Palace of Nations, Geneva, Switzerland

The Palace of Nations is the home of the United Nations Office at Geneva. It was built between 1929 and 1938 to serve as the headquarters of the League of Nations. The palace was at the time of completion the second-largest building complex in Europe after Versailles.

The Palace is located in Ariana Park, which was bequeathed to the City of Geneva in 1890 by Gustave de Revilliod de la Rive, on several conditions: i.a. that the park always remain accessible to the public and that he be buried in the park. The park also contains a 1668 chalet.

Beneath the Palace of Nations's foundation stone is a time capsule containing a document listing the names of the League of Nations member states, a copy of the Covenant of the League, and specimen coins of all the countries represented at the league's Tenth Assembly. A medal showing the Palace of Nations with the Jura Mountains in the background was struck in silvered bronze.

The building overlooks Lake Geneva and has a clear view of the French Alps.

References:

Wikipedia

Palaces, manors and town halls in Switzerland

User Reviews

Brandon Browett (2 years ago)
Like from Frankenstein? (rick and morty)

Fabry and Linda “and Linda” DC (2 years ago)
Not until 2025 as they are renovating.

Wen Lin (2 years ago)
Nice place but unfortunately couldn’t visit dues to the COVID

Marion Böker (2 years ago)
Leider zur Zeit extrem leer wg Covid - not many people as usual,- but our peoples and all human beings place to defend, shape, move forward our Human Rights and Peace. Also, stop Climate Change and built a peaceful Caring Economy and world of Justice. Come and help!

indah nuria Savitri (2 years ago)
A must see place when you are visiting Geneve! During my posting in Geneve from 2007 - 2011 in Geneva, I spent most of my time here..every working days perhaps :D..so I got a chance to go around and enjoy its beauty. I even get the chance to visit the place again for works until the pandemic hits. An organized tour is also available for tourists, with extra discount if you're coming with someone with UN ID. But please check the arrangement during the pandemic as some places close their tour. If you have a friend or family with the UN ID, you can come along with them to get in and see the Palais yourself accompanies by the person with the ID. Don't miss Room XX or Alliance for Civilization Room with its magnificent ceiling work...General Assembly, Salle des pas perdu and the famous backyard as well as mountainous scenery, the Council Chamber. Many interesting art objects and gifts from States are also in displays.I also love the murals in the library....and of course, Gate 1 where we have the lines of flags of the UN member states.if you are lucky, you can also see beautiful peacocks roaming freely in some corners of the yard... Don't forget to walk around the Armillery sphere and take pictures there with the Palais as the background..so lovely...There is also a typical Swiss chalet near the main gate... A true palace indeed...with all its endless and enchanted beauty... Take your time and enjoy it...

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

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Tyniec Abbey

Tyniec Benedictine abbey was founded by King Casimir the Restorer probably around 1044. Casimir decided to rebuild the newly established Kingdom of Poland, after a Pagan rebellion and a disastrous Czech raid of Duke Bretislaus I (1039). The Benedictines, invited to Tyniec by the King, were tasked with restoring order as well as cementing the position of the State and the Church. First Tyniec Abbot was Aaron, who became the Bishop of Kraków. Since there is no conclusive evidence to support the foundation date as 1040, some historians claim that the abbey was founded by Casimir the Restorer’ son, King Boleslaw II the Generous.

In the second half of the 11th century, a complex of Romanesque buildings was completed, consisting of a basilica and the abbey. In the 14th century, it was destroyed in Tatar and Czech raids, and in the 15th century it was rebuilt in Gothic style. Further remodelings took place in the 17th and 18th centuries, first in Baroque, then in Rococo style. The abbey was partly destroyed in the Swedish invasion of Poland, and soon afterwards was rebuilt, with a new library. Further destruction took place during the Bar Confederation, when Polish rebels turned the abbey into their fortress.

In 1816, Austrian authorities liquidated the abbey, and in 1821-1826, it was the seat of the Bishop of Tyniec, Grzegorz Tomasz Ziegler. The monks, however, did not return to the abbey until 1939, and in 1947, remodelling of the neglected complex was initiated. In 1968, the Church of St. Peter and Paul was once again named the seat of the abbot. The church itself consists of a Gothic presbytery and a Baroque main nave. Several altars were created by an 18th-century Italian sculptor Francesco Placidi. The church also has a late Baroque pulpit by Franciszek Jozef Mangoldt.

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