The Gothic cathedral of Lausanne

The Gothic cathedral of Lausanne is one of the most important spiritual sites in French-speaking Switzerland and is internationally renowned.

Flashback. In the 4th century, invasions forced the inhabitants of Lausanne to retreat to the steep hillside of the Cité district. The bishop of the diocese, who reigned for a thousand years, chose to settle on this summit. The Gothic cathedral was consecrated in 1275, testifying to the bishop's golden age.

In 1536, during the Reformation, the cathedral underwent a number of changes, including the addition of a new liturgical space in the nave. The building was then restored several times, including one change under the direction of the French architect Eugène Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc.

Inside, paintings in the chapel of the Virgin can still be seen, as can the statuary in the portal, which dates back to 1225. Originally, there were two portals and one bay. The main entrance was through the south portal, which can still be seen today and is beautifully painted. The second portal gave access to a sort of vestibule that opened onto the large bay. This was closed following a decision by Bishop Aymon de Montfalcon. The painted and restored portal has been under high protection since 2007 thanks to UV protection glass.

Finally, the rose is the church's little treasure, with its stained glass windows depicting medieval history in the world around God the Creator.

In 1825, more than forty wooden stalls fell victim to a fire in the lantern tower. Today, only ten stalls can be admired on display in the belfry. They have been restored and still reveal details such as hand rests in the shape of dog heads and bas-reliefs depicting the fight between David and Goliath.

During the Middle Ages, this place of worship attracted more than 70,000 pilgrims a year. This tradition came to an end when the cathedral became Protestant in 1536.

During the Middle Ages, the lookout signalled the start of fires. Today, everything has been modernised, but at the very top of the cathedral, the lookout is still there, under his nori hat and lit by a lantern... Every evening from 10pm to 2am, he shouts out the hours to the inhabitants from the Belfry tower. His name is Renato Hausler and for the last 21 years he has been carrying on this 6,000-year-old tradition.

You can accompany the lookout on its nightly tour and enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the city by night. These free tours are for groups of no more than six people, between 9.30pm and midnight. Bookings can be made directly on site.

The cathedral's new organs were inaugurated in December 2003. The organs are unlike any others, juxtaposing four different styles: classical, French symphonic, baroque and German romantic. Technically, these new organs offer an incredible musical prowess. They have two consoles, six manuals and a pedalboard. This organ is also the first to have been designed by a designer, and required more than 150,000 hours of work. It is also the first time that an instrument has been built by an American organ manufacturer in a European cathedral. The work cost more than six million Swiss francs.

It is possible to visit the organs on request or to organise a private recital. Concerts are held throughout the year, particularly on religious festivals and on Friday evenings during the summer months.

The church receives around 480,000 visitors a year. More than 10 orchestral concerts are given each year, and around 25 organ concerts are organised. From July to September, there are 4 free guided tours a day.