Description of the attraction
The Geneva Arsenal was built in the 14th century and was originally intended to store food supplies, and was accordingly called the City Barn. Later, during the Reformation, when the blood of all people, regardless of faith - both Catholics and Protestants - was plentifully shed, it began to be used as a warehouse of arms and barracks.
In the 19th century, the building was restored and transferred to the city authorities, who gave it to the city archives and the Museum of Swiss History. The archive contains important documents directly related to the affairs of the city and its history, and in the museum you can find a large collection of weapons from different times. Today, at the entrance to the Arsenal, there are five cannons (brought from Genoa and cast at different times) from this collection.
The walls of the Arsenal at the entrance are decorated with three frescoes depicting the most important, according to residents, events in the history of the city: the arrival of Julius Caesar in the city, the reception of the Huguenot refugees of the Reformation and the first trade fair. Fairs are held here in our time. During religious holidays, in front of the gates of the Arsenal, in addition to the traditionally unfolding market, vegetable soup is prepared and served in commemorative bowls.
From the 19th century to the present day, the Arsenal is a museum that exhibits many relics of the Swiss state, and the main city archive of Geneva. It is considered one of the main attractions of the city, in fact, a must-see for tourists. Almost every excursion route has a stop near it.
