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Church · Lausanne, Vaud
Cathédrale de Lausanne
Gothic cathedral atop the Cité, consecrated in 1275, with a 13th‑century rose window, a painted portal and a watchman who announces the hours from the tower every night — a tradition kept since 1405.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Cathédrale de Lausanne
The Cathédrale de Lausanne, dedicated to Notre‑Dame, stands on the top of the hill of the Cité, the oldest core of the city. Construction began around 1170 and progressed until the 13th century. In 1275 Pope Gregory X consecrated the building in the presence of King Rudolf I.
The style is Gothic, with a light‑stone interior. In the south transept is the rose window, which the medieval architect Villard de Honnecourt drew in his sketchbook around 1220–1230. On the south side, the painted portal preserves coloured figures, restored in the 20th century. With the Reformation in 1536, the cathedral passed to Protestant worship and the interior paintings were covered.
The organ, inaugurated in December 2003, has about 7,000 pipes and was built by the American firm Fisk. It combines classical, French symphonic, Baroque and German Romantic styles, and is used in concerts.
The cathedral preserves a cultural tradition of Lausanne: the guet, the watchman. Since 1405, without interruption, the city has kept a person in the bell tower. Every night, on the hour, between late night and dawn, the watchman shouts toward the four cardinal points the phrase 'It is the guet, the hour has struck', substituting the final word with the hour that has just sounded. The role originated to warn of fires and became a tradition.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 40 minutes to an hour; longer if there is an organ concert.
Best time
During the day, with light through the stained glass. To hear the guet, return to the cathedral square at night and wait for the hour.
How to get there
From Place de la Palud, climb the Escaliers du Marché to the cathedral square in about 10 minutes. The m2 metro stops at Bessières station, a few steps away.
Tip
The watchman's cry is brief and comes from high in the tower: keep silent in the square near the hour. On leaving, the terrace beside the cathedral offers views over the rooftops and the lake.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cathédrale de Lausanne
What is the guet of Lausanne Cathedral?
He is the night watchman of the tower. Since 1405 he has announced aloud, on the hour throughout the night, that the bell has sounded, facing the four cardinal points.
Is Lausanne Cathedral Catholic?
It was built as a Catholic cathedral, but passed to Protestant worship with the Reformation in 1536.
How long does a visit to the cathedral take?
About 40 minutes to an hour for the interior, the rose window and the painted portal.
Is it possible to walk from the center?
Yes. From Place de la Palud, the Escaliers du Marché lead up to the cathedral in about a 10-minute climb.