Cathedral of Notre Dame of Lausanne
Cathédrale de Lausanne
Gothic majesty above the city.
About
The Lausanne Cathedral is Switzerland’s finest example of Gothic architecture and a landmark of national importance. Built in the 13th century, it towers above the Old Town and can be seen from across Lausanne. Inside, grand columns, stained glass, and a world-famous organ create a reverent atmosphere. From the tower, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and Lake Geneva.
Transport
Travel time
On foot from Lausanne center11–17 min.700 m
By car from Lausanne3 min.700 m
From the airport Bern · BRN1 h 33 min.79 km
On the map
Location
In detail
What's here
What is this place
Lausanne Cathedral (Notre-Dame) crowns the Cité hill above Lake Geneva – Switzerland’s foremost Gothic church, famed for its c. 1275 consecration, the 8-m south rose (Pierre d’Arras) and a living night-watch tradition.
Key features
- Consecrated 1275 – a milestone of High Gothic on the Swiss Plateau.
- South Rose – ~8 m, attributed to Pierre d’Arras (1220s–1230s), a “medieval cosmos” in glass.
- Painted Portal 1225/30–1235 – rare surviving polychrome sculpture, now glazed for protection.
- Night watchman calls the hours 22:00–02:00 every night – a tradition attested since 1405.
- Belfry climb – 224 steps to the lookout; key heights: belfry 67.5 m, lantern tower 79.6 m.
What to see
- The Painted Portal and the south Rose window.
- The 224-step belfry walk for full city–lake–Alps views.
- The 2003 C.B. Fisk great organ designed with Giugiaro, ~7,000+ pipes.
History
Works began around 1170; the cathedral was consecrated in 1275. The 13th century added its signature features – the south Rose by Pierre d’Arras and the polychrome side portal for pilgrims.
From 1405, a night watchman has guarded the city’s sleep and still calls the hours. After the 1536 Reformation the church became Reformed. In 1874–1879, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc led major restorations, including the lantern-tower crown.
In the 20th–21st centuries, the Painted Portal’s polychromy was conserved and glazed; in 2003, the unique C.B. Fisk organ – the first American organ in a European cathedral – was inaugurated.
Practical information
Location: Place de la Cathédrale (La Cité), Lausanne.
Getting there: Metro M2 to Bessières or Riponne–M. Béjart, then a 3–8-minute uphill walk.
Access: Free entry to the church; cobbles and steps inside. Belfry climb has no lift and limited accessibility.
Visiting hours: Cathedral – Apr–Sep 09:00–19:00, Oct–Mar 09:00–17:30. Belfry – Apr–Sep Mon–Sat 09:30–12:30 & 13:30–18:30, Sun 13:00–17:30; Oct–Mar Mon–Sat 09:30–12:30 & 13:30–17:00, Sun 14:00–17:00; last entry 30 min before closing.
Visit duration: 45–90 min for the church; up to 2 h with tower climb.
Best time: Morning for interiors and stained glass; sunset for tower views.
Notes: Tower – 224 steps; fees: adults CHF 5, students/AVS CHF 3, under-16 CHF 2; church entry free. Night watchman audible 22:00–02:00.
Nearby
