Old Arsenal

The Old Arsenal

The Geneva audio-guided tour presents you with the Old Arsenal, witness of the rich past of the city, whose cannons recall the time when Geneva had to defend itself.

From covered market to military depot

The building has existed since the fifteenth century; it was first raised to cover the market that had been held there since Roman times. In the sixteenth century, it became a grain store, to which were added the arcades still visible today. Then, in the eighteenth century, the building was transformed into a military depot, allowing Geneva to defend its strategic position. It kept this function until 1877, before housing the State Archives, still present. Under the arcades, five period cannons recall those that protected the city from the ramparts, while at the back, frescoes signed by Alexandre Cingria tell the history of Geneva. A true monument, the Old Arsenal bears witness to the defensive and commercial past of the city, in the heart of the old town.

What there is to see

The Old Arsenal is distinguished by its arcades, its five period cannons and the frescoes by Alexandre Cingria retracing the history of Geneva. A former market, granary then military depot, it condenses several centuries of urban history. It is an evocative stage, a stone's throw from the Town Hall and the cathedral.

Practical information

The Old Arsenal is in the heart of the old town of Geneva, near the Town Hall. Its arcades, cannons and frescoes can be discovered freely from the street, at all hours.

What were the functions of the Old Arsenal?

Covered market, then grain store, then military depot, before housing the State Archives of Geneva.

What does one see under the arcades?

Five period cannons and, at the back, the frescoes by Alexandre Cingria that tell the history of Geneva.