built in 1879 to commemorate Charles II, the Duke of Brunswick. This neo-Gothic mausoleum is a historical replica of the 14th-century Scaligeri tomb, located in Verona. Despite such roundabout origins, the monument is a notable landmark and photography spot on the shores of Lake Geneva.
The basics
To really appreciate the Brunswick Monument, you need to uncover its unusual history. Several walking and Segway tours stop at the monument on their way into Geneva’s Old Town, with a guide providing insight into the landmark’s surprising origins. If you’re visiting independently you won’t need long to admire the elaborate structure and its protective winged lions, leaving plenty of time to unwind in the landscaped gardens or continue along the Quai du Mont Blanc.
Things to know before you go
- There are steps up to the monument from Quai du Mont Blanc; wheelchair and stroller-friendly pathways can be found on park-adjacent roads.
- The monument’s exterior is freely accessible to the public.
- The trendy café behind the monument is popular among locals and visitors alike.
How to get there
The Brunswick Monument is less than a 10-minute walk from Geneva Station, straight down Rue des Alpes toward the lake. The monument also is close to city ferry terminals, which connect to several other towns on Lake Geneva.
When to get there
The outdoor monument is best visited on a warm, sunny day when you can eat a picnic lunch in the small adjacent park, or soak up the impressive architecture over an alfresco lunch in a nearby café.
Geneva’s Water Fountain
Look directly across the lake from your monument vantage point to see one of Geneva’s most iconic sights: the Geneva Water Fountain spraying jets of water 460 feet (140 meters) into the air. Brave souls can walk directly to the fountain along a narrow promenade from Quai Gustave Ador—though be prepared for a soaking if the direction of the wind changes.
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