Brunswick Monument
Genève
The Brunswick Monument, located on the Quai du Mont-Blanc in Geneva, is a grand mausoleum built in 1879 to commemorate Charles II, Duke of Brunswick. The Duke bequeathed his entire fortune to the city of Geneva on the condition that a mausoleum be constructed in his honor, modeled after the 14th-century Scaliger Tombs in Verona, Italy. Designed by Swiss architect Jean Franel, the monument features a three-story white marble hexagonal canopy over a sarcophagus bearing a recumbent statue of the Duke. The structure is adorned with marble statues of six notable ancestors of the House of Guelph at its corners, created by various prominent sculptors. Originally, a bronze equestrian statue of Duke William crowned the spire, but it was removed due to structural concerns and now stands on a plinth adjacent to the monument. The monument is set on a large platform guarded by marble chimeras and lions sculpted by Auguste Cain. The Duke's legacy also funded significant public buildings in Geneva, including the Grand Théâtre de Genève, which opened the same year the monument was unveiled. The Brunswick Monument remains a symbol of the Duke's complex legacy, combining artistic grandeur with historical significance in Geneva's urban landscape.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Brunswick Monument is during the warmer months when the Jardin des Alpes park surrounding it is most pleasant. Visitors should consider exploring the monument alongside a walk along the scenic Quai du Mont-Blanc for panoramic views of Lake Geneva. While entry to the monument area is free, guided tours or audio guides about the monument's history may enrich the experience. No advance ticket purchase is necessary, but checking local opening hours and any special events is recommended. Discounts may be available for students or seniors at associated cultural sites nearby.
Interesting facts
- •The Brunswick Monument is a replica of the 14th-century Scaliger Tombs in Verona, Italy.
- •The monument features marble statues of six notable ancestors of the House of Guelph.
- •The original bronze equestrian statue atop the spire was removed due to earthquake damage and structural concerns and relocated to a nearby plinth.
- •The Duke of Brunswick left a fortune of 24 million Swiss Francs to Geneva, funding the monument and other public buildings such as the Grand Théâtre de Genève.
- •The monument is guarded by marble chimeras and lions sculpted by Auguste Cain.
History
Charles II became Duke of Brunswick at age 10 but was forced to flee due to political conflicts and an uprising in 1830.
After unsuccessful attempts to reclaim his throne, he lived in exile, eventually settling in Geneva, where he died in 1873 without direct heirs.
In his will, he left his fortune to Geneva with the stipulation that a mausoleum be built in a prominent location, modeled after the Scaliger Tombs in Verona.
The city agreed and commissioned Jean Franel to design the monument, which was completed and inaugurated in 1879.
The original equestrian statue was removed in 1883 due to earthquake damage and structural concerns, and the monument's spire was modified in 1890.
The Duke's legacy also funded major public works, including the Grand Théâtre de Genève.
Place Guide
Sarcophagus and Recumbent Statue of Duke Charles II1879
Located on the third floor of the hexagonal canopy, the sarcophagus holds the Duke's remains and is adorned with a lifelike statue depicting him at rest, surrounded by four angels sculpted by Charles Iguel.
Marble Statues of the Duke's Ancestors1879
At the projecting corners of the monument stand six marble statues of notable ancestors from the House of Guelph, created by various artists including Alexandre Schoenwerk, Thomas Millet, and Richard Kissling, representing prominent historical figures such as Henry the Lion and Frederick William.
Marble Chimeras and Lions1879
Guarding the platform of the monument are marble chimeras and lions sculpted by Auguste Cain, adding a mythological and protective aura to the site.
Equestrian Statue of Duke William1879
Originally mounted atop the monument's spire, this bronze statue by Auguste Cain was removed in 1883 due to earthquake damage and structural instability and now stands on a plinth adjacent to the monument near the Beau-Rivage hotel.
Contact
Phone: 022 909 70 00
