The Church of Saint-Germain is one of the oldest churches in Geneva, with foundations dating back to the 4th century, around the time Christianity first reached the region. While much of the current structure dates from the 14th and 15th centuries, archaeological excavations in 1906 revealed remnants of earlier sanctuaries from the Romanesque and early Christian periods.
Saint-Germain holds a special place in Geneva’s religious history. It was here that the first sermons of the Reformation were delivered — a significant turning point for the city and its spiritual identity.
The original 4th-century Christian basilica was modified around 500. It was then succeeded by a Romanesque church, likely built in the 12th century, and later renovated after the great fire of 1334. The bell tower, which has undergone several modifications, dates back to the 14th century. The current structure, characterised by late Gothic architecture, was completed in the 15th century.
With the arrival of the Reformation in 1535, Catholic services were suspended, and the church was repurposed for various secular uses, including a butchery, an artillery depot, and a granary. In the 18th century, it once again became a place of worship, serving as a Protestant sanctuary and temporarily replacing the cathedral between 1752 and 1756.
In 1803, under French occupation, Saint-Germain became a Roman Catholic church. Since 1873, it has served the Christian Catholic community. Major restorations were carried out in 1906–1907 by architect C. Martin, and again between 1962 and 1966, preserving its historic charm.
Today, the Church of Saint-Germain is not only a place of worship but also a cultural venue. It hosts a beloved summer concert series, with performances on Sunday and Monday evenings. For more information, visit concertstgermain.ch.