HISTORIC BUILDINGS

The rural canton of Geneva is filled with historic buildings that tell the stories of the region’s past.

From medieval castles and charming village churches, these structures offer a fascinating glimpse into the architectural heritage of Geneva’s countryside.

AIRE-LA-VILLE

Roman Catholic ChurchThe church was built in 1726 and is dedicated to Saint Louis.
Location: Google Maps

ANIÈRES

Anières ChapelThe Protestant chapel of Anières, likely designed by Henri Juvet in 1890, was funded by a donation from Mrs. Maracci-Moricand.
It features a simple rectangular structure with a neo-Gothic portal and bell tower.
Restorations occurred in 1957, 1990, and 2011, with the chapel reopening in 2012.
In 2018, five stained-glass windows by Bodjol were donated by APAS, four installed in the nave and one in a parish room. These windows were rescued from the Ecumenical Community Center of Avanchet, sold in 2016.
Location: Google Maps

AVULLY

Avully TempleThis temple was built in 1716 by the Republic of Geneva and is believed to have been constructed from two separate buildings. In 1836, the façade was rebuilt with the addition of a bell tower. The porch with columns was constructed in 1915.
For administrative reasons, the village of Avully was attached to the parish of Cartigny until 1838.
The temple underwent its first restoration between 1974 and 1975, followed by a second restoration in 2004-2005.
Location: Google Maps

AVUSY

Saint-Charles Borromée churchThe church was consecrated on December 24, 1758.
Between 1808 and 1812, a bell tower was added. In 1825, the roof was redone and the nave was extended. In 1855, the broken bell was replaced by two smaller bells, and the bell tower was repaired in 1866. The chancel was transformed in 1897, and stained glass windows were installed.
Restoration work occurred in 1922, and further renovations took place in 1976-77, replacing stained glass with P. Estoppey’s creations.
Location: Google Maps

BARDONNEX

Commandery of CompesièresThe earliest mentions of the Commandery date back to 1270 when it was donated to the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem by the Bishop of Geneva.
In the wars of the 16th century, the Commandery was appropriated by Henry IV in a bid to protect it from destruction. It once again became the possession of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem from 1617, and sometime after 1792, the building was transformed into a saltpeter factory.
Presently the Commandery houses the Town Hall as well as the Museum of the Order of Malta, and the building is listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance.
Location: Google Maps

Compesières churchCompesières church is dedicated to Saint Sylvester, and excavations of the site found the existence of a building dedicated to the Saint dating back to the fifth century.
Over the centuries, the church has been enlarged to accommodate its growing congregation.
The bell tower was erected in 1805 and the present-day church built in 1834 to 1835.
Location: Google Maps

BELLEVUE

Le Fortin des Cinq CheminsBuilt in 1941, the Fortin des Cinq Chemins (Fort of Five Paths) is an iconic military fortification, part of a complex defense line and located on private property near the 4-way intersection (once 5-way).
It is the main fort of the Versoix line and forms a unique triangle with the Rennex West and East forts.
The site offers a unique blend of history and visual appeal, making it an ideal venue for events and to visit.
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

CARTIGNY

Cartigny TempleCartigny, once caught between the sovereignties of Geneva, Savoy, Sardinia, and Bern, became part of Geneva in 1754.
The village, initially Catholic, adopted the Reformed religion after its integration.
The temple, built in 1772 on the site of the medieval Saint-Georges church, features a baroque door with Geneva's arms and a clock. It underwent renovations in 1945, 1966, and again in 2000 after oak beams were destroyed by fungus.
Location: Google Maps

Cartigny CastleThe Château de Cartigny was built between 1720 to 1725.
The castle is the headquarters of the philantropic association 'Les Amis de l'Homme'.
No visits permitted.
Location: Google Maps

CHANCY

Moulin RogetMoulin Roget (Roget Mill), powered by the Couchefatte stream, has been in operation since at least 1538.
It was rebuilt in 1570 and again between 1885 and 1895 under the ownership of Louise Emma Revaclier, who modernized it with a 7-metre wheel and crushers.
A dispute in 1892 over water loss led to its decline, and the mill ceased operations in the early 20th century. In 1920, it was bought for a dam project and later converted into a storage facility.
Restoration in 2005 moved the streambed.
Visits inside the building are restricted to societies, schools, associations, and public institutions.
Location: Google Maps

CHOULEX

Saint-André ChurchThe Church of Saint-André was designed by Jean-Louis and Jean-Marc-Louis Junod, built between 1837 and 1839 to replace a medieval sanctuary.
In January 1876, the parishioners were removed in favour of liberal Catholics but regained the church in 1897, with renovations.
In 1912, stained glass windows were installed by the Jean-Augustin Bessac workshop. The sanctuary’s choir was renovated in 1928, and in 1945, a spire replaced the original dome.
The interior was renovated in 1973, with new stained glass and a sculpted metal Stations of the Cross by André Bucher.
Location: Google Maps

COLLEX-BOSSY

Church Saint-Clément of Collex-Bossy The church has a history that dates back to the 12th century.
Originally a Romanesque building, it served as a place of worship for the local farming community.
Over time, the church underwent several renovations, particularly in the 19th century, when it was expanded and restored in a neo-Gothic style.
Location: Google Maps

COLLONGE-BELLERIVE

Paroisse catholique romaine de Collonge-BelleriveThe parish was first mentioned in a 1153 papal bull, though excavations suggest the church is older. By 1412, it had 10 hearths.
After the 1536 Bernese invasion, Protestantism was imposed, but Collonge reverted to Catholicism around 1598. The church was reconstructed from 1792, completed in 1806.
During the Kulturkampf in 1872, Collonge's Catholics used a provisional chapel. The church was restored in 1894 when the state reversed its policies.
Location: Google Maps

COLOGNY

Château El MasrThe Château El Masr, constructed in 1883-84 by Henri Bourrit and Jacques Simmler for Charles Flood, features a tall, crenellated square keep with four levels, sitting atop a base. It is flanked by an observation turret and two asymmetrical wings.
The tallest wing contains a noble chapel with large Gothic windows and the sponsor's monogram. A sculpted Baroque-inspired porch, accessible via a double-flight staircase, adds to its charm. The architecture reflects a neo-medieval Scottish style, with walls made of Meillerie stone.
At the property’s corner stands a romantic medieval tower, built in tuff by architect Ami Demierre in 1865.
The château served as the setting for the 1967 film L'Inconnu de Shandigor.
This property is private and is not open to visitors.
Location: Google Maps

CONFIGNON

Saints Peter and Paul ChurchThe church was originally built between the 5th and 6th centuries, and has been enlarged and remodelled over the centuries.
It is said the church sits on a sacred place of Celtic origin, which is why it is not in the centre of the village.
Location: Google Maps

CORSIER

Eglise Saint-Jean-BaptisteCorsier had been a gathering place since ancient times, possibly as early as the 4th millennium BC, with six megaliths found near the current Chapel of the Virgin.
A Gallo-Roman villa was built at the end of the 1st century AD, with a small rectangular building added later, marking the first Christian worship site.
By the 6th century, it became a church. Over the centuries, the church underwent several expansions, including a Gothic chancel in the 13th century. The current structure dates from 1826.
Location: Google Maps

DARDAGNY

Chappelle de MalvalThe little Malval Chapel was constructed in the 10th century on the site of the former Sainte-Marie-Madeleine church.
Originally built without a bell tower, one was added at the front of the church in 1938.
Location: Google Maps

Château de DardagnyDardagny Castle overlooks the village of the same name and was part of a 13th-century ring of castles guarding the western border of the Bishop of Geneva's lands.
Originally built in 1298 with two fortified houses, the southern house added a tower in the 14th century. The Favre family expanded it in 1655. In 1721, Jean Vasserot transformed the courtyard into a festive hall.
After being purchased by the commune in 1904, it was restored and now houses the town hall and school.
Location: Google Maps

Dardagny TempleThe Dardagny temple was constructed in 1723 at the expense of Jean Vasserot.In January 1911, the commune handed over the temple to the National Protestant Church of Geneva.One unique feature of the temple is its bell tower, which is positioned in the center of the roof, a departure from the usual design. The porch was renovated in 1913.Location: Google Maps

GENTHOD

Genthod Temple The neo-gothic Genthod temple was built between 1867 and 1869 and stands in the heart of Genthod village.
The church's organ, stained glass windows and bell date back to the 15th century.
Location: Google Maps

Gy TempleThe first Protestant temple built on Genevan territory since the Reformation, it was inaugurated in 1611.
The temple's appearance has changed little over the past four centuries.
Location: Google Maps

HERMANCE

Eglise Saint-GeorgesThe church, built in the late 13th century for Béatrice de Faucigny to replace a wooden structure, retains its original tall, narrow windows and liturgical pool in the choir.
In the 14th and 15th centuries, several chapels were added, including the Chapel of Sainte-Catherine in 1471 for Isabelle de Menthon. The sanctuary was rebuilt in 1679, with renovations to the bell tower in 1836 and 1955.
After archaeological work and restoration between 1972 and 1974, the exterior walls were fully restored in 2008.
Location: Google Maps

JUSSY

Château-du-CrestDestroyed in the 16th century, Agrippa d'Aubigné rebuilt the Château du Crest, adding towers, a drawbridge, and a deep moat, despite Geneva's resistance.
He invented a secret communication method to stay in contact with the city during sieges. After his death in 1630, the castle passed to the Micheli family.
Jacques-Barthélémi Micheli, a prominent figure, was exiled for criticizing Geneva's fortifications. The Micheli family has retained the estate since, managing it through the Micheli-du-Crest Foundation.
In 1880, the castle underwent renovations, preserving its original appearance.
Location: Google Maps

Jussy TempleThe temple was constructed on the site of the former Sainte-Marie-Madeleine church.
In the 16th century, the nave was fitted with a wooden ceiling adorned with painted decorations, and the porch, with a large canopy, was rebuilt.
During the 1817 restoration, the pulpit was relocated, and the side chapels were demolished, except for one, which became the sacristy. Stained glass windows by Serge Pahnke were added in 1931, followed by those of Bodjol in 1959.
Location: Google Maps

MEINIER

Saint-Pierre ChurchThe church of Meinier, mentioned in a 1153 papal bull, was originally dedicated to Saint Peter.
It was part of the Saint-Jean-hors-les-Murs monastery, dependent on Ainay Abbey. In the late 15th century, a Virgin Mary chapel was founded, and by 1536, the Bernese brought the Reformation to the region.
After the Treaty of Lausanne in 1564, Meinier returned to Savoy, and by the 17th century, became Catholic again. François de Sales ministered in the area, promoting charity and reconciliation during turbulent times.
Location: Google Maps

MEYRIN

Château de FeuillasseThe term 'feuillasse' refers to an estate and fortified house built in the late 15th century by a noble Savoyard family.
Acquired by Jean Lect in 1528, it passed through several families, including the Maisonneuve and Pingon families.
In the 18th century, Jean Trembley sought refuge there after political troubles.
Restored in 1905, the castle later served as a retirement home and refugee centre. Today, it is rented to the Hospice Général.
Location: Google Maps

PERLY

Petite ChapelleAround 1899, due to the construction of other buildings in the commune, this little chapel was demolished at its original location and rebuilt in its current location by the local parishioners.
It is said to have been rebuilt stone by stone.
Location: Google Maps

PREGNY-CHAMBÉSY

Church Saint Petronilla of Pregny-ChambésyThe church dates back to the 12th century, originally serving as a small Catholic chapel. Over time, it witnessed the region’s religious shift during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century.
While it adapted to Protestant influences, the church remained a central place of worship for the community.
Significant renovations in the 19th and 20th centuries, including the addition of stained glass and a restored bell tower, have preserved its historical charm.
Location: Google Maps

PRESINGE

Saint-Félix churchThe church was first mentioned in 1304, with the chancel dating back to the 12th century.
In 1687, a bell named Saint-Félix was blessed by Reverend Allégret and was placed in a window frame.
The church was reconstructed in 1821, preserving the choir and walls, and renovated in Gothic style in 1854.
Restoration work continued in the 1920s, with a new gallery and coffered ceiling added. The church was renovated again between 1967-1970, and drainage work was done in 2004 to protect it from humidity.
Location: Google Maps

Photo: màd

SATIGNY

Peney ChapelThe chapel sits on a small ridge overlooking a loop of the Rhône, separate from the villages of Peney-Dessus and Peney-Dessous.
It was built on the site of a 13th-century church, part of the medieval castle's walls. Reconstructed in the early 18th century, it reflects the typical rural Protestant temple of that era with its rectangular layout, simple façades, limited windows, and traditional arcade bell tower.
The interior was reversed in 1962, with restorations in 1961 and 1986-1987, and excavations in 1985.
Location: Google Maps

Photo: mandement.epg.ch

Satigny TempleArchaeological excavations between 1975 and 1977 uncovered remnants of the first Christian building, a wooden structure dating from the 7th-8th century.
The first masonry sanctuary, dating to the 10th century, was also revealed. In the 11th century, two side chapels were added, and in the following century, two aisles were built.
The church was altered and reduced in the 13th century, with a slightly raised apse and vaulted choir. It remains one of the few examples still preserved in the canton.
Location: Google Maps

Saint-Pierre-and-Saint-Paul churchIn the early 20th century, Reverend Father Chancenotte, inspired by the devotion of the faithful in Satigny, acquired land to build a church.
Designed by architect Mr. Reimann, the church was consecrated on September 6, 1903, by Bishop Broquet. The architect chose a unique vernacular style with steep roofs and exposed wood.
On 25 November 25 1951, a replica of the Black Virgin of Einsiedeln was placed in a niche on the church's southwest gable after a high mass was held in honour of the visit of Bishop B. Gut, the Reverend Father-Abbot of Einsiedeln.
Location: Google Maps

SORAL

Roman Catholic Church of Soral-Laconnex (Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens)The commune of Soral became part of Geneva and Switzerland on March 16, 1816, through the Treaty of Turin.
On March 29, 1830, during a session of the State Council, a significant sum was allocated to build a church. Until then, Soral and Laconnex were parishionally attached to Thairy.
Architect M. Amoudruz oversaw the construction, and the sanctuary was blessed on May 5, 1831, by Bishop Yenni.
The church has undergone various restorations and additions over the years, including donations for bells, stained glass, and structural repairs.
Location: Google Maps

VANDOEUVRES

Vandoeuvres TempleConverted into a Protestant temple during the Reformation, the sanctuary underwent several restorations, including in 1684 when the bell tower was raised.
In 1730, the nave was partially rebuilt, the vault removed, and the roof restored. Between 1915 and 1919, the nave's vault was reinstated, a sacristy added next to the bell tower-porch, a door was made in the apse, and the pulpit was moved.
During these works, four stained-glass windows from Muri, donated in 1835, were installed.
Archaeological excavations took place before the final restoration in 1988-1989 by Jacques Choisy.
Location: Google Maps

VERSOIX

Richelien Hydroelectric Power PlantFor centuries, the hydraulic power of the Versoix River supported the prosperity of the commune, and until the 19th century, this power was used for mechanical tools performing various tasks.
At the end of the 19th century, François Stutzmann transformed the Richelien mill into an electric plant, providing power to Geneva’s countryside.
In 1944, Jean Estier built a second micro-hydropower plant to meet the needs of a new flour mill.
Today, this plant supplies green electricity, and the 1926 Vevey turbine remains as a backup during floods.
Location: Google Maps

Photo: estier.ch

VESENAZ

Vésenaz ChapelThe Vésenaz chapel was built between 1897 and 1898 by architect André Juvet, thanks to a donation from Mrs. Maracci-Moricand, benefactor of the Anières-Vésenaz parish.
It is a simple rectangular building topped with a bell tower.
Between 2006 and 2007, both interior and exterior restorations were carried out by architect Jean Zryd.
Location: Google Maps

VEYRIER

Berges de Vessy The Berges de Vessy was once a water pumping plant. It was operational for more than 120 years and closed down in the 1990s after being taken over by SIG in 1988.
Much restoration of the site has been carried out since then and various elements of the former plant have been preserved.
The site is now used for exhibitions, events, workshops and guided visits.
Location: Google Maps

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