Lausanne Cathedral, officially the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Lausanne, stands on the hill of the old town above Lake Geneva. Construction began around 1170, and the building was consecrated in 1275. It is considered the most important Gothic cathedral in Switzerland. The main church is free to enter. Inside, you can see a 13th-century rose window, vaulted ceilings and one of the country's largest organs. Climb the 224 steps to the belfry for views over the rooftops, the lake and the Alps, and listen for the night watchman who calls the hours from the tower.
From 1170 to the Reformation
Construction of the cathedral began around 1170. The first builder is said to have used Roman materials for the early work. The consecration in 1275 involved both Emperor Rudolph of Habsburg and Pope Gregory X.
The church was Catholic until the Reformation. In 1536 it became a Protestant church, and the altars, statues and paintings were removed from the interior. Restoration work in the 19th and 20th centuries brought back some of the stained glass.
Inside the cathedral
The rose window dates from the 13th century. Next to it, the painted portal and the 13th-century choir stalls are worth a slow look. Ancient and modern stained glass sit in the same building, so you can compare medieval glass with later work. The vaulted ceilings are high, and the interior feels calm.
The organ is one of the largest in Switzerland. It weighs about 40 tonnes and has around 7,000 pipes. If someone is playing when you visit, the sound fills the whole space. Seven bells ring on the hour, and a side area holds coloured statues where you can sit quietly. The tomb of an ancient knight is also inside.
Look at the stonework outside as well as the interior. The exterior details are part of the building's Gothic character, and both are worth taking time over.
The climb and the views
The belfry is reached by 224 steps. The old wooden Escaliers du Marché, a covered staircase, leads up to the cathedral from the lower town, so the walk is part of the visit. Climbing the tower and the terrace is a paid entry.
From the top, the view covers the rooftops of the old town, Lake Geneva and the Alps. The square in front of the cathedral overlooks the town and the lake, and you can enjoy that view without climbing. At night the cathedral façade is lit, and the town below looks good from the square.
The entrance is wheelchair accessible, and there is a wheelchair accessible parking lot.
The night watch
Since 1405, a watchman has called out the hours from the cathedral tower between 10pm and 2am. The custom is known as Le Guet de Lausanne. The first watchmen were fire lookouts, from the time when most houses in Lausanne were built of wood. Six hundred years later, the call still tells residents that all is well.
A working church
The cathedral is still used for services, including Sunday church services. Visitors can sit quietly in the side areas, and the building draws more than 400,000 visitors each year, so quiet behaviour helps everyone. Dress modestly when going inside, as you would in any place of worship.
If you walk the Camino de Santiago through Switzerland, you can get your pilgrim passport stamped here.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee for Lausanne Cathedral?
Entry to the main cathedral is free, and donations are welcome. Climbing the tower to the terrace is a paid entry.
How many steps are there to the top?
The climb to the belfry has 224 steps. The old covered wooden Escaliers du Marché leads up to the cathedral from the lower town.
Is Lausanne Cathedral wheelchair accessible?
The entrance is wheelchair accessible, and there is a wheelchair accessible parking lot.
What is the night watch at Lausanne Cathedral?
Since 1405, a watchman has called out the hours from the tower between 10pm and 2am. The custom is known as Le Guet de Lausanne.
Is Lausanne Cathedral still used for services?
Yes. The cathedral is still used for services, including Sunday church services.
