Sion Cathedral of Notre-Dame is the youngest medieval cathedral in Switzerland, built in the 15th century in the heart of the old town. Inside and out, you can discover a carved Gothic portal, 19th-century stained glass, a 17th-century pulpit and an organ from 1786.
Religious buildings
Main highlights
- Late Gothic cathedral from the 15th century, seat of the bishop and parish church of Sion
- Carved Gothic portal and 19th-century stained glass windows that bathe the nave in coloured light
- 1786 organ by the Carlen organ builders of Reckingen, in a building that has had an organ since 1370
Overview
Sion Cathedral of Notre-Dame was built in the 15th century, after two earlier cathedrals on the same site had been destroyed. It belongs to the Cathedral Chapter, founded in 1043. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it is also known as Notre-Dame du Glarier, named after the alluvial ground of the Rhône plain on which it stands.
Its late Gothic architecture heralds the Renaissance while retaining Romanesque elements from the earlier buildings. The cathedral has a dual role : it is the episcopal church, seat of the Bishop of the Diocese of Sion, and the church of the cathedral parish.
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What to see and do
Outside, the façade is centred on a richly ornamented carved Gothic portal. Among the figures, you can spot Saint Mary Magdalene with her ointment jar and Saint Anne holding the young Jesus and Mary.
Inside, 19th-century stained glass windows fill the space with coloured light. The carved wooden pulpit dates from 1622 to 1626, with a wrought-iron staircase railing from 1633. The stucco gallery bears the coats of arms of Prince-Bishop Frédéric Ambuel and of the Chapter, dated 1780. The cathedral has had an organ since 1370; the current instrument was built in 1786 by the Carlen dynasty of Reckingen, whose best-known organ builder was Félix Carlen (1734-1816).
Beneath the choir, the crypt preserves remains of the earlier buildings and shows a video about the cathedral’s stained glass.
Practical information
Getting there : the cathedral is in Sion’s old town, within walking distance of the train station.
On site : self-guided visits, with public parking near the Place de la Cathédrale.
Ideal for : lovers of architecture, religious art and organ music.
Services : the cathedral remains a place of worship where religious services are held.
Visiting tips
Take time to look at the portal, capitals and frescoes before going in, then head down to the crypt to understand how the site has evolved. If you get the chance, an organ concert lets you hear the instrument in its setting. Please be discreet during services.
Nearby attractions
- The Valère Basilica is a fortified 12th-century basilica that houses the oldest playable organ in the world.
- Tourbillon Castle, the former residence of the Bishops of Sion, offers a panoramic view over the town from its ruins.
- The Valais Art Museum displays the art collection of the Canton of Valais in a historic setting in the old town.
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