Were you passing by, and wondering what this grand old building was? Also known as the Basilica Notre-Dame of Geneva, this church functions as the main Roman Catholic church in Geneva thanks to its status as a basilica. This means that it is an especially large and important Catholic church, with special ceremonial rights accorded by the Pope, and has become a spiritual destination for Catholics around the globe. The one in Geneva is done beautifully in the neo-Gothic style, with characteristic high arches and towers framing the front of the church. The basilica has a remarkable history of unrest, as it was occupied by an anti-clerical government during the late 19th century before subsequently being closed, with several protests against Roman Catholics following. This only served to stoke the Catholics’ devotion to their church however, and in the 20th century the building was bought by the Catholic church. Today, this building is well-cherished and beloved of its local Catholic population, and open to the public as a witness of Geneva’s history. Whether you are a lover of art or history or simply a curious admirer, the basilica is sure to leave you in awe of what it represents.