Lausanne Cathedral
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Lausanne
One of Switzerland's most important Gothic buildings. Climb the tower for views over the city and Lake Geneva, and enjoy a living tradition of night watchmen calling out the hours.
Lausanne Cathedral was built in the 12th and 13th centuries and is Switzerland's most magnificent early Gothic church. Its south portal, the 'Door of Paintings,' retains painted sculpture, and the rose window is original 13th-century work. Climbing the bell tower, about 75 m high, costs about CHF 5 and offers views over the old town, the lake, and the Alps on the far shore. Since 1405, every night from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., a watchman has called out from the tower at each hour, announcing that 'all is well' to the four directions. The cathedral is free to enter. Take the M2 metro to Bessières or Riponne, then walk.
Opening hours
About 09:00–19:00 (until 17:30 in winter)
Nearby sights
- Musée Historique de Lausanne
- Escaliers du Marché
- Palais de Rumine
- Château Saint-Maire
- Place de la Palud
- Église Saint-François
- Fondation de l'Hermitage
- Le Flon