As an attractive city with plenty of history and old buildings, there is much to see in Lausanne, but nothing should take priority over visiting the cathedral. Few things encapsulate the nature of any city more than their most iconic buildings and this is certainly true of this lovely small city on the banks of Lake Geneva. It has many medieval structures, but one stands out. The Cathedrale de Lausanne is a stunning Gothic building, the finest of its kind in Switzerland, and was started in 1175.
Pope Gregory X consecrated it a century later, but, like Barcelona’s Familia Sagrada, it has never actually been finished. However, whatever it is lacking, the cathedral has some wonderful aspects. Indeed, its location is a key attraction in itself. The original Roman city was focused on the lake shore, but after the empire fell future building was concentrated on the steep hillsides to make it easier to defend, the result of which is that the cathedral is high on a hill, with a lofty vantage point over the city below and the lake beyond. With the medieval city growing up around it, the cathedral is surrounded by fine old medieval buildings and not too much in the way of modern office blocks.
The cathedral’s Roman Catholic origins were in evidence in medieval times as it acted a shrine, with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary being a key feature. However, this was melted down and a range of ornaments removed after the Reformation came to the city in 1536. However, many examples of medieval art survive, with a particular highlight being the 13th century South Rose Window. Since the 19th century, work has been taking place to restore the cathedral to its former glory – and this is still ongoing. Like many great church buildings, the tower is a prime attraction, with 225 steps up to the top. The effort is worth it for the stunning views. So while the cathedral may not be quite complete, it is more than enough to provide fascination and deep historical insights for everyone who visits the city.
