The Geneva Fountain


The Geneva fountain, or the Jet d'Eau, is located in Geneva and today it is not only the main symbol of the city, but all of Switzerland . Few tourists, and local residents know that originally the fountain performed an important function to provide the city with electricity. Much later, the city authorities decided to reconstruct the structure. Thus appeared the Geneva Fountain - one of the most magnificent sights of the city, which attracts tourists.

History of the largest fountain in Geneva

Jet d'Eau is the largest fountain in Geneva. Its history begins at the end of the eighteenth century, when the fountain was built and put into operation in addition to a hydraulic factory. In those days the fountain was small, its height barely reached 30 meters, but despite this, it quickly became a favorite place for lovers, newly mums and their children, elderly residents of the city. In 1891, the municipal council of Geneva is seeking funds for illuminating the fountain, from which it becomes more beautiful than it was before. After a very short time, the attraction was moved to another part of the city to the area of ​​Oviv quarter, to the shore of Lake Geneva . This transformation did not end, the power of the water jet increased to 90 meters, and the design of the adjacent territory changed. Since then, the Geneva Fountain has been operating smoothly and pleases everyone who lives or is in Geneva.

Last decade, the fountain works daily, except for rainy days with a negative temperature or strong gusts of wind, when it can be dangerous to others.

Fountain Features

  1. The wind and sunlight help the flow of a jet to change shape and color.
  2. Observe the movement of water can be without end, because its sculptures are unique.
  3. Depending on the refraction of the sun's rays, the water in the fountain can be painted in various colors and shades from pink to silver-blue.
  4. Water takes different forms, depending on the weather conditions it can be a pole or a fan of spray.
  5. Thanks to the technical equipment, the water in the fountain is saturated with air, which gives it a pleasant white color. The water in the lake is brown.

Fountain in our days

Fontana Zhe Do in Geneva - the main center of political and cultural life of the city and country. For example, in 2010, a charity campaign against breast cancer was organized here. Every year, the Geneva Fountain in Switzerland becomes the venue for water tasting events from the lake. All funds raised during this festival are transferred to Kenya, whose residents are experiencing an acute shortage of drinking water. Each celebration is accompanied by excursions, introducing the inner structure of the fountain.

Today the Jet d'Eau has become even more majestic. The height of the water column of the Geneva fountain is 147 meters, and the speed at which water moves may reach 200 kilometers per hour. In every second, two powerful pumps pump up to 500 liters of water. The mass of water taking off into the air reaches 7000 kg, a small drop returns to the lake after 16 seconds of flight. The height of the jet of the Geneva fountain could be further increased, but these changes would adversely affect the flora and fauna of the lake, so the municipality decided not to take risks.

To the tourist on a note

The Geneva fountain is visible from every corner of the city, so it can be used as a landmark if you have lost your way. There is a fountain on the promenade quay near the English park and if you are staying in one of the hotels in the Old Town, you can walk to the destination. Tourists living on the opposite shore of the lake can use the services of local transport - plying boats. The ticket will cost 2 euros.

Fontana Zhe Do in Switzerland works around the clock, but you can enjoy the beauty of its illumination and illumination in full only at night, so plan your day to catch everything and admire one of the greatest structures of our time.