Hôtel de Ville de Genève

The Hôtel de Ville de Genève is the town hall in the Old Town with three stories of neoclassical design, a central courtyard, and stone facades that define its character. A historic tower from 1455 forms the core of the complex and remains one of its most recognizable features.

The building grew over centuries with the tower from 1455 remaining as its oldest core element that once held important documents and records. Later expansions added administrative spaces that established it as the city's main government center, a role it continues today.

The room where the first Geneva Convention was signed in 1864 makes this building a place of global importance for humanitarian work. Visitors can sense the connection to a moment that shaped international protection for people affected by conflict.

The exterior and cobblestone ramp can be viewed from outside, but the interior spaces are typically closed to the public as they serve active government functions. It is worth checking in advance about any occasional openings or guided tours that may be available.

A spiral cobblestone ramp built between 1555 and 1578 was designed to let horses and carriages reach the upper levels without using stairs. This ingenious solution from the Renaissance period allowed officials to arrive on horseback directly at government chambers.