The Turrettini family originally came from the town of Lucca in Tuscany. They found refuge in Geneva at the time of the Reformation in 1575. Their name glittered on several occasions, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries thanks to Jean-Alphonse (1671-1737), pastor and theology professor at the Academy, who adapted Calvin’s philosophies to the age of enlightenment.

Open minded and tolerant, he promoted theological dialogue between philosophers and the new sciences and he tried to bring closer together the various Protestant churches.

The Turrettini family distinguished itself once again at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, thanks to Théodore (1845-1916), a natural engineer. Director of the Geneva Society of Physics Instruments, he was president of the 1896 National Exhibition committee. Geneva owes this man, who became member of the Great Council and National Councillor, Forces Motrices Plant (Usine des forces motrices) and the Coulouvrenière Bridge.

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