Château Saint-Maire — Lausanne
Attraction 07 / 20 · Castle · Built c. 1400–1430 · Seat of the Vaud government

Château Saint-Maire — the bishops’ castle

The fortified residence of the bishops of Lausanne at the top of the Cité — then the seat of the Bernese bailiffs and, since 1803, of the government of the canton of Vaud.

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Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Château Saint-Maire

At a glance

Where
Place du Château, 1002 Lausanne
Top of the Cité
Visits
Seen from the outside
Seat of the cantonal government
Tickets
Free (exterior)
Time to plan
15–30 minutes
Combine with the cathedral
Accessibility
Square accessible, cobbles
Best for
History · Architecture

Hours and prices checked on 21 October 2026 — always confirm on the official website before your visit.

Why go

Château Saint-Maire

The bishops of Lausanne built the castle between about 1400 and 1430 as their new residence, on the site farthest from the lower town. Bishop Guillaume de Challant (1406–1431), originally from the Aosta Valley, probably called on Italian masters for its brick defensive floor with crenellations and merlons.

After the Bernese conquest in 1536, the castle became the residence of the Bernese bailiff. Since 1803, the year the canton of Vaud joined the Swiss Confederation, it has housed the cantonal government.

History

Key dates

  1. c. 1400–1430

    The bishops build their new fortified residence.

  2. 1406–1431

    Bishop Guillaume de Challant, from the Aosta Valley.

  3. 1536

    Bernese conquest: the bailiff moves in.

  4. 1803

    The canton of Vaud is created; its government sits in the castle.

Power on the hill

Bishops, Bernese bailiffs, then the Vaud government: for six centuries, power in Lausanne has been exercised from this castle. Its massive stone base and its brick upper floor tell the story of a fortress built to protect the bishop as much from the townspeople as from enemies.

Stand on the Place du Château to see the castle together with the cathedral and the old roofs of the Cité.

Did you know?

c. 1400start of construction
1536the Bernese bailiff moves in
1803seat of the Vaud government
Brickthe Italian-style defensive floor
Château Saint-Maire

Plan your visit

Getting there

  • Metro m2, stop Bessières, then a short walk up to the Cité.
  • Bus 16, stop Pierre-Viret.

Our tips

  • The interior is the seat of the government and is not regularly open; enjoy the architecture from outside.
  • Visit together with the cathedral, 3 minutes away.
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Nearby attractions

Lausanne Cathedral01Lausanne Cathedral3 min on foot Palais de Rumine15Palais de Rumine3 min on foot Escaliers du Marché06Escaliers du Marché5 min on foot Place de la Palud05Place de la Palud5 min on foot

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit inside?

The castle houses the cantonal government and is not regularly open to the public.

When was it built?

Between about 1400 and 1430, by the bishops of Lausanne.

Why is the top in brick?

Bishop Guillaume de Challant probably called on Italian masters, who used brick for the defensive floor.

Who sits there today?

The government (Conseil d’État) of the canton of Vaud, since 1803.

How far is it from the cathedral?

A few minutes’ walk along the Cité.

Official sources

VisitLausanne.com is an independent guide. Information is provided for planning purposes; the official websites above are the reference.