Lausanne Landmarks and Monuments

(Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland)



Picture of the cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame)Many of the oldest and most impressive of the landmarks in Lausanne are to be found within its famous Vieille Ville (Old Town), where many medieval buildings and monuments remain in exceptional condition. Lausanne's beautiful Gothic-style cathedral is arguable Switzerland's most impressive landmark and was completed during the 12th and 13th centuries, being consecrated in 1275.

The spacious Place de la Palud is home to the 17th-century Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville), where the local government in Lausanne is officially based.

This famous landmark is close to the Fountain of Justice, where a much-loved figure of justice has stood for more than 400 years, overlooking the basin, which was created as far back as 1557 and has long been an important centrepiece to the Place de la Palud.


Close-up view of the city's cathedral

Cathédrale de Lausanne (Cathedral / Cathédrale de Notre Dame)

Address: 1 Place de la Cathédrale, Lausanne, CH-1005, Switzerland, CH
Tel: +41 021 316 7161
The city's hard-to-miss cathedral stands in the very heart of the historic Vieille Ville district, where it presides over the Place de la Cathédrale and overlooks much the region. Although areas of the facade have been touched up over the years, the building remains largely in its original form.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 07:00 to 19:00, Saturday and Sunday - 08:00 to 19:00
Admission: free, donations suggested

Photo of the Chateau St. Marie (St. Marie Castle)

Château St. Marie (St. Marie Castle)

Address: 4 Place du Chateau, Lausanne, CH-1000, Switzerland, CH
Just 200 metres / 655 feet from the Cathédrale de Lausanne and linked by a covered passageway, the St. Marie Castle can be found on the Place de Chateau. This beautifully turreted 15th-century castle was originally the actual residence of Lausanne's bishops and is today where the Canton of Vaud's government are based. The surrounding medieval streets are packed with many extremely tempting cafes and eateries, should you require a quick bite to eat.
Open hours: daily, exterior only
Admission: free

Image of the Hotel de Ville (Town Hall)

Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall)

Address: 2 Place de la Palud, Lausanne, CH-1003, Switzerland, CH
Lausanne Town Hall is a deceptively huge building and inside there is a wealth of exhibitions and art works. Head to the upper floor, where the large windows offer excellent vantage points across the square itself. The ground floor features a forum area with many interesting displays and has over the years served as an indoor marketplace.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:30, Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free