Perched on a hill in the heart of Lausanne, Lausanne Cathedral, also referred to as Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Lausanne, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture that dominates the cityscape, its soaring towers drawing the eye from all directions. The cathedral was originally built as a Catholic church but became a Protestant place of worship following the Reformation in 1536.
The exterior of Lausanne Cathedral is marked by its two towers, though only one, the belfry, was completed to its planned height. The belfry's old spire was replaced after a fire caused by lightning in 1674. Starting 1874, the cathedral underwent restoration work led by the French architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. It is then that the lantern tower received its current spire with a height of almost 80 meters, replacing the old spire which had been built by Henri Perregaux between of 1825 and 1827, probably saving it from collapse.
Cathédrale de Lausanne at sunrise
Cathédrale de Lausanne at sunset
Construction of Lausanne Cathedral began in 1170, with Jean Cotereel serving as the principal architect in the 13th century. The cathedral was consecrated in 1275 by Pope Gregory X and Lausanne Cathedral will hence celebrate its 750th anniversary in 2025. Spanning nearly 100 meters in length and boasting an interior height of 42 meters, Lausanne Cathedral is an imposing and majestic example of Gothic architecture.
Cathédrale de Lausanne - nave
Cathédrale de Lausanne - ceiling
The stained glass windows of the rose of Lausanne were made between 1205 and 1232, most probably by Pierre d'Arras.
Stained glass windows of the rose of Lausanne
Today's entrance, the portail Montfalcon was rebuilt several times. The version we see now is the work of sculptor Raphaël Lugeon, realised between 1894 and 1909.
Portail Montfalcon
Portail Montfalcon - interior
Portail Montfalcon during Lausanne Lumières
The portail peint (painted portal) was built in the 13th century. Until 1515, it was used as the main entrance. After the reformation it was covered with whitewash. These days, for conservation reasons, it is protected by glass windows.
Portail paint, Cathédrale de Lausanne
Its tower has one of the best views over Lausanne. Lausanne is also one of the few cities that has maintained the tradition of a lookout (guet de la cathédrale). Since 1405 without interruption until today the official lookout announces the time from 10 pm to 2 am.
Cathédrale de Lausanne - view from the tower
In February 2019, Renato Häusler, the Cathedral lookout, illuminated the interior using 3700 candles !
