750 years of Lausanne Cathedral
An emblematic monument of the city, a jewel of Gothic architecture, a place of worship and a witness to religious upheavals, Notre-Dame Cathedral has dominated the city of Lausanne for over seven centuries. To mark its 750th anniversary, the Bibliothèque cantonale et universitaire de Lausanne is offering a selection of documents to help you (re)discover this magnificent edifice that watches over the city.
Built on the city’s heights from 1170, under the impetus of Bishop Landry de Durnes, it was consecrated on October 20, 1275 by Pope Gregory X, in the presence of Emperor Rudolf of Habsburg.
In 1536, the Bernese seized Lausanne and imposed Protestantism. The cathedral was stripped of its altars, statues and relics. It became a Protestant place of worship, a function it retains to this day. It was also here that the famous Lausanne Dispute took place, a theological debate between Catholic and Reformed partisans.
In the 19th century, French architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, famous for his restorations of Notre-Dame de Paris and Carcassonne, undertook a major restoration of the building. Today, the cathedral continues to evolve. In 2003, it was equipped witha large organ, the only one of its kind in Europe, built by the American firm Fisk.
Among the many symbols and traditions that animate the cathedral – such as its New Year’s Eve illumination or its magnificent rose window – the tradition of the watch is undoubtedly the most singular. Attested as far back as 1405, this function was originally used to watch out for fires. Even today, the watchman shouts out the hours every night, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., without exception. Since August 2021, a woman has joined the team of replacements for the titular lookout. A powerful symbol of how tradition can adapt without denying itself. In 2023, a new titular lookout is appointed. The succession is assured and the tradition maintained!
In addition to its religious function, it is also a cultural center. Throughout the year, it hosts a varied program of concerts, guided tours and evening strolls. The BCUL invites you to join in the celebrations by immersing yourself in the history of this unique building!
Lea Pache and Myriam Jouhar
