Hidden in plain sight on the Place de la Madeleine, between the city center’s bustling Rues Basses and the old town lies my favorite fountain in Geneva, the Water Ring. It is not pretty, it does not stand out (literally, it’s flat), it’s not even made out of noble materials. Viewed from close by, you realize that’s not the point anyways.

Its waters flow in a north to south direction. Engraved right next to the stream, is every single watercourse and body of water one would cross if one were to walk in a straight line away from the fountain, around the world and back to it.

When I take someone around Geneva for a tour, it is always one of my stops. If they enjoy useless trivia like I do, we stay a bit while they try and find their country on the list, if not, we just walk right by.

Its location, at the center of Geneva, which is itself at the center of the international and political world, welcoming residents and travelers from all around the world, is what makes this fountain a special place and a favorite of mine.