Lausanne Cathedral — Attraction in Lausanne

Construction of the Cathedral began as early as 1170 by an original unknown master mason. Twenty years later another master mason restarted construction until 1215. Finally a third engineer, Jean Cotereel, completed the majority of the existing cathedral including a porch, and two towers, one of which is the current day belfry. The other tower was never completed. The cathedral was consecrated and dedicated to Our Lady in 1275 by Pope Gregory X, Rudolph of Habsburg, and the bishop of Lausanne at the time, Guillaume of Champvent. The medieval architect Villard de Honnecourt drew the rose window of the south transept in his sketchbook in 1270. The Protestant Reformation, in particular the variant which came from nearby Geneva, significantly affected the Cathedral. In 1536 a new liturgical area was added to the nave and the colourful decorations inside the Cathedral were covered over. Other major restorations occurred later in the 18th and 19th century which were directed by the great French architect, Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc.During the 20th century major restorations occurred to restore the painted interior decorations as well as to restore a painted portal on the South side of the Cathedral. New organs were installed in 2003. The great pipe organ of the Cathedral of Notre Dame of Lausanne was inaugurated in December 2003. It is a unique instrument in the world. It took ten years to design it and it is composed of 7000 pipes, two consoles, five manuals, and one pedalboard. It is the first organ in the world to be designed by a designer. It is the first organ to contain all four of the principal organ styles (classical, French symphony, baroque, German romantique). It is also the first organ manufactured by an American company (Fisk) for a European Cathedral. It cost a total of 6 million Swiss francs, took 150,000 man-hours to build and weighs 40 tons. It was preceded by a Kuhn Organ from 1955 which has since been relocated to the Polish Baltic Philharmonic in Gdańsk, Poland. The organist is Jean-Christophe Geiser. The Cathedral has a total of seven bells that are suspended on two floors of the belfry.[7] The two biggest bells are located on the lower level while all the other bells are on the top level. The oldest bell dates back to 1493 while the most recent bells...

The Lausanne Cathedral stands at the highest point of Lausanne’s Old Town. Overlooking the City of Lausanne, the Cathedral enables a view of the Lake and the Alps afar as well. Its long history furthermore provides a vantage point of spiritual and cultural significance.

The Cathedral was constructed during the 12th and 13th centuries. In 1275, Pope Gregory X and Rudolf of Habsburg consecrated the cathedral. In 1536, it became a Protestant cathedral during the Reformation era. Pierre Viret, the first Reformer of Lausanne, has studied alongside John Calvin. Following the adoption of Protestantism, the formerly very ornate Cathedral suffered from Reformist iconoclasm.

I have little understanding of the architectural and interior features of the Cathedral, but I did notice the beautiful windows with colorful panes. The decorated windows depict the “medieval view of the world arranged around the figure of God the creator.”

The organ of the Lausanne Cathedral is itself worthy of a visit. A product of organ builder Fisk, an American company, the organ prides itself in 7,396 pipes, 5 keyboards and pedalboards, and 2 consoles. Four styles of organ building are present: French classical and symphonic, and German baroque and romantic. Giugiaro, the Italian designer known for Ferrari and Maserati cars, designed the case of this organ. The design symbolizes an angel with spread wings. As such, this organ is the first organ in the world that was designed. Last, but not least, the organ inaugurated in 2003, and the Cathedral holds concerts periodically. Twenty-five recitals coincide with the...

If you're visiting Lausanne, Switzerland, make sure to stop by the Cathedrale de Lausanne. This stunning cathedral is an architectural masterpiece and a must-visit for anyone interested in history, art, and culture.

First of all, the exterior of the cathedral is truly awe-inspiring. The intricate details and Gothic architecture are sure to take your breath away. The cathedral is also situated on a hill, which provides a beautiful view of the city and the surrounding mountains.

Once inside, you'll be amazed by the stunning stained-glass windows that fill the space with a beautiful, colorful light. The cathedral is also home to some remarkable artwork, including a beautiful 13th-century rose window and a 16th-century carved wooden pulpit.

One of the most interesting things about the cathedral is its history. It was originally built in the 12th century and has since undergone several renovations and additions. Over the centuries, it has served as a place of worship, a prison, and even a military barracks during the Napoleonic era. Today, it remains an important cultural and religious site in Lausanne.

Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a beautiful place to visit, the Cathedrale de Lausanne is a must-see. Its stunning architecture, beautiful artwork, and rich history make it one of the most impressive cathedrals in Europe. So, don't miss out on the chance to visit this incredible landmark when you're...