Lausanne Cathedral of Notre-Dame, built between 1170 and 1275, towers over the old town with its Gothic architecture. Inside, you’ll discover a painted portal, a 13th-century rose window, carved choir stalls and a tower open to the public.
Religious buildings
Main highlights
- Medieval Gothic building constructed between 1170 and 1275, consecrated by Pope Gregory X
- Painted portal and rose window from the 13th century, with polychrome sculptures and glass medallions
- 232-step tower with a panoramic view of Lausanne, Lake Geneva and the Alps
Overview
Construction of the cathedral began in 1170 under Bishop Landri de Durnes. The work lasted more than a century. The building was consecrated in 1275 by Pope Gregory X, in the presence of Emperor Rudolf of Habsburg.
The architecture follows the early French Gothic style : pointed arches, rib vaults and external buttresses. The nave rises to 24 m. The Reformation of 1536 removed the altars and statues, giving the interior its present-day sobriety. Since the Middle Ages, a night watchman has called out the hours from the tower, a tradition maintained without interruption.
"*" indicates required fields
What to see and do
The painted portal of the south transept retains vivid colours on its sculptures and capitals, a rare glimpse of medieval polychromy. The 13th-century rose window of the south transept depicts the medieval image of the world, with the four elements, the seasons and the zodiac, across more than 105 glass medallions.
In the choir, the stalls carved in the early 14th century combine religious scenes with secular figures. Beneath the seats, the misericords feature a fantastical bestiary and scenes from everyday life. The organ has 6,700 pipes spread across four cases and incorporates elements of an 18th-century instrument.
You can climb the 232 steps of the tower up to the belfry gallery. The view takes in the rooftops of the old town, Lake Geneva and, on clear days, the Alps from Mont Blanc to Les Diablerets.
Practical information
Getting there : Place de la Cathédrale, in the old town. Take the m2 metro to Riponne-Maurice Béjart, then walk about ten minutes via the Escaliers du Marché.
Parking : few spaces nearby; the Riponne car park is the most convenient.
On site : guided tours in several languages, organ and sacred music concerts.
Visitors : the tower requires a good level of fitness, as the stairs are narrow.
Visiting tips
Come in the late afternoon, when the sun shines through the rose window and colours the pillars. On Sunday mornings, services limit visits. Respectful dress is required. For the tower, wear comfortable shoes and avoid the hottest hours in summer.
The cathedral is part of the Discover Lausanne on foot selection.
Nearby attractions
- The MHL Lausanne Historical Museum, in the former Bishop’s Palace, traces the city’s development over the centuries.
- Château St-Maire is a fortified episcopal residence from the early 15th century and the seat of the Cantonal Government.
- The Naturéum brings together the botany, geology and zoology of the canton of Vaud, between the Palais de Rumine and its gardens.
Report an error or complete the informations
Reviews about this place