Cathedral of Notre Dame of Lausanne

Cathédrale de Lausanne

Gothic majesty above the city.

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

How to Get There

Ways to get to the attraction

On foot from Lausanne center 11-17 min.

From Montreux by car ~34 min.

From Geneva by car ~56 min.

From BRN airport (Bern) by car ~1 h 33 min.

From SIR airport (Sion) by car ~1 h 5 min.

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Attraction

Description

Detailed information about the attraction

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.

Tours