Auditoire de Calvin (Calvin Auditorium), Geneva

The Calvin Auditorium, originally named Notre-Dame-la-Neuve Chapel and known in French as Auditoire de Calvin, is a chapel with a pivotal role in the Protestant Reformation. It's notably linked with figures like Jean Calvin, Theodore Beza, and John Knox.

Located next to Saint Pierre Cathedral at Place de la Taconnerie, this simple Gothic structure was built in the 15th century, replacing a 5th-century temple, and was first dedicated to Notre Dame la Neuve.

Starting in 1536, during Geneva's Reformation, it became a lecture hall where Jean Calvin taught his reformation ideas. Bible studies were held here at 7 AM daily. In 1559, it was the first location for the University of Geneva. After Geneva embraced the Reformation, it turned into a sanctuary for Protestant refugees from Europe, who were allowed to worship here in their languages.

The church was also a refuge for the Scottish reformer John Knox in the 1550s. During his exile in Geneva, he led an English-speaking congregation and developed key ideas for the Scottish Reformation. It later became a meeting place for various Protestant refugee groups, including Italian Waldensians, Dutch Reformed, and Scottish Presbyterians. Consequently, it's regarded by many Reformed churches globally as a foundation of their faith.

Today, in line with Calvin's traditions, this Protestant chapel continues to hold services in multiple languages including French, English, Dutch, German, Italian, and Latin. It serves as the primary place of worship for the Italian Reformed Church and the Church of Scotland every Sunday.