Île de la Harpe, Artificial island and cultural property in Rolle, Switzerland
Île de la Harpe is an artificial island in Lake Geneva featuring a stone obelisk as its main structure. The island sits a short distance from shore and serves as a visible landmark of the town.
The island was created in 1837 when local merchants built it to protect the harbor and support timber shipping from the Jura mountains. A monument was later added to commemorate a key figure in Swiss history.
The monument honors a significant figure in Swiss political history and displays artistic details created by renowned sculptors of its era. The site reflects how the community celebrates and preserves its heritage.
Reaching the island requires a boat or personal water transportation since it sits in the lake. The local tourism office in Rolle can provide information and assist visitors planning a visit.
Beneath the island's construction materials lie the remains of an ancient lakeside settlement buried for nearly two centuries. These hidden archaeological layers reveal that the location was inhabited long before the modern island was built.
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