The story of Geneva’s Jet d’Eau

Geneva's iconic Jet d'Eau boasts a surprising backstory. Built in 1886, it wasn't meant to be a landmark, but a solution to an engineering challenge.

Fueled by a growing population and booming industry, Geneva relied on a hydraulic plant harnessing the power of the Rhone River. However, at night when workshops closed, excess pressure built up in the system, threatening to damage the delicate machinery. Enterprising engineers devised a clever solution: a safety valve. This ingenious invention released the pressure, creating a majestic jet of water that surprisingly became the city's beloved symbol. Interestingly, the original jet, a mere 30 meters tall, only erupted in the evenings from one side of the plant. Over time, the jet evolved into the awe-inspiring landmark we know today, a testament to both human ingenuity and the unexpected beauty that can emerge from practical solutions.