Consider, if you will, a gift that keeps on giving. The Ariana Park is such a gift to Geneva. The City of Geneva initially made Ariana Park available to the League of Nations. Then, it was given to the United Nations for its offices. The UN can use it as long as the Organization exists.
Today we explore Ariana Park. It is one of Geneva’s largest and most prestigious parks. The Ariana Park spans 35 hectares. Its perimeter stretches 3.5 kilometers. From here, there is a spectacular view of Lake Geneva. You can also see Mont Blanc in the distance.
The park’s story begins with the Revilliod de Rive family. Gustave Revilliod, the last family descendant, bequeathed it to the City of Geneva. He named the estate “Ariana” in honor of his mother, Ariane de la Rive. Gustave had a special affection for Geneva. He requested his final resting place be an unmarked grave. This grave is in a grove of oak trees on his property. To this day, his sarcophagus rests there. It is tucked away within a hedge of common yew at the foot of an oak tree. You can find it behind the UN Library Geneva.
Ariana Park is more than just a green space. It is a haven for biodiversity. Over 800 species can be found here. Majestic trees stand over 100 years old. Plaques identify 120 of these trees. They show the country of origin plus the Latin and common names. A team of five gardeners maintains the park. They care for its alleys and plant the flower beds.
Keep an eye out for the peacocks roaming freely. Most of these birds were a gift from a zoo in Japan in 1997. Others came from India in the 1980s. The park gardeners feed and care for them.
The grounds house numerous villas. These include La Fenêtre built in 1820. There is also Le Bocage from 1823 and La Pelouse from 1853. In a discreet corner of Ariana Park stands a 400-year-old chalet. It was built in Montbovon in 1668. More than 200 years later it was transported to Geneva. It was part of the 1896 Swiss National Exhibition. The Gustave Revilliod Foundation bought the chalet at auction. They paid a rumored 50 Swiss Francs. The interior reveals inscriptions. These inscriptions were written in the 19th century Franco-Provençal dialect.
Many monuments dot the landscape. These monuments were gifts from Member States, private sponsors and artists. The “Celestial Sphere” commemorates the League of Nations’ 20th anniversary. It honors President Woodrow Wilson. “The Conquest of Space” hails man’s ventures in space. It was a gift from the Soviet Union. “The Great Centaur” expresses a thirst for freedom. It was a gift from the Russian Federation. “Family” is dedicated to childhood and parenting. It was created in commemoration of the UN International Year of the Child. “The Dispersal of Seeds, The Collection of Ashes” acknowledges the UN’s founding. “Rebirth” embodies the purpose and mission of the UN.
The Ariana Park is a living testament to Geneva’s history and international cooperation. It is a place for reflection, appreciation, and connection to nature. As you wander through this park, remember its origins. Think about the legacy of Gustave Revilliod. Consider the ongoing work of the United Nations. Let the beauty and tranquility of Ariana Park inspire you.