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Lausanne Cathedral

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description Lausanne Cathedral Overview

Lausanne Cathedral stands as a significant example of late Medieval Gothic architecture within Switzerland. Constructed primarily between 1163 and 1294, it transitioned from a Catholic to a Protestant church during the Reformation. The cathedral’s notable features include its elaborate painted portal dating back to the 15th century. It remains an important historical landmark accessible to visitors interested in religious architecture and Swiss history.

help Lausanne Cathedral FAQ

When was Lausanne Cathedral consecrated?

Lausanne Cathedral was formally consecrated in 1275 in the presence of Pope Gregory X and Rudolph I of Habsburg. The Gothic structure had been under construction for decades prior to this dedication.

Is Lausanne Cathedral Catholic or Protestant?

Lausanne Cathedral was originally built as a Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary, but it became a Protestant church after the Reformation reached the canton of Vaud in 1536. It has served as a Reformed place of worship ever since.

What is notable about the painted portal at Lausanne Cathedral?

The cathedral features a sculpted and polychrome medieval portal whose figures were originally painted in vivid colors, traces of which have been studied and partially restored over the years. It is considered one of the richest sculptural ensembles on any Gothic church in Switzerland.

Does Lausanne Cathedral still have a night watchman?

Yes, Lausanne Cathedral maintains a night watchman tradition that has continued uninterrupted since the Middle Ages. The watchman calls out the hours from the bell tower every night between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., making it one of the last functioning cathedral night watch positions in Europe.

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