If you go to the city of Geneva, your visit is incomplete without a trip to Place du Bourg-de-Four, the oldest square in the city’s old quarter. It has been about since the Roman Empire and it’s a hub for all commercial activities as well as a meeting point for the individuals from the city, just like it used to be during the Roman era. The square was the house for a Roman forum and even the marketplace for purchasing and selling cattle. Later, it became the town square in the medieval era. The square has offered protection to Protestant refugees who were running away in the sixteenth century from religious persecution. These days, the ancient roads that led to different towns and cities like Lyon Chablais and Annecy are but forgotten ruins buried within the heart of the square.
Nevertheless, Location du Bourg-de-Four is not just a town square any longer. The Palais de Justice was built in the early eighteenth century However, prior to becoming the center of the judiciary, Palais de Justice offered protection to the Order of St. Claire and also served as a hospital until the middle of the nineteenth century. It was then converted to the building that housed the courts of law of the city of Geneva.The square that’s located at the intersection of four streets boasts of fantastic architecture ranging from the sixteenth century to the eighteenth century. You can also see the eighteenth century fountain here around which the locals love to sit and idle away free time.
In addition, you are just within minutes of the numerous cafés that are located all close to the square and have some delicious mouthwatering coffee and other treats. Or you can just relax and take in the peaceful atmosphere of this quaint yet charming location in the heart of a busy city. If that isn’t your style, you can go to the nearby art galleries, book shops, souvenir shops and antiquaries. Within the evening, the location gets crowded with individuals coming to meet their friends and family at the numerous bistros, cafes and pubs dotting the square. The hospitality from the staff in these eateries and pubs is exceptional.