Place de la Palud, Pedestrian square in Old Town Lausanne, Switzerland
Place de la Palud is the central gathering point in Lausanne's Old Town, dominated by the 17th-century Town Hall as its architectural focal point. A stone fountain featuring the figure of Lady Justice from 1585 sits prominently in the square, and the Town Hall's copper dragon gargoyles add distinctive character to the buildings.
The square originated in the 13th century as a marketplace and crossroads connecting western and southern routes through medieval Lausanne. The Town Hall was built later and became the dominant structure, while fountains and public monuments reinforced the site's importance over time.
The square serves as a social hub where locals and visitors gather at the cafés and restaurants surrounding the historic buildings. The regular market activities and public events here reflect how Lausanne residents use this space as part of their daily routine.
The square is easily walkable and connects multiple pedestrian streets through the Old Town. The nearby Riponne-Maurice Béjart metro station on line M2 provides convenient access for visitors arriving by public transport.
An animated clock from 1964 displays mechanical figures that tell the story of Vaud canton every hour between 9 AM and 7 PM. This moving display draws regular attention from visitors who stop to watch the hourly performances throughout the day.
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