Lausanne Cathedral image

Lausanne Cathedral

Tourist attraction Catholic church Cathedral Protestant church

One of the Best Places To Visits in Lausanne


Address

Pl. de la Cathédrale 1, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland

Website

www.cathedrale-lausanne.ch

Contact

+41 21 316 71 61

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (5.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 7 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 7 PM
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 7 PM
  • Friday: 9 AM to 7 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 7 PM
  • Sunday: 9 AM to 7 PM
  • Monday: 9 AM to 7 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: cathedral (25) view (19) Lausanne (15) glass (15) stained (14) visit (12) beautiful (12) city (12) architecture (10) Cathedral (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Victor L. 2 years ago on Google
    A must visit in Lausanne considering it’s free entry. An ancient church with a grand atmosphere. There is a counter in the church and you can make a payment of chf 5 to use the staircase up to the rooftop where the bell is and strike the bell. There is a panoramic view at the rooftop as well! Breathe taking view.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Patrick B. 11 months ago on Google • 242 reviews
    A mesmerizing masterpiece. Its soaring ceilings, intricate stained glass, and serene ambiance create an awe-inspiring atmosphere. Don't miss the breathtaking rose window and the panoramic view from the tower. The pipe organ is also also an interesting discovery. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast or seeking a moment of tranquility, this cathedral is a must-visit gem.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joe E. 2 years ago on Google
    It's rare to literally see the various centuries it took to construct a building, but you can see all nine(!) centuries in the truly historic Lausanne Cathedral. The ancient tombs, the wildly differing stained glass windows, and the spectacular views from the belfry are the main draws here. Make sure to take the bus/tram, though, as the streets are steep enough to give San Francisco a run for their money.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Catherine H. 2 years ago on Google
    We visited Lausanne on a day trip from Geneva. I read that this is Switzerland’s largest church and the finest. It was very impressive and glad we had a chance to visit it before they closed for the day.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sabine M. 7 months ago on Google • 122 reviews
    Beautiful cathedral. Worth a visit. Often they have concerts at night. During the day you can often catch someone practicing the organ. If it is a beautiful day get a ticket to climb the stairs and go see the views from the top and also you can see where the guet (“cryer”)stays at night. The guet has been calling out the hours from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., 365 days a year from the tower of the cathedral. It is at least a 600 year-old tradition.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Serene D. 7 months ago on Google • 197 reviews
    A visit to the cathedral allows one to view the city from up there too (without necessarily climbing the Belfry). Charming building with beautiful stained glass windows.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Morgul V. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing architecture. Incredible stained glass. Most of the building is open to visit. Nice outside picnic area with an amazing panoramic view of the city and lake. Short but steep climb from the main street. If you like old buildings and stained glass, it's well worth the visit.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tecfield 7 months ago on Google • 98 reviews
    Very lovely place to visit. Great atmosphere with an over a millennium of history. It also has a fairly new organ designed by a famous Italian car designer. It's free but I think it's worth it to pay for the tour.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joy J. 10 months ago on Google • 79 reviews
    Beautiful piece of architecture with colored glass window panes. Breathtaking view of the city. There’s a steep walk to the entrance but the view along the way is interesting and worth it. Alight at Bessières station and it takes about 5 min walk.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 SHWA22 9 months ago on Google • 78 reviews
    Beautiful cathedral. Stain glass windows were nice and some fantastic statues. A lot of toumbs in the cathedral that were extremely ornate. Be aware that if you are walking from the train station that it is basically up hill the entire way.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Derya R. 5 months ago on Google • 167 reviews
    Arrive by M2 to Riponne station and take the historic wooden stairs (so lovely) to the cathedral 😉 it is an elegant monument and beautiful spot in Lausanne

  • 5/5 Vinitha 1 year ago on Google
    Gothic style cathedral with fascinating stained glasses and beautiful architecture. They also have a free guided tour of the cathedral at certain timings. We went on a weekday and we were the only ones yet the guide was sweet enough to take us around and explain everything in detail. You can literally see the various timings(centuries) the cathedral was remodelled. Before visiting, just check if there is any organ concert is scheduled on the day. If so, you're in for a treat.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ornwara T. 1 year ago on Google
    Definitely a must visit if you find yourself in Lausanne. The steep uphill walk is definitely not suitable to those with leg problems. But if you can afford to walk up there, visit this cathedral. The decoration style is simple yet so majestic with the stained glass being so deep in colours and so meaningful it its designs. On one side, you have stained glass telling the story of Switzerland. On the other side, the stained glass tells the story of Christianity. And when you walk toward the end of the cathedral, there is a big rose shaped stained glass which will bless you with its beauty and peacefulness. You don't have to be a Christian to appreciate this. Be sure to stop by and look at the scenery outside of the balcony by the cathedral too. The view from above will give you the refreshing feeling you need.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sanka I. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful historic cathedral located at the heart of the city accessible by very popular stairways. The viewpoint on the courtyard provides a full view of city and the mountains in the distance.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elora J. 2 years ago on Google
    A beautiful Cathedral with magnificent architecture. You can take photos. It's walking distance from the Lausanne station. The entry is free. The interior rooms are huge and brilliant to look at.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Arya V. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful view of the city as well as the mountains over the lake. Once you go inside the architecture is amazing, like the other Swiss cathedrals. The details here are amazing, in the stained glass and carvings
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Frantisek T. 11 months ago on Google
    Beatiful old Cathedral with mosaic windows and possibility to walk up to the tower for a small fee. We were pleased to see this interesting historical building. There are about 220 steps to go to its top and enjoy the "birds view" of Lausanne and the lake. Strongly recommended also for families
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 226Lab Marketing Agency C. 2 years ago on Google
    Fascinating church for sure, full of spirituality and interesting corners to explore. The mood of the church is certainly a bit dark, but its style and the abundance of intense decorative glasses and gravestones makes the effect. Definitely a place to visit, even just for the AMAZING view of the whole city from above!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 AussieIslander 2 years ago on Google
    Heated. Yes this cathedral is heated. I suppose only in Switzerland would you find a gothic cathedral with soaring ceilings, wonderful stained glass, sculptures and one of the best organs in Europe, heated. If you get lucky or time it right you will hear the organ being played. What an experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ritesh S. 2 years ago on Google
    The cathedral dominates the city centre and is at one of the highest points in Lausanne. It is a really beautiful church and I would encourage you to pay the 5 Francs to climb to the top. The views from there are just magnificent, looking across the lake. A must see Lausanne attraction.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 adolf mrisho s. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the oldest historical structure back from year 1170 in Laussane you dont have to miss when you visited laussane. Contain different Sculpture which is the best part of decorative of the place. You can take high ground from the tip of the cathedral for fantastic view of the Lausanne City and the Lake.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Michelle D. 3 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful cathedral on top of Lausanne. It has benches and squares to get some rest after walking all the way up to it. All visitors are going to appreciate it since they have to climb steep stairs to get there. However, it's totally worth it not just for the amazing cathedral but also for the gorgeous views from the many lookout places surrounding it. Visitors can enjoy the view of most of this beautiful city as well as lake Geneva and the Alps in the background. Definitely a good place to see and explore more than once.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Shristi S. 11 months ago on Google
    The Cathedral, constructed centuries ago, is magnificent and has awe-inspiring architecture. Every intricate detail in the gates and pillars leaves visitors mesmerized and provides an opportunity for capturing stunning Instagram-worthy photos. Inside the Cathedral, you will find rock-carved statues which seem to have life in them. Adjacent to the Cathedral, there's a designated area where you can relax and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the beautiful Lake. Accessing this spot requires climbimg the steep stairs, which is worth it. It's advisable to bring your own water as the fountain water in the vicinity is often contaminated due to the high volume of visitors.

  • 5/5 Sebastian R. 11 months ago on Google
    This impressive cathedral, built in the primitive Burgundy gothic style was completed in the early 12 hundreds. The materials used is molasse that is sensitive to adverse climate conditions and air pollution and therefore prone to deteriorate over time. Since the end of the 19th century it appears to be in a continuous state of renovation, still ongoing. I go there for two reasons; first to admire the beatifully painted windows and second, to climb the tower and take photographs of Lausanne from above, particularly interesting if you own a lens with tilt function.

  • 5/5 Christine 8 months ago on Google
    Exceptional stained glass windows with marvelous use of colour and breathtaking design. Very pleasing to the modern eye. 13th century! Must see for anyone who appreciates arts and artisanship. Thematically it’s an interesting mix: Starting with the politics of the time, it moves to more profoundly Christian / biblical themes as you move further into the church. Information/education could be better, very little available and only in French.

  • 5/5 Carol-Anne B. 8 months ago on Google
    Incredible architecture... beautiful structure in so many ways....Mind the 300+ steps to get there... Amazing experience!!

  • 5/5 Jiayi W. 8 months ago on Google
    Marvelous architecture. Huge space inside and the ceiling is high. Beautiful color windows and exhibitions of relevant knowledge.

  • 5/5 Varkey P. 3 months ago on Google • 19 reviews New
    Beautiful place to spend evenings. Cathedral closes around 7PM but surrounding space can be accessed. Perfect spot to view Lausanne in all its glory.

  • 5/5 Amanda G. 2 years ago on Google
    Recommend going up the steps as soon as it opens...so nice up at the top ..great views on a sunny day. Worth it! Sty near the bells when it's time for them to ring...good fun

  • 5/5 Rishikesh J. 1 year ago on Google
    We visited from India in April. The cathedral is beautiful and large. Visit inside is free and there was no rush in the afternoon. There is a bit of climbing involved. Can spend 1 hr easily.

  • 5/5 Benjamin K. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice old Cathedral. Worth visiting. From there you can also have a look over Lausanne. Currently there is construction outside.

  • 5/5 S. Ilona H. 2 years ago on Google
    Always worth a visit, preferably in nice weather so the stained glass windows come to life. Great place for concerts too. And the view, whether from the ground or up those stairs.

  • 5/5 NB 2 years ago on Google
    When the organ plays full blast, the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Worth a visit, no matter your religious background!

  • 5/5 Michael Wu P. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a landmark that you cannot miss right on top of the hills of Lausanne. This grand gothic cathedral has stain glasses that are quite unique because they depicts modern rendition biblical stories in a style that is like those of Picasso.

  • 5/5 Steve G. 2 years ago on Google
    It's a long way up that hill but so worth it. An absolute stunning building with lots of history. The views over the city and lake are just breath taking.

  • 5/5 Holger W. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice view to downtown and the lake. Quiet inside.

  • 5/5 jigmet y. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome experience specially coz I had heard a duo lingo podcast about the guet and found it very interesting. So being able to see the place was superb. The view I stunning if you go to the top, you need to pay for it.

  • 5/5 Andrew A. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing structure with a nice view over the city center.

  • 4/5 Bethany L. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful cathedral but lots and lots of kids running around with a summer camp inside the cathedral. Kids were playing with the alter and I was just really surprised. The architecture is beautiful and well preserved. I would definitely return again but hopefully in a more quiet afternoon.


Call +41 21 316 71 61 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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