At a glance
Hours and prices checked on 21 October 2026 — always confirm on the official website before your visit.
Lausanne Cathedral
The cathedral was built in the 12th and 13th centuries and consecrated in 1275 in the presence of Pope Gregory X and Rudolf of Habsburg. It became Protestant at the Reformation in 1536 and was restored in the 19th century under Viollet-le-Duc.
Inside and out, it tells eight centuries of history: a unique painted portal from the 13th century, a symbolic rose window, polychrome decoration rediscovered in the 20th century and a grand organ inaugurated in 2003. From the tower, the view sweeps over the roofs of the Cité, Lake Geneva and the Alps.
Key dates
- 12th–13th c.
Construction of the Gothic cathedral on the hill of the Cité.
- 1275
Consecration in the presence of Pope Gregory X and Rudolf of Habsburg.
- 1536
The Reformation: the cathedral becomes Protestant.
- 19th c.
Major restoration directed by Viollet-le-Duc.
- 2003
Inauguration of the grand organ by Fisk, designed by Giugiaro.
The night watchman
For more than 600 years, a watchman has kept watch over the city from the cathedral tower. Every night from 10 pm to 2 am, he calls out the hour over the rooftops: “C’est le guet, il a sonné l’heure” — “This is the watch, the hour has struck”.
Once a lookout against fires, the guet is today one of the last such traditions in Europe and a beloved symbol of Lausanne. Listen from the Place de la Cathédrale on a quiet evening.
Did you know?
Plan your visit
Getting there
- From the Place de la Palud, climb the covered Escaliers du Marché (about 5 minutes).
- Metro m2, stop Bessières or Riponne-M. Béjart, then a short walk uphill.
- Bus 16, stop Pierre-Viret.
Our tips
- Until spring 2027 the rose window is hidden by restoration work in the south transept.
- Climb the tower late in the day for the best light over the lake.
- Visitors up to age 25 climb the tower for free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lausanne Cathedral free to visit?
Yes, entry to the cathedral is free. The tower costs CHF 6 for adults and is free up to age 25.
When can I hear the night watchman?
Every night between 10 pm and 2 am, on the hour, from the cathedral tower.
What are the opening hours?
Daily 9:00–17:30 from October to March and 9:00–19:00 from April to September.
Can I see the rose window?
The rose window and its stained glass are inaccessible until spring 2027 because of vault restoration in the south transept.
How do I get there?
Walk up the Escaliers du Marché from the Place de la Palud, or take metro m2 to Bessières.
Official sources
VisitLausanne.com is an independent guide. Information is provided for planning purposes; the official websites above are the reference.