Michael Servetus Monument in Geneva
1903 Servetus monument in Geneva erected by the City Council
to commemorate the 350th anniversary of his martyrdom.
It was erected as a reaction of members of protestant clergy
to the earlier suggestions postulated by the free thinkers
(Comité du Monument Michel Servet). During the unveiling,
Servetus was mentioned a few times and the focus was centered
on Calvin and his role in the Reformation, something that
was not appreciated by the free thinkers.
The monument is a simple carved bloc of granite with inscriptions
on both sides and placed on a discrete place in a tiny street
(that was named after him) next to the Plateau de Champel.
There is one inscription at the fron and the rear:
“On the 27 October, 1553, died at the stake in
Champel, Michael Servetus of Villeneuve of Aragon, born
on the 29 of September, 1511...Duteous and grateful followers
of Calvin our great Reformer, yet condemning an error which
was that of his age, and strongly attached to liberty of
conscience according to the true principles of his Reformation
and the Gospel, we have erected this expiratory monument.
Oct. 27, 1903”
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