THE OLD ARSENAL IN GENEVA - SWITZERLAND

Today we’re going to tell you how our K08 slate is playing a part in the restoration of a building that has been declared a cultural asset in Geneva – Switzerland: the headquarters of the State Archives.

A brief history

The building currently houses the archives of the State of Geneva and dates back to the Middle Ages. Located in the Old Town, it is known as the Ancien Arsenal.

The first public market hall was built on this site in 1470, with a covered area for the market, an attic, and three cellars or storerooms, and a cabaret for a time too, until 1513. In 1626, reconstruction began with a view to extending the building. In 1630, the access staircase and arcades were built. 1632-1633: construction of the two interior levels and the roof1.

Under its arcades, five period cannons are on display, and the walls feature three frescoes depicting key periods in the city’s history: the arrival of Julius Caesar in 58 BC, the Fairs of the Middle Ages and the reception of Huguenot refugees after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes.

The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes was signed on 18 October 1685 at Fontainebleau by King Louis XIV, who proclaimed the Catholic faith to be the only authorised religion in France. Calvinist and Lutheran Protestants, known as “Huguenots”, were forced to flee to Geneva, among other places.

During the historic Escalade festival, vegetable soup is sold in commemorative bowls, an event celebrated every year to commemorate Geneva’s victory over the Duke of Savoy’s troops on the night of 11-12 December 1602.
From 1720 until 1877, the building was used as an arsenal, a gun storehouse and even a “Historical Museum”, displaying a collection of antique weapons.

In 1890, restoration work was carried out throughout the building.

In 1923, the former arsenal was converted into a repository for the State archives.

The project

The Cerutti roofing company chose our K08 STAR 5 mm slate for the restoration of the building’s roof. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for their confidence.