Place du Bourg-de-Four (Bourg-de-Four Square), Geneva (must see)

The name of this square—sounding official enough—is the French translation of the Latin term "Forum of the Burgundians.” This, in turn, is a nod to a long-gone royal presence—specifically the Castle of Gomdebaud, the Burgundian king, who died in 516. Back then, this was the place for markets and fairs. Livestock, trade, noise, negotiations... Today, it's still busy as a tourist magnet—with the cattle presently replaced by cappuccinos and camera phones...

Now, here’s where things get visually interesting. Unlike most classic European squares, having a wide-open space, the Burgundians' Forum refuses to play by the rules. It narrows in the middle like an hourglass, as if the city couldn’t quite decide how much space to afford it. On the north side, it is dominated by the rather serious-looking Palace of Justice, before the space splits into two streets—Fountain Street and Verdaine Street—with a Lutheran church quietly tucked in between, like it’s keeping an eye on both directions.

The south side looks more like a city square. The marble fountain at the center and surrounding buildings form a harmonious grouping, bordering a small, tree-lined promenade. Just beyond that, a tiny “placette” square—blink, and you might miss it—marks the start of Town Hall Street, and is part of the charm...

Standing by the fountain and turning east, you’ll spot the Palace of Justice again. Shift your gaze, and there’s Saint Peter’s Cathedral—Geneva’s largest church—watching over the square like it’s seen this whole transformation before. Around you, the edges are lined with gelaterias, cafés, bookshops, galleries, bars, and bistros. Quite a change for a place that once specialized in cattle...

Another point of interest is what's loosely translated as the “Chicken Coop Walkway,” which is already a clue. It’s a narrow staircase—67 steps—leading up toward Saint Peter's Cathedral. Just wide enough, as the saying goes, for two chickens to walk side by side. Humans manage, too, but it’s a close call...