Maison Tavel
Genève
Maison Tavel, located in the heart of Geneva's Old Town, is the city's oldest preserved residential building, dating back to the 14th century. Originally constructed after a devastating fire in 1334 destroyed the previous structure, it was rebuilt as a fortified urban palace featuring two small corner turrets. Over the centuries, the building underwent significant architectural transformations, notably in the 17th century when the wealthy Calandrini family acquired it, removed one turret, and added larger windows to modernize the facade. The museum today houses exhibits that illustrate Geneva's urban history and everyday life from medieval times through the 19th century, including engravings, paintings, maps, models, furniture, and various artifacts from public collections. Archaeological excavations in the garden revealed remnants of an 11th-century tower and a 17th-century cistern, while the building's monumental vaulted cellars date back to the 13th century and survived the 1334 fire. The facade is adorned with ten Gothic stone sculptures of faces from 1334–1337, painted dark gray to reflect its 17th-century appearance. Maison Tavel’s rich architectural and historical layers make it a unique window into Geneva’s medieval and early modern urban development.
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Tip: Visit Maison Tavel during weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during special exhibitions. The museum offers discounts for students, seniors, and groups. The best time to visit is spring through early autumn when the garden and outdoor archaeological sites are accessible. Check the official website for temporary exhibitions and guided tours to enrich your visit.
Interesting facts
- •The Maison Tavel is the oldest private residential building still standing in Geneva.
- •The building features ten Gothic stone sculptures of faces dating from 1334 to 1337 on its facade.
- •Archaeological excavations uncovered Romanesque tower foundations from the 11th century in the garden, reaching depths of up to 10 meters.
- •The monumental cellars beneath the building date back to the 13th century and survived the great fire of 1334.
- •The facade is painted dark gray to replicate its 17th-century appearance after renovations by the Calandrini family.
History
Maison Tavel was originally built shortly after a major fire in 1334 that destroyed the previous house belonging to the noble Tavel family.
Constructed as a fortified urban palace with turrets, it exemplifies medieval civil architecture in Geneva.
In the 17th century, the Calandrini family acquired the house and transformed it by removing one turret and enlarging windows to adapt to changing tastes.
In 1923, the building was protected as a historic monument, and after decades of deterioration, the City of Geneva purchased and restored it between 1970 and 1986 under architect Antoine Galeras.
Since then, it has served as a museum dedicated to the urban history and daily life of Geneva’s inhabitants.
Place Guide
Medieval Vaulted Cellars13th century
These monumental cellars date back to the 13th century and survived the great fire of 1334. They showcase medieval construction techniques and provide insight into the building’s original foundations.
Gothic Stone Sculptures on Facade1334–1337
The ten stone faces decorating the facade were carved between 1334 and 1337, reflecting Gothic artistic styles of the period. Their dark gray paint replicates the 17th-century renovation aesthetic.
Archaeological Garden Site11th and 17th centuries
Excavations in the garden revealed remnants of an 11th-century Romanesque tower and a 17th-century cistern with a diameter of seven meters, offering a glimpse into the site’s long history.
Contact
Phone: 022 418 37 00
