Virtuoso Insights - October/November 2008 - (Page 16) sPotlight geneva switZeRlanD what it iS capital of the Republic of the same name, geneva is switzerland’s second most-populous city (after Zurich). why it’S important called the “city of Peace,” geneva serves as headquarters for some 200 international organizations, including both the united nations and the Red cross. in addition, the geneva conventions — adopted here between 1864 and 1949 — set the standards for the treatment of prisoners of war and other humanitarian concerns. geneva is also one of the world’s most important financial centers — the very concept of private banking was born here, and federal law dictates that a person’s financial information be kept strictly confidential. the world capital of watchmaking, the city established the first-ever watchmakers’ guild in 1601, and also created the first free, compulsory public school in 1536. according to Mercer’s 2008 Quality of living survey, geneva is the second most-livable city in the world, just behind Zurich. what to do thErE ideally located on the banks of its namesake lake between the alps and the Jura mountains, geneva offers outdoor enthusiasts everything from sailing, golf, and hiking in the summer months to skiing, snowboarding, and ice-skating during the winter. those seeking cultural enlightenment find exceptional opera, theater, and ballet, along with a wide array of notable art galleries and museums. Music fans flock here each June for the Music festival, while the annual geneva festival in august — featuring live performances, artisans at work, a food fair, and more — is switzerland’s biggest tourist event. for a true genevan experience, be here on the first saturday of December when old town erupts in revelry for fête de l’escalade, which celebrates the city’s 1602 defeat of the Duke of savoy’s invading soldiers. whEn to go that depends upon your personal interests. summer temperatures average a comfortable 73 degrees fahrenheit, while winter months average between 32 and 45 — perfect for snow sports. 16 Virtuoso insights
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