Bellerive Castle

The construction of Bellerive Castle began in 1666 on several plots of land, some of which belonged to the Journal family and were part of the Bellerive fiefdom in the 15th and 16th centuries. Duke Charles Emmanuel II of Savoy acquired these parcels, covering an area of approximately 6,800 m², to build the castle there. This construction project concerned the Republic of Geneva, as it was perceived as a threat to its trade and sovereignty. In particular, the planned use as a salt warehouse and the possibility of building a port for warships led to a conflict. Geneva referred to the Treaty of Saint-Julien from 1603, which prohibited military constructions in this zone. The death of Charles Emmanuel II in 1675 defused the situation, and his successors assured Geneva of the building's civilian character. Of the originally planned six towers, only two were realized. In 1798, the castle, which had temporarily belonged to the French state domain, was sold to a private individual and has since served private purposes.